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- The finals game is set between the RP Team and the Lebanese (again) after China was unceremoniously booted by Khatib and company to finish 3rd in quotient comparison.
- Drum roll, please. Finally saw a live basketball game yesterday courtesy of a most generous friend who is privy to the ins and outs of Philippine basketball. Unfortunately, this was the result.
- My thoughts, though not in any remarkable order
- Araneta coliseum, as a venue for great Filipino basketball, isn't great at all. Sure the playing court does serve its purpose but everything else is simply dirty and poorly-maintained. No wonder attendance is at a low, notwithstanding the level of play right now in the pro league.
- Watching games gives you access to sit with TV and movie female celebrities, who I guess are on the prowl of drafting (more of ensnaring) a gullible millionaire player. Nevertheless, these women add entertainment value to the games and being seated at quality patron seats, just a seat across SBP top brass, Mr. "MVP' Pangilinan makes you feel like royalty.
- Differences in height of about 3 inches really isn't that pronounced looking at players up close. I guess positioning, jumping ability and over-all athletic skills and 'determination' more than makes up for perceived physical disadvantages. Mark Caguioa was quite the spark on how he makes his way even among the tall and young Chinese. And I'm glad Asi wa able to find a wife considering the burden of sharing a bed his size.
- Lastly, and this really burst my bubble, there are quite a number of fans who ruin the game by shouting invectives by the minute (mostly at the poor referees) as if they own the country and would make excellent game officials, themselves. And they are not the ones in the bleachers. And to think there are plenty of kids. Nope, watching a basketball game live isn't for the family, unless you'd like to teach about sportsmanship, not. If I do remember, this is still a basketball game and we are not looking at any life-saving situation and this won't show us the way towards eliminating poverty.
- There's not much you can read about him and most articles allude to him as 'exciting as a brocolli' But not only is he a certified basketball all-time great, yet he also isn't a superstar by our typical definition. In his own words, Tim Duncan.
This statement came from RP Team coach Chot Reyes after the team absorbed another setback from emerging Asian basketball power, Jordan in yesterday's Jones Cup match.
Watching the game, it became obvious that lack of ceiling remains a problem for the team as we were out-rebounded by Jordan (although statistically, the discrepancy seemed less, 43-34 for Jordan whose average height was around 6'6.5").
Except for the crucial missed free throws, our P Team showed grit and nowhere is it more evident than in the inspired plays of the guards who carried the scoring load for the team. Overall, the team defense was good and may need a few tweaks that can be remedied by a good conditioning program that will allow the players to peak at the right time and put enough pressure defense to last the whole ballgame.
Pinoys can sleep well tonight even after this loss. It wasn't a victory but sure feels like one.
Need inspiration, Coach? Need not look any further. Here is true Pinoy progress! Peace.
For the fourth straight day, Our P Team played in matches that were decidedly close. Fortunately, this time, we came out on top.
This one is memorable on two fronts. First, it somehow soothed the bitter sting of absorbing back-to-back last second losses to Lebanon and uhmmm, Japan. (The Coach Chot Experiments) And second, this was a sort of revenge against the team that literally tore our hearts after escaping with a miracle shot to oust us in the semis in the Busan Games. (Unfair!)
Here is an article about the victory courtesy of the quick-writing, Mr. Aldrin Cardona. He also writes about Coach Chot's 'current Mid East flavor bandwagon' shoutout on Pilipinas basketball. I wonder if Mr. Paul Shirley's interested? He is no Greg Oden but really interesting player who has brains and especially, height. If he only knew, how passionate we are about basketball. Somebody introduce him to Mr. Engelland, please.
Great game, boys! (Plus, the game-finishing 3 on 1 fastbreak slam was awesome! )
It was a far cry back in May when Our P Team was still definitely trying to learn the ropes after a hurried formation for a basketball team. Yet, that was to be expected given the limited preparation. We all groped for information during their training stint in Belgrade. We've heard the good news about Gabe Norwood doing well for the team and quite good at it. You have a feeling that this team is progressing and a far cry from the time when they were in Tehran.
Now comes the Jones Cup in Taiwan. Yes, this is more of a learning trip and Coach Chot reminded all that winning the Cup isn't the priority. The team even brought 4 new recruits in the hopes of finding out who among the roster will make it to the final one in Tokushima. Somehow, Filipinos still hoped that we come out on top after 9 games in 9 days.
We started well.
The team even showed up a strong Asian contender in the face of a tall Lebanese team. Never mind that we lost by a prayer. We liked what we saw most of the game and despite the coaching experiments and employing the services of different players all game long, we knew we had the talent. Shades of Busan? Nahh.
But a Game 3 loss to a weak Japan this afternoon and again on a last second miscue (or more of a last quarter meltdown for the second consecutive day) can be too hard to accept.
We'll see how the boys respond to their next game . . . while I convince myself that all this will bear the ultimate fruit.
Just found out that RP team lost 77-109 to Al Jalaa of Syria (now battling SABA of host Iran for the title) in the semifinals held May 19, 2007. I've tried scouring for details but this is all I could get for the moment.
Notwithstanding the losses, I think the boys learned valuable lessons in Asian international competition that will serve them well for the Olympic qualifiers later in Japan. If all the boys reach peak form and barring any freak injuries, I think we could sneak in just like the day they got past Lebanon in a surprise breakthrough performance.
Congratulations to the players, coaching and training staff. Keep on honing those hoop skills while I go grieve a little more for the Suns and watch an inevitable Spurs run to another NBA title.
After 2 games, 2 losses.
First game against SABA of host Iran, our boys simply could not get past Goliath. Our boys were out-rebounded (40-27) and had 20 turn-overs.
Bright spot. Field goal percentages were good although we could be better at the free throw line.
Against Astana of Kazakhstan the next game, the boys weren't lucky either losing 66-75. Seigle and Caguioa combined for 39 points to lead the offense although we probably lost, again, from the free throw line, missing 12 (7 of which by Caguioa himself). Wowaweewa.
Since we don't get to watch the games (and we're busy watching the NBA playoffs), we'll just have to settle for game stats found here. 1st game and 2nd game (both pdf files).
I don't think the boys have really shown how good they could be but a win the next game could provide the bounce in the step towards the right direction. Best of luck to them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?!
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.
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.
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?
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.
Brackets were almost right to a T, but it wasn't easy for these two No. 1's and two No. 2's. Do we have a repeat? Dunno, but it will be hard to bet against them.
Emilio 'Jun' Bernardino Jr. always looked approachable and never was intimidating. After all, he had a segment for the PBA basketball telecast called 'man on the ball' where he would often be at courtside speaking to the different basketball personalities. I was surprised that he was named commish since he never really looked the part and his demeanor was anything but 'bossy'. But, boy, was he on top of things and for the good of the league. He sure was a hard act to follow. More than than, I bet he was a good, human being. His passing, while attending a party he helped organize for a friend, came as a shock to everyone. This is sad news.
