Evolution

The team is already back from their training stint in California and as of today are in the midst of the festivities for this year's PBA All Star Game. Somehow got across a footage of the team while playing in California. It ends with each player introducing themselves and greeting families. I don't know but it felt weird having hearing these guys speak mostly about their home (and it sure isn't my native Philippines). Anyway, hats off to Coach Reyes for his message in Tagalog. Good to be reminded they are doing this for flag and country.

Just want to show you the roster of the last Philippine team to qualify for the Olympics. Notice the difference compared with the present one. 100% homegrown. I can identify with the true locals but I guess its evolution.

Before I forget, thanks to youtube user 'manoyl' for the video.

More on Gabe Norwood

He was a vital cog in Geoge Mason's 2006 Final Four team and has his sights on making it to the NBA but just in case, Mr Eala would be more than pleased to have him playing here. I can see him dominating the locals with his athleticism the first time he visits the court and will surely raise the level of play in the PBA. More from Mr Henson.

RP books trip to Tehran this May

Finally got our first international trophy after the FIBA sanction which is quite sweet especially for the PBL troops. It is time we send in the big boys now to Tehran for the Asia Champions Cup.

RP Team US stint just got big bonus

Our team added another pair of wins the past week. One against a decent team and finally over a US Div 1 team. More than that, though, is the discovery of Gabe Norwood, who may actually play for the team should the basketball gods continue to bless us. Who's he? Ok, past news on the team he recently played for.

Another Kevin in NBA, another unusual story from Oden

Okay, Kevin Durant has declared he is moving to the NBA. He has been sensational in his first and only college stint at Texas and we just hope we'd have enough NBA games televised for whichever team gets to draft him. But why do I feel I like Greg Oden more. Maybe it's because of stories such as this one.

Well worth the expense

Just read that our P Team is scheduled to be back from their US stint. It wasn't that bad really and they had respectable showings against some teams they played with. But never thought they had that much dough to spend. It better bring us something or else... Thanks to Mr. Q Henson for the update.

SEA ball

I don't really know what to think of this but overkill might be close. To think we have imports playing with the team, in case we're overmatched?!

Easter treat

Our team is now 2-1, the latest coming from a commanding victory over a Division II, Cal State-Dominguez team. Maybe the rest and some adjustments from the lessons learned following their rematch with the Fame team, got the boys pumped up.

Looks like Mark Caguioa and Danny Seigle are shaping up to be the primary offensive options. It'll be nice to receive info about the over-all team play, though. Does anybody have any idea if Coach Chot keeps watch over certain stats to help the team gain perspective on their performances? Apparently, Pat Riley believes he's got statsheet that has a high percentage indicator whether the Heat will win or will lose.

A win for RP Five in US stint

Whoa, this is something, well, at least for the Philippine Hoop-lala! I hope to get more details, or footage, perhaps, to better gauge the team play. Better tune in to see how Bryon Russell plans to exact revenge in the rematch set for next week (not sure?). I'm not sure he knows but we have somebody who may be secretly working for our team, and he is not just a towel boy! Oh, wait, there could be another one - she who is reported to be the current flame of one of the team owners. Oh, gossip. Can't help it.

Florida Gatorz make rare double-double

Not that I never wanted a shoe in my mouth, but Florida really has the firepower to annex a second title in NCAA hoops this year with a returning starting five (add that to a football title they currently own). My take:

1. Threes. OSU wasn't able to connect nor defend as much as they would have wanted and the result was devastating.

2. Team play. Is it Billy Donovan or the boys simply sticking around with each other and motivating themselves that manifested itself on court? I guess, it is both, plus a deeper bench and a whole lot of sacrifice. Brewer was the x-factor - shades of Pippen?!

OSU wasn't that bad either and you'd have to give it to fab frosh duo who showed they do have what it takes to play in a bigger stage. Big Oden calmly showed true form (and really showed up Florida's Big Three) in what may be his last collegiate game. Can't believe he lumbers quite slowly only to get lightning-quick whenever a Gator ball would go up his airspace - like frog-tongue to a fly! Conley, Jr. plowed the whole game and really had quick hands but the ball just wouldn't stay with them. Heck of a game, still!

NBA again, anyone?

Pick: Gators will make history. Period.

The trash-talking Florida boys may just be too tough to beat. Even if the Ohio State Buckeyes are versatile enough to play with or without Oden, I don' think Mr. future-NBA No. 1 (or 2) pick and the rest of Coach Matta's crew has what it takes to keep the Gators from being the next NCAA repeat champs after Duke and UCLA. Unless, Oden becomes invisible to the refs, I think he'll be in even worse foul-trouble than the previous games. Anyway, I like both teams and I'm a sucker for miracles. I just hope we'll get treated to seeing how these excellent collegiate ballers display their skills and showcase the potential that we come to anticipate.