The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has given its full support to the proposal to reinforce the national team with a tall foreign player, preferably standing around 7 feet.
PBA chairman Joaqui Trillo and PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios both said yesterday that this step is to support the proposal of national basketball coach Yeng Guiao who said that a tall player is needed so the RP team can be competitive.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has given its full support to the proposal to reinforce the national team with a tall foreign player, preferably standing around 7 feet.
PBA chairman Joaqui Trillo and PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios both said yesterday that this step is to support the proposal of national basketball coach Yeng Guiao who said that a tall player is needed so the RP team can be competitive.
The foreign player will then be asked to undergo naturalization, a process which had been used with varying degrees of success by other nations.
'He (Guiao) has our (PBA board) full support. If he wants a 7-footer, well give that to him,' Trillo said during a press conference at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
Guiao had earlier reiterated his desire to naturalize a foreign player for his team to have a fighting chance to compete against the tall players of other countries.
'We dont know yet the process for naturalization, but all I know is that we must get a big man,' Guiao said.
Using naturalized players is not new, as far as the Philippines is concerned.
In the 80s, when the Philippines campaigned in the Asian circuit, the basketball association not only hired an American coach in the person of Ron Jacobs, but also three Americans who helped the country win the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC).
The Americans did not lose their citizenship and had since returned to their homeland.
In another departure from previous practice, Guiao said he would no longer call for a tryout to select the members of the team, instead he would simply name the members of the pool that will train for next years FIBA-Asia Championship.
'The only thing that would stop me from choosing the players is that if they do not want to adapt to the system,' said the 46-year-old coach of Red Bull, who did not specify the system he planned to use.
'Im very excited to do that (coaching superstar players). We have the best talent in the PBA, theres no question with that. As what the commissioner (Sonny Barrios) said, the sooner, the better (to form the team),' he added.
Guiao said he hopes to have a dialogue first with his prospects before making any decision.
The Red Bull coach has earned a reputation as a miracle worker for transforming the Bulls into a contender despite having no established stars in the lineup.
He has led the Bulls to the semifinal round in the past three seasons using underrated materials. His best player is high-flying guard Cyrus Baguio, one of the young rising stars of the pro league.
But while Guiao can already name the members of the pool, he can only go full swing as far as preparation is concerned only at the end of the season.
The PBA begins with the all-Filipino Philippine Cup on Saturday, while the import-flavored Fiesta Cup is set in March until first week of July. The FIBA-Asia is scheduled in September.
This gives Guiao and his soon-to-be-formed national team three months to prepare and train for the said event, the qualifying meet for the World Championships in 2010 in Turkey.
Three slots would be allotted to the top three finishers in the Asian region for the World Championships.(MB)
Red Lions bag NCAA crown for third time
by Eurobasket News - Oct 1, 2008
The San Beda Red Lions secured an historic 'three-peat' in the men's basketball tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) of the Philippines, following an 85-69 victory over the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers in the third and final game of the finals series.
Nigerian Sam Ekwe spearheaded his side to the win, controlling the interior with his dominant power play en route to finishing with a monster stat-line of 20 points and 19 rebounds.
The San Beda Red Lions secured an historic 'three-peat' in the men's basketball tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) of the Philippines, following an 85-69 victory over the Jose Rizal Heavy Bombers in the third and final game of the finals series.
Nigerian Sam Ekwe spearheaded his side to the win, controlling the interior with his dominant power play en route to finishing with a monster stat-line of 20 points and 19 rebounds. The regular season Most Valuable Player also swatted away three shots in the game, while playing 36 minutes in the decisive championship contest.
The Lions raced out to a 24-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, and maintained a 38-29 advantage heading into the break. They then extended the cushion once more to 64-48 at the end of three periods, and virtually closed out the win matching the Bombers point for point in the last canto to seal their third straight title.
Ekwe wasn't the only Lion to come out with strong performances. Another four players scored in double figures. Ogie Menor finished with 18 points and eight rebounds in the contest despite committing six turnovers, while Jake Pascual added 13, and John Paul Escobal and John Carlos Hermida each contributed 11.
For the second time in the row Purefoods succeeded to win PBA Pre-season tournament. This time its rival was San Miguel Beermen and the game was played on Sunday in newly built Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. It was very exciting match, which Purefoods at the end won 85-82.
Everything started good for SMB as it created 14-22 after opening ten minutes. Seigle was in a game mood and together with Pena took care for the baskets in SMB. Purefoods players were kind of sleepy.
For the second time in the row Purefoods succeeded to win PBA Pre-season tournament.This time its rival was San Miguel Beermen and the game was played on Sunday in newly built Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. It was very exciting match, which Purefoods at the end won 85-82.
Everything started good for SMB as it created 14-22 after opening ten minutes. Seigle was in a game mood and together with Pena took care for the baskets in SMB. Purefoods players were kind of sleepy. They struggled with organizing the plays as well as with shot percentage. However, the biggest problem for Purefoods was defense as SMB drained 45 poinst in the first half time, 37-45. Nothing has changed after the breather. SMB continued in the same rhythm extending lead to 10 points, 61-71. When it seemed that this game is already over, Purefoods finally woke up. Enrico Villanueva (197-C-80), Kerby Raymundo (199-C-81) and James Yap (190-F/G-82) shined at the offensive end helping his team to net 24 points in the last 10 minutes. On the other side Purefoods defense became more aggressive which resulted with only 11 points for SMB meaning that the title once again goes to Purefoods.
Enrico Villanueva paced Purefoods to victory draining 22 points. Kerby Raymundo was behind him with 19 points while James Yap also shined collecting 16 points. Seigle netted 14 points for the loosing side while Pena had one point less.
Purefoods:Enrico Villanueva 22, Kerby Raymundo 19, J. James Yap 16, Lanete 7, Simon 6, R. James Yap 5, Alonzo 4, Belga 4, Aban 2, Robinson, Salvador, Bugia. SMB: Seigle 14, Pena 13, Custodio 9, Pingris 8, Washington 6, Pennisi 6, Bono 6, Hontiveros 5, Racela 4, Cortez 4, Gonzales 4, Calaguio 3, Tugade.
Red Lions, Heavy Bombers in do-or-die encounter
by Eurobasket News - Sep 28, 2008
Never mind dynasty, never mind destiny. For coaches Frankie Lim of San Beda College and Ariel Vanguardia of Jose Rizal University, the odds are about even when they meet Monday in a do-or-die match for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mens basketball title at the Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is 3 p.m. with the Heavy Bombers enjoying the momentum after escaping with a 62-60 win over the defending champion Red Lions on September 26.
Never mind dynasty, never mind destiny. For coaches Frankie Lim of San Beda College and Ariel Vanguardia of Jose Rizal University, the odds are about even when they meet Monday in a do-or-die match for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mens basketball title at the Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is 3 p.m. with the Heavy Bombers enjoying the momentum after escaping with a 62-60 win over the defending champion Red Lions on September 26.
San Beda, hoping to win three straight titles for the second time, took Game 1 (72-68).
At least, we have beaten San Beda and we have proven we can beat them in a very big and important game. My boys have learned and matured so fast. Even as this is our first taste of the championship after a long while, but who can tell now we dont have championship experience, said Vanguardia, who is turning 36.
The championship trophy is my only birthday wish, added Van-guardia, seeking to end Jose Rizals 36-year title drought.
The Red Lions, winners of 13 titles, won three consecutive titles from 1934 to 1937.
Its about time to go back to the drawing board and review our game plan, said Lim. We need to make several adjustments especially in our defense.
In Game 2, the Red Lions managed only five pointsall from the free throw linein the final 2:55 following the early exit of big men Sam Ekwe and Jay-Arr Taganas.
The 68 Ekwe, a two-time most valuable player awardee, fouled out with still 3:37 remaining, while the 65 Taganas followed suit with 2:41 left in the game.
Meanwhile, NCAA Management Committee Chairman Ding Lozano of host Mapua Institute expressed confidence that the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) will allow its referees to officiate the game. (See related story below)
Talks are still ongoing between the NCAA and the PBL to resolve the problem, said Lozano at press time.
It took 17 long years before Yeng Guiao was finally honored with the head coaching job of the national basketball team.
On Thursday the fiery Red Bull mentor was given the prestigious task, which he said has been a lifelong dream and one he almost gave up on after a controversial non-selection in 1991.
It took 17 long years before Yeng Guiao was finally honored with the head coaching job of the national basketball team.
On Thursday the fiery Red Bull mentor was given the prestigious task, which he said has been a lifelong dream and one he almost gave up on after a controversial non-selection in 1991.
Its quite a long wait, Guiao told the Philippine Daily Inquirer after Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Renauld Barrios finally announced his choice at the leagues offices in Libis, Quezon City.
Guiao won out over former national coaches Chot Reyes of Talk N Text, Tim Cone of Alaska, and Jong Uchico of Barangay Ginebra, becoming the sixth PBA coach to handle the national five.
This is a great honor and privilege, Guiao said.
It was also sweet for the 46-year-old vice governor of Pampanga, who was snubbed as coach of the 1991 Southeast Asian Games team by the Basketball Association of the Philippines.
Barrios said he made the choice after validating things for himself in his first full year as top honcho of the PBA. It also helped that Guiao was endorsed by many league officials.
Guiao took two championships with the defunct Swift Mighty Meaties before winning another three import-spiced tournaments with Red Bull.
One of the early ideas that Guiao is entertaining for the national team is the recruitment of naturalized players in the lineup, something like the program in the past employed under former RP coach Ron Jacobs.
We have to bite the bullet, Guiao said. If we want to be included at least in the top three in Asia, we have to employ what the other countries are doing, and that is to tap naturalized players.
Courtesy of http://sports.inquirer.net
Norman Black gets job done
by Eurobasket News - Sep 27, 2008
It took him four years, but Norman Black got the job done.
In 2004, Black, a multi-titled coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), accepted an offer to handle Ateneo de Manila a challenge he accepted despite the fact that he has not coached a collegiate team before.
'This has been probably a tougher, longer struggle,' said Black after steering the Eagles to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) last Thursday.
It took him four years, but Norman Black got the job done.
In 2004, Black, a multi-titled coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), accepted an offer to handle Ateneo de Manila a challenge he accepted despite the fact that he has not coached a collegiate team before.
'This has been probably a tougher, longer struggle,' said Black after steering the Eagles to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) last Thursday.
Owner of 10 PBA titles, including nine with San Miguel Beer, Black was given high expectations by the Ateneo community to deliver a championship.
But as disappointments began to pile up, Blacks future with Ateneo became untenable.
The pressure increased ten-fold when the Eagles lost to La Salle in the playoffs last year despite sweeping their elimination matches.
Ateneo edged La Salle, 3-2, last season, but the Archers won when it mattered most and eventually crowned themselves champions.
Black said his four years with Ateneo was a learning experience, but gave him a lot of satisfaction.
'Its a different brand of basketball in college but I think more importantly, the most satisfying thing is just watching the players grow, watching them improve and as they improve, the team improves and the team gets better,' he said.
It helps that Black has probably one of the best and heftiest UAAP teams since the University of Santo Tomas frontline of Dennis Espino, Chris Cantonjos and Estong Ballesteros won a four-peat during the mid-1990s.
Ateneo ended the season with a combined 16-1 record, including a four-game sweep of La Salle.
Led by Most Valuable Player Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the Blue Eagles also had the likes of 6-4 Nonoy Baclao, the eventual Finals MVP, and other decent big men in rookie Nico Salva and veterans Mike Baldos and Jobe Nkemakolam.
Ateneo led the league with 4.6 blocks a game, thanks to Baclaos 2.6 swats a game in the elimination and 5.5 rejections during the finals series against the Green Archers.
The Blue Eagles also allowed the fewest points in the league at 62.3 points a game.
Height was not the only factor as guards Chris Tiu, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes and Rookie of the Year small forward Ryan Buenafe provided help on both ends.
'We were pretty intelligent this year,' Black said. 'We could actually execute defensive strategies that Ive never been able to execute from my other teams in Ateneo because the guys were very good at taking in whatever we wanted to do as far as strategy is concern.'
He added: 'We had games were we had four different pick and roll defenses for four different people and they were still able to execute it so a lot of credit goes to the players being dedicated to defense being able to understand what exactly the coaching staff wanted them to do.'
Only two players from Ateneo Chris Tiu and Yuri Escueta -- will be gone for next season.
Black said he was glad that Tiu opted to play his fifth season.
'You know college basketball, particularly in Ateneo, when you win a championship youll be remembered forever they still remember the championship teams and the guys who won those championships are still looked upon being somewhat like idols so Im happy for Chris that he came back and win the championship,' he said.
Black, whose contract is expected to be extended, is losing no time to prepare his team for next season.
Several players are being eyed by the Loyola-based campus with San Sebastian juniors standout Arvie Bringas and former RP Youth member Jeric Teng among the top prospects.
Ateneo will also make a quick return to the court as well.
The Eagles are contemplating on joining the UNIGAMES in Dumaguete next month before defending their Philippine Collegiate Championship.
Courtesy of http://www.mb.com.ph/
Dragons dump Generals, rule UCAA basketball
by Eurobasket News - Sep 25, 2008
The Universal College of Nursing Dragons banked on their superb outside shooting to beat Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 85-76, and claim the title in the seventh University and Colleges Athletic Association basketball tournament Wednesday at the TIP-Manila gym.
The Dragons pulled away late in the game behind the forays of Cedric Matugas and Mike Montilla. The duos back-to-back treys gave the Dragons a 77-67 lead, 4:11 left in the game.
The Generals refused to roll over and die.
The Universal College of Nursing Dragons banked on their superb outside shooting to beat Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 85-76, and claim the title in the seventh University and Colleges Athletic Association basketball tournament Wednesday at the TIP-Manila gym.
The Dragons pulled away late in the game behind the forays of Cedric Matugas and Mike Montilla. The duos back-to-back treys gave the Dragons a 77-67 lead, 4:11 left in the game.
The Generals refused to roll over and die. John Santos sparked a 6-2 run to pull the Generals to within 73-79, 2:26 to go.
But the Dragons wouldnt be denied, scoring eight straight points to post the games biggest lead at 85-73.They were never seriously threatened the rest of the way.
UCN was only the third team to win the title. St. Francis of Assisi College and EAC split the first six titles in the league.
Montilla and Matugas, who was named Finals MVP, led UCN with 18 points apiece.
Credit goes to the players. Grabe ang dinepensa nila. Kahit pagod na pagod na sila, dumepensa pa rin sila. Usapan namin kanina, there will be no easy baskets for EAC. Hindi kasi namin in-expect na makarating kami dito, said coach Yong Garcia.
Garcia was referring to their vaunted zone defense, which held prolific guard Argel Mendoza scoreless in the fourth period.
Mendoza still led the Generals with 18 points despite his struggles late in the game. Fotue added 14 points.
The Singapore Slingers looked confident at the start of the Singapore Challenge Series. They hosted Philippine champions Air 21 and completed the sweep of two-game series. The teams met in Singapore and the visitors looked good early in the first game. They jumped to a 32:28 lead after the starting stanza. But gradually the Slingers took over and enjoyed a 12-point advantage at halftime. Air 21 failed to recover in the second half and posted a confident win.
The Singapore Slingers looked confident at the start of the Singapore Challenge Series. They hosted Philippine champions Air 21 and completed the sweep of two-game series. The teams met in Singapore and the visitors looked good early in the first game. They jumped to a 32:28 lead after the starting stanza. But gradually the Slingers took over and enjoyed a 12-point advantage at halftime. Air 21 failed to recover in the second half and posted a confident win. Darren Ng (189-G-83) led the Slingers with 28 points. Eric Sandrin (206-F/C-78, agency: Tank Sports, college: Seattle Pacific) tallied 24 points and 11 boards, while Christopher Daniel (197-G/F-85) added 23 points for the winners. Arwind Santos (193-F-81) answered with 24 points for the Slingers. Homer Se (196-C-77) came up with 12 points in defeat. The Slingers extended their winning streak against Air 21 when they held off Philippine powerhouse 98:85 in the second encounter. Eric Sandrin was once again impressive with 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Slingers. Armein Kirkland (203-F/G-84) notched 22 points for the winners. Homer Se replied with 25 points for Air 21. Raidel de Ocampo knocked down 14 points and collected 10 caroms for the visitors. Air 21 once again looked better at the start as they secured a 26:16 lead after the first quarter. But the Slingers cut the deficit in the next two quarters and surged ahead for good in the fourth. The Singapore Slingers will next take on Purefoods from Philippines.
Blue eagles go for glory
by Eurobasket News - Sep 24, 2008
Ateneo guns for the title when it takes on bitter rival De La Salle in Game 2 of their title series in the 71st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball tournament Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The fourth Ateneo-La Salle encounter this season is set at 4 p.m. right after the presentation of individual awards scheduled at 2:30.
Ateneo guns for the title when it takes on bitter rival De La Salle in Game 2 of their title series in the 71st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball tournament Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The fourth Ateneo-La Salle encounter this season is set at 4 p.m. right after the presentation of individual awards scheduled at 2:30. The Blue Eagles are holding an impressive 3-0 advantage against the Green Archers, highlighted by their 69-61 series opener victory on Sunday.
We are one win away. La Salle is capable of coming out strong but were ready. We want to win this championship, said Ateneo coach Norman Black, seeking his first collegiate title.
Actually, celebrations began on Tuesday when Ateneo dominated the individual awards including the coveted Most Valuable Player in Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rookie of the Year in Ryan Buenafe.
The 6-foot-7 center was also named the Most Improved Player and a member of the Mythical Selection while Nonoy Baclao took the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Skipper Chris Tiu, playing on his final year with Ateneo, was a member of the Mythical Selection for the second-straight time together with last years MVP Jervy Cruz of University of Santo Tomas, and Jayvee Casio and Rico Maierhofer of La Salle.
Definitely, theyll be even more inspired. But our focus right now is to win the championship. We need to keep our composure to finish our business, stressed Black.
Tiu is expected to bounce back after a poor showing in Game 1 while Al-Hussaini, Buenafe and Baclao are expected to put up another sterling performances to end their six-year title drought.
La Salle, on the other hand, is raring to even the series and keep its title retention bid alive.
Well be different this time. Im confident that we can still bounce back, said La Salle coach Franz Pumaren.
Purefoods' 2008-09 season appeared in serious jeopardy when the Giants' superstar James Yap (190-F/G-82) limped out with the help of two teammates early in the third quarter of their 2008 Pre-Season game against the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Saturday.
Coach Ryan Gregorio looked terribly stunned as James reached out for his ankle following a bad landing but managed to heave a sigh of relief afterwards when informed that his star player sustained just a minor sprain.
Purefoods' 2008-09 season appeared in serious jeopardy when the Giants' superstar James Yap (190-F/G-82) limped out with the help of two teammates early in the third quarter of their 2008 Pre-Season game against the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Saturday.
Coach Ryan Gregorio looked terribly stunned as James reached out for his ankle following a bad landing but managed to heave a sigh of relief afterwards when informed that his star player sustained just a minor sprain.
'It's certainly music to my ear that James wasn't badly hurt,' said Gregorio, confident his troops will again contend for the championship of the Philippine Cup.
With James out of the rotation, Kerby Raymundo took charge and led Purefoods' comeback from 18 points down and the Giants defeated the undermanned Kings, 83-82, in an exciting finish before a huge crowd at the San Beda gym.
Raymundo scored all but two of his 24 points in the second half, including two free throws with 1.8 seconds remaining that sealed the game for Purefoods which tied Alaska for the lead in Group A.
June Simon scored all his 14 points in the second half and Roger Yap had six assists as he revved up the Giants' fastbreak game.
'We're ready to rumble. Modesty aside, I think we have the tools that will get us to the title playoffs,' Gregorio said. The Giants made the Finals of last season's Philippine Cup but lost to eventual champion Sta. Lucia in the deciding Game 7.
James accounted for 13 points but limped out with still 7:28 left in the third quarter after a bad landing off a tough shot and twisted his right ankle.
Purefoods' new recruits Topex Robinson, Aaron Aban, rookie Beau Belga and Paolo Bugia also made a good account of themselves in a game that featured five deadlocks and 10 lead changes.
The Kings battled the Giants without guards Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela and centers Rafi Reavis and Eric Menk.
But their absence didn't seem to matter as Alex Crisano played his best game since rejoining the team last season, and so did tryouts Jun-jun Cabatu, Bern Franco and Michael Gavino.
Crisano and Cabatu came away with 13 points apiece to show the way for the Kings, who dominated the first half with excellent perimeter shooting. Ginebra led 45-29 at halftime.
The Kings held a 55-43 lead with 4:05 left in the third but the Giants, starring Raymundo, Simon and Roger Yap sparked a 25-14 run that shoved Purefoods ahead four minutes into the fourth quarter.
The Giants appeared to have the game under control but a couple of turnovers in the closing minutes enabled the Kings to make the game exciting.
A huge 3-pointer by Sunday Salvacion gave the Kings an 82-81 lead with 16.8 seconds left but the Giants narrowly escaped with the win after Raymundo trapped by a double-team at the baseline squeezed himself for a layup a
