Video: Watch Kobe Paras Slams It Home Agaist San Beda in NCAA Juniors Finals

La Salle Greenhills junior Kobe Paras rises for a slam dunk over the San Beda Red Cubs in the finals of the NCAA juniors basketball tournament.

Erik Menk is Now With Globalport Batang Pier

Photo from PBA Image/Nuki Sabio

 Erik Menk who is also known as "The Major Pain" is now back in the PBA.

This was confirmed by no less than the team owner Mikee Romero.

“OK na ang deal. We already have Eric,” said Romero.

Romero also said that they gave up Brian Faundo to get the right to Erik Menk who signed a one year contract with Globalport.

We hope Eric to share his expertise to our young bigs in the team, he is one of the best power forwards this league has seen,” said Romero.

With Erik Menk  on their team, Romero is expecting that the yungsters learn a lot from the former PBA MVP.

“Eric, together with Sol (Mercado), JWash and Enrico will be my team’s leaders. I expect them to guide the six rookies, who will eventually be the stars of the franchise,” said Romero.
 

Greg Slaughter’s presence enough to intimidate Ginebra opponents, says Mark Caguioa

image via interaksyon.com

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel rookie Greg Slaughter is still adjusting to the PBA game, but Gin Kings superstar Mark Caguioa said the 7-footer is already making an impact.
“Just his presence inside is enough,” Caguioa told InterAKTV. “Kung ikaw kalaban magdadalawang isip ka if you’re going to drive to the basket. I don’t know how many blocks he had, pero maski hindi siya nakakasupalpal, his presence is really intimidating.”
As expected, Slaughter wasn’t the focal point of the Gin Kings’ offense when the team played its first tuneup game against Rain or Shine Wednesday.
But the top overall rookie was a big help particularly on the defensive end.
“Unang-una, that’s what we need. We have scorers in this team. We need to push each other on defense, including me. I’ll pressure like I’ve never pressured before,” said Caguioa.
Caguioa added that playing Rain or Shine is a good start to toughen up Slaughter.
“I’ve been telling Greg that teams like Rain or Shine will test you. Mayroong other teams dyan na parang bubugbugin ka kasi malaki ka. I told him just be ready because games in the PBA are more physical than the D-League,” said Caguioa.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/greg-slaughters-presence-enough-to-intimidate-ginebra-opponents-says-mark-caguioa

PBA Trade: Globalport Sends Isaac Holstein for Justin Chua; Leo Najorda Added in the Mix

image via interaksyon.com

No less than Sanmig Coffee Mixers head coach Tim Cone confirmed that they are set to receive Isaac Holstein in exchange for Justin Chua and Leo Najorda from Globalport Batang Pier.

Isaac Holstein was the number 7 pick from the firs round while Justin Chua was the 10th pick from last Sundays PBA 2013 Rookie Draft.

“We just wanted the taller guy and a more defensive-oriented player while Globalport was looking for a big that was more polished offensively,” said Cone.

Holstein was measured at 6-foot-7 in socks, while Chua stood a shade below 6-foot-5. But Chua is considered the more seasoned prospect, while Holstein is expected to be a project.

“Chua, I believe, along with Leo, can help them right away while we can take our time and develop Holstein,” said Cone.

“Global had been calling about Leo for a couple of weeks already. They certainly have a role for him, and with us he was kind of buried behind Ping (Marc Pingris) and Joe (Devance).”

PBA 2013 Anual Draft Results

Image via Spin.ph

As expected Barangay Ginebra Sanmiguel picked Greg Slauther as this years number 1 pick overall.
Likewise as expected Sanmig Coffee Mixers picked Ian Sangalang at number two followed by Raymond Almazan for Rain or Shine Elastro Painters.

The first big surprise was when Barangay Ginebra traded Rico Mierhofer and Willie Wilson to Brako Bull Energy Cola for the number 4 pick then picked James Forrester from the Arellano University.

Here is the complete list of the draft from yesterday.

First Round

1. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Greg Slaughter
2. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Ian Sangalang
3. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Raymond Almazan
4. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (from Barako Bull) – James Forrester
5. GlobalPort Batang Pier (from Barako Bull via Petron) – Terrence Romeo
6. GlobalPort Batang Pier (from Barako Bull) – RR Garcia
7. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Isaac Holstein
8. Alaska Aces – Ryan Buenafe
9. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Alex Nuyles
10. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Justin Chua

Second Round

1. GlobalPort Batang Pier – Nico Salva
2. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Jeric Teng
3. San Mig Coffee Mixers – Justin Melton
4. Barako Bull Energy Colas – Jeric Fortuna
5. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (from Alaska) – JP Erram
6. Air21 Express – Eric Camson
7. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters – Robby Celiz
8. Alaska Aces – Chris Exciminiano
9. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – Gayford Rodriguez
10. Barako Bull Energy Colas – Carlo Lastimosa

Third Round

1. Air 21 – Joshua Webb
2. GlobalPort – Jopher Custodio
3. Barako Bull- Darwin Cordero
4. GlobalPort (from Ginebra)- LA Revilla
5. Petron – Sam Marata
6. Meralco – Anjo Caram
7. Talk ‘N Text – Eliud Poligrates
8. Alaska – Raymund Ilagan
9. Rain or Shine Ervic Vijandre
10. San Mig Coffee – JR Cawaling

Fourth Round

1. GlobalPort – PASS
2. Air 21 – Angelo Ingco
3. Barako Bull – Jett Vidal
4. Ginebra – John Usita
5. Petron: Nate Matute
6. Meralco: Mike Parala
7. Talk ‘N Text – Oping Sumalinog
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS

Fifth Round

1. Air 21 -Randolph Chua
2. GlobalPort – PASS
3. Barako Bull – Mike Silungan
4. Ginebra – Alvin Padilla
5. Petron – PASS
6. Meralco – Mark Lopez
7. Talk ‘N Text – Byron Villarias
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS

Sixth Round

1. GlobalPort – Pass
2. Air 21 – PASS
3. Barako Bull – PASS
4. Ginebra – Jens Knuttel
5. Petron – PASS
6. Meralco – Ron Guevarra
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS

Seventh Round

1. GlobalPort – PASS
2. Air 21 – PASS
3. Barako Bull – PASS
4. Ginebra – PASS
5. Petron – PASS
6. Meralco – Mark Bringas
8. Alaska – PASS
9. Rain or Shine – PASS
10. San Mig Coffee – PASS

PBA Trade: Rob Labaga to Barako Bull Energy for Emman Monfort to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Its official:  Rob Labaga to Barako Bull Energy for Emman Monfort to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. This was anounced via @pbaconnect twitter account.

The proposed trade between @barangayginebra 's Rob Labagala and @BarakoEnergy 's Eman Monfort has been APPROVED by the PBA.

PBA Trade: Barako to trade No. 4 pick to Ginebra for Ababou, fifth pick to Petron for subs

image via spin.ph

JUST hours after giving active consultant Rajko Toroman the pink slip, Barako Bull is set to pull the trigger on two more trades that should shake up the picking order in the coming PBA rookie draft.

Putting premium on experience over youth, the Energy Cola, sources said, are set to trade the fourth pick overall in Sunday's draft to Barangay Ginebra for comebacking forward Dylan Ababou and the No. 5 pick to Petron for rarely used subs Mark Isip and Magi Sison.
The deals, once approved by the Commissioner's Office, will leave Barako Bull without a pick in the first round since it is also set to acquire Denok Miranda from Globalport in exchange for the No. 6 selection overall.

“Binigay na 'yung pick. Gusto nila yung Dylan. Kasi alam nila pagnakakuha ng kumpiyansa ulit yun, mahina ang 10 points na average n'ya kada game,” said the source in trying to make sense of the trades.
Ababou, a former star of University of Santo Tomas and a mainstay of the original Gilas squad, has sat out most of last season due to an ACL injury but has done well for Ginebra in the times that he was healthy.
However, giving him up means Ginebra can get a shot at acquiring blue-chip prospects like Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Alex Nuyles, James Forrester, and Jeric Teng.
The transactions should once again fan allegations that Barako Bull is being controlled by San Miguel Corp. and add another twist to the mystery surrounding the sudden departure of Toroman.

However, team insiders said Barako Bull is putting premium on experience as the ball club prefers to make an impact this season instead of building up for the future.
The team insider also pointed out that Barako Bull has three more first-round picks in next year's draft.

According to a source, the trades are now awaiting the approval of PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who is still with the board of governors in Sydney for its annual planning session.

source: spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/source-barako-to-trade-no.-4-pick-to-ginebra-for-abalou-fifth-pick-to-petron-for-subs-v02

PBA 2013 Anual Rookie Mock Draft

Image via Spin.ph

Since the PBA 2013 Anual Rookie Draft is coming I decided to give my own version of of the draft.

This is my 2013 PBA 2013 Anual Rookie Mock Draft

PBA 2013 Annual Rookie Mock Draft
First Round
1st Pick	Barangay Ginebra San Miguel	Greg Slaughter
2nd Pick	San Mig Coffee Mixers	Ian Sangalang
3rd Pick	Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	Raymond Almazan
4th Pick	Barako Bull Energy	Terrence Romeo
5th Pick	Barako Bull Energy	James Forrester
6th Pick	Barako Bull Energy	Jeric Teng
7th Pick	Globalport Batang Pier	RR Garcia
8th Pick	Alaska Aces	Nico Salva
9th Pick	Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	Alex Nuyles
10th Pick	San Mig Coffee	Jeric Fortuna

Second Round
11th Pick	Globalport Batang Pier	Justin Chua
12th Pick	Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	Isaac Holstein
13th Pick	San Mig Coffee	Carlo Lastimosa
14th Pick	Barako Bull Energy	Robby Celiz
15th Pick	Alaska Aces	Eric Camson
16th Pick	Air 21 Express	Justin Melton
17th Pick	Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters	Ryan Buenafe
18th Pick	Alaska Aces	Nate Matute
19th Pick	Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	Eloy Poligrates
20th Pick	Barako Bull Energy	JR Cawaling

PBA Game Results and standings August 18, 2013

Image courtesy of Nuki Sabio via spin.ph

Here are the results and the PBA games last Sunday August 18, 2013 as well as the standings.

In the first game, the smallest guy Emman Monfort on the Barako Bull Energy Cola waxed hot and scored a career high 22 points to beat the Meralco Bolts 90 to 89.


The scores:

Barako 90 – Singletary 28, Monfort 22, Seigle 12, Buenafe 7, Jensen 6, Pennisi 5, Intal 4, Marcelo 2, Macapagal 2, Cruz 2, Weinstein 0, Yap 0, Pena 0.

Meralco 89 – West 33, Hugnatan 16, Salvacion 12, Wilson 9, Hodge 4, Guevarra 4, Ross 4, Allado 4, Vanlandingham 3, Mangahas 0.


Quarterscores: 22-21, 41-49, 66-67, 90-89



In the second game the Petron Blaze Boosters foiled the debut of the newest Barangay Ginebra coach Ato Agustin as well as the Gilas mainstay and high leaping Japet Aguilar. it was a close game until the last few minutes of the game that saw the Petron team shut the door to Ginebra with an 8-0 run. The game ended at 101 to 95.

The scores:

Petron (101) - Millsap 24, Lassiter 23, Cabagnot 18, Kramer 17, Santos 12, Tubid 5, Fajardo 2, Deutchman 0, Lutz 0, Lanete 0.

Ginebra (95) - Lowhorn 29, Caguioa 15, Ellis 12, Tenorio 9, Aguilar 8, Wilson 7, Mamaril 6, Helterbrand 5, Baracael 4, Urbiztondo 0.

Quarterscores: 26-29, 45-52, 79-71, 101-95

Team Stangings as of  August 18, 2013

PBA Schedule of Games August 16, 2013

Here is the PBA Schedule of Games August 16, 2013

AUG 16 FRIDAY, SMART-ARANETA COLISEUM

5:15 PM Game #1
Talk N Text Tropang Texters
VS
Barako Bull Energy Cola

The Barako Bull Energy Cola will try and pounce on the incomplete Talk N Text Tropang Texters line up with all their Gilas Pilipinas players will sit-out and take their well deserved rest after the Fiba Asia Championship

image via spin.ph

7:30 PM Game #2
Meralco Bolts
VS
Petron Blaze Boosters

Petron Blaze Booster will debut their new head coach Gee Abanilla as they try and beat the Meralco Bolts who is parading a returning import in Mario West.

Image via spin.ph

 

PBA Opening day results and standings

                                          image via interaksyon.com

In the opening game the Globalport Batang Pier won over the Air 21 express on a rousing 101 to 94 triumph.

The scores:
GlobalPort 101 – Cummings 37, Washington 15, Belencion 14, Miller 10, Lingganay 8, Mercado 8, Hayes 6, Salvador 2, Yee 1, Buensuceso 0, Taha 0, Nabong 0, Alonzo 0.
Air 21 94 – Graham 31, Canaleta 19, Isip 13, Menor 9, Sharma 8, Arboleda 7, Sena 2, Custodio 2, Cortez 2, Omolon 1, Manuel 0.
Quarters: 24-20, 53-42, 78-68, 101-94


In the second game, Rain Or Shine Elastro Painters won over the Sanmig Planet Coffee Mixers to the tune of 79 to 75 despite not utilizing two Gilas Pilipinas members, Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood.


Here are the team standings:

Team	W	L	Pct	GB
GlobalPort Batang Pier	1	0	1.000	-
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	1	0	1.000	-
Alaska Aces	0	0	-	0.5
Barako Bull Energy Colas	0	0	-	0.5
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel	0	0	-	0.5
Meralco Bolts	0	0	-	0.5
Petron Blaze Boosters	0	0	-	0.5
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters	0	0	-	0.5
Air 21 Express	0	1	0.000	1
San Mig Coffee Mixers	0	1	0.000	1

Relive the game that gave the Philippines a ticket to FIBA World Championship in Spain

Relive the game that gave the Philippines a ticket to FIBA World Championship in Spain. This is a game that made history and brought Filipino's back to the map of the world basketball. It was a historic game for the Filipino's as they have finally beaten its nemesis whom they haven't beaten for ages. This game also enable the Filipino's to go back to the World Championship for Basketball after 40 years


                      Video credit to youtube.com/user/rogerclemens

Gallant Gilas Pilipinas falls to mighty Iran, settles for silver medal in FIBA Asia Championship

                                          image via interaksyon.com

The Philippine national men’s basketball team battled gallantly before succumbing to basketball powerhouse Iran, 85-71, in the title game of the FIBA Asia Championship.
Gilas Pilipinas had to settle for a silver medal, the country’s best finish in the tournament since winning the Asian title in 1985.
With the Philippines’ top center Marcus Douthit out, 7-foot-2 Iran behemoth Hamed Haddadi dominated the post with 29 points and 16 rebounds.
Despite missing top scorer and rebounder Marcus Douthit coming into the match, the Philippines stayed within striking distance, falling behind by just a single point, 34-33, at halftime.
Iran opened up a 10-point lead in the third quarter as the Philippines got into early penalty, struggling in the paint with key big man Marc Pingris visibly hobbling with a sprained ankle.
Timely hits from Jeff Chan and Jimmy Alapag made sure Gilas never got too far behind.
Mahdi Kamrani, however, nailed a three-pointer at the third quarter buzzer gave Iran a 62-53 advantage.
Iran then flexed its might, starting the final period on an 8-1 run to push its edge to 16 points.
Gilas cut the deficit to 11, but an unsportsmanlike foul called on Gary David for bumping Samad Nikkhah Bahrami allowed Iran to score four straight points for a 78-63 advantage with less than three minutes remaining.
Ranidel De Ocampo responded with a four-point play over Haddadi come within 11, 78-67. But Kamrani played the fireman role for Iran, nailing a tough runner as Gilas couldn’t come any closer than 12 points the rest of the way.
Tempers flared during the physical match, with Haddadi getting into a verbal altercation with coach Chot Reyes in the second quarter and several players involved in physical tussles.
Without the inside presence of Douthit, the Filipinos faltered from the field against the bigger Persians, making just 32 percent of their shots.
The Talk ‘N Text duo of Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag led the Philippines with 18 and 13 points apiece.
Bahrami and Kamrani added 19 and 15 each for Iran, which won its third Asian title in the last four stagings.

source: interaksyon.com/interaktv/gallant-gilas-pilipinas-falls-to-mighty-iran-settles-for-silver-medal-in-fiba-asia-championship

InterAKTV/Roy Afable

2013 FIBA Asia Championhip enters knockout stage

                                                   image via interaksyon.com

The 2013 2013 FIBA Asia Championhip enters knockout stage today August 9, 2013.

Gilas Pilipinas enters the quarter finals stage being the top seed in group E, thanks to Qatar for beating Chinese Taipei making us number 1 in the group.

Gilas Pilipinas is facing the lowest seed in group F which is Kazakhstan whom they have beaten in a tune up game days before FIBA Asia opned.

Experts are saying that Gilas Pilipinas has a great chance of winning against Kazakhstan but they have to play their A game to avoid the similar situation that happened in their match against Hong Kong the other day.

Here is the schedule of the games today:

Quarterfinal Round

• 3 p.m. – Iran versus Jordan
• 5:45 p.m. – Chinese Taipei versus China
• 8:15 p.m. – Philippines versus Kazakhstan
• 10:30 p.m. – South Korea versus Qatar

 

Ginebra or nothing, says Asi as he holds out hope for return to PBA

 

image via spin.ph

IT'S Barangay Ginebra or the highway for Asi Taulava.
The reigning Asean Basketball League MVP said he will only return to the PBA if he suits up for the Kings.
“There’s only one team I would want to play for and that’s Ginebra,” Taulava said on Wednesday before the press launch of the charity basketball game he headlined with former NBA star Stephon Marbury later in the day.
With the PBA grind taking its toll on his aging body following 13 seasons in Asia’s first professional league, the Filipino-Tongan slotman decided to ply his trade in the ABL where he played with a youthful zest in leading San Miguel to its maiden title, dethroning Indonesia.
But the past few months saw one of the greatest centers of his era fail to hide his desire to come back to the PBA and play for the league’s most popular team.
“It’s a final hurrah,” the 40-year-old Taulava said. “I’ve been vocal about it- that I wanted to play for Ginebra. As a player in the PBA, everybody wants to play for Ginebra. There’s no better feeling than walking into an arena and you got fifteen thousand people cheering for you. I just want to feel it.”
“As being the villain playing against them all the time, sometimes it’s tiring. You really want fans to start cheering for you,” he added.
Taulava, though, estimates he can only play for “one or two conferences at the most” in the PBA, which has a three-conference season that goes on for almost the whole year.
“I think the ABL is perfect for me, with six months of practice and six months of not just rest but I get to do my individual workout with my trainer,” Taulava said.
Taulava, however, is in a quandary as his PBA rights are still owned by Meralco, which gave the slotman an offer sheet last year before he went to the ABL allowing the Bolts to keep his rights 'indefinitely.'
Taulava said it will be “difficult” to return to Meralco as he’s still under contract with San Miguel, a sister team of Ginebra. Taulava refused to comment how long his contract with the Beermen lasts.
That’s why it’s Ginebra or the ABL.
“I think that’s the only solution to it,” Taulava told Spin.ph. “I thought at forty years old I’d get the opportunity to pick the team – mostly all forty-year olds get the opportunity to pick the team they play for – but I guess I’m on a different category,” he said with a laugh before turning serious.
“But I understand Meralco with their situation especially me playing well in the ABL. I think they’re put in a tough situation just to release my rights. It’s kind of understandable for both squads.”
“I’m just on standby,” he added. “If they don’t make any trades (in the PBA) sometime soon, I’ll just stay prepared for the ABL.”
San Miguel returns to practice in October ahead of next ABL season which starts in January.

source: spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebra-or-nothing-says-asi-as-he-holds-out-hope-for-return-to-pba

Gilas Pilipinas had a taste of LeBron James

                                          image via InterAKTV/Roy Afable

Gilas Pilipinas (Philippine National Mens Basketball Team) had a chance to play against LeBron James who is arguably the best basketball player in the planet right now.

LeBron joined by some of the best collage basketball players in the Philippines with the likes of Bobby Ray Park, Kiefer Ravena, Terence Romeo, Kevin Alas and others. James team went up against the Gilas Pilipinas National team in a 10 minute scrimmage as part of the Witness History event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Gilas Pilipinas won the scrimmage but LeBron almost wont it for his squad after missing two crucial game winning shot.

"The reason why I missed those last two shots, is because my jersey is too damn small." James said while addressing the jampacked crowed at the MOA Arena.

The scrimmage doesn't really mean anything for the upcoming FIBA Asia tournament but for National coach Chot Reyes it is somehow a symbolic event.

"The theme of the whole event was ‘Witness History,’ and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve with Gilas in our FIBA Asia campaign,Hopefully all of us can be witness to history come August 1.”  said Reyes.

Full Video Coverage of LeBron James pressconference in Manila

                             Video courtesy of youtube.com/user/teledyaryosports

For those who would like to watch the full video of "The King LeBron James" pressconference here in Manila here it is.

LeBron James in Manila presscon.

                                          image via TJ Manotoc's twitter account

Lebron James appeared before the media men for a interviews in a presscon before his "witnesshistory tour" in Manila.

LeBron James is wearing a simple plain Nike shirt sporting a great smile in his face. According to James his Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra who is half Filipino told him that Manila is a Basketball crazy place.

“Absolutely, coach Spo told me all about it (Manila experience). It’s very exciting to be part of such (basketball) culture,” James said.

Although LeBron arrived an hour late for the presscon, the jam packed ballroom patiently waited for "The King". James was interviewed by sports analyst Boom Gonzales in a 12 minute one on one.

LeBron James said "Cant believe this is my first time here but definitely this is not gonna be my last,". Then the crowd explodes with loud cheers hearing that there is a chance for  LeBron to return to Manila.

Alfrancis Chua resigned as Barangay Ginebra coach

When Barangay Ginebra returned to practice the players and the staffs were surprised to learn that their head coach Alfrancis Chua is resigning as a head coach.

It was indeed a surprise for everybody inside the gym. This comes right after Rudy Hatfield also announced that he is ending his 14 years of playing in the PBA by means of retirement.

It is well known that Chua and the Gin Kings made a magical run in PBA's last conference coming from 0-4 start to enter the finals. However Chua was said to be unhappy with the changes on the Ginebra organization particularly on their coaching staff.

Alfrancis Chua insisted that he is resigning dur to "personal reasons".

During the closed door practice the sourced was quoted saying "Nag-resign daw coach Chua sa practice. Inaawat pa ng team,"

Reports said that board representative and Robert Non and sports director Noli Eala rushed to the practice version to try and address the situation.

Sources said that Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa tried to pacify coach Chua and pleaded for reconsideration.
 

Gilas Pilipinas 12 man lineup is out minus Beau Belga

                                          Image via Chot Reyes
Gilas Pilipinas final 12 man lineup is finally out and it was Beau Belga who was trimmed out of the 13 man pool to make it 12 man lineup.

The final lineup for Gilas Pilipinas now is as follow:

Marcus Douthit
Jimmy Alapag
Jayson Castro
Ranidel De Ocampo
Larry Fonacier
Jeff Chan
Gabe Norwood
LA Tenorio
Japeth Aguilar
Gary David
Marc Pingris
June Mar Fajardo

According to Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, he included several key person in the selection process which according to him is really tough.

According to the reports Chot Reyes said "(It was) very difficult. We talked to the players involved, and even included coach Kestutis (Kemzura) and (coach Tab Baldwin) in the process,"

Coaches Kemzura and Baldwin are the ones who helped Gilas Pilipinas in their training overseas.

Gilas Pilipinas departs for New Zealand as LA Tenorio celebrates his birthday.

                                          image via interaksyon
Gilas Pilipinas depars today Tuesday  July, 9 2013 for a set of tuneup games in New Zealand the very same day that LA Tenorio is also celebrating his 29th birtday.

The Baranagay Ginebra point guard will celebrate is 29th birthday up in the Air literally as the Gilas Pilipinas delegation to New Zealan is expected to be all aboard the plane in time for Tenorio's birthday.

"Oo, i-celebrate ko na lang sa eroplano, ganun talaga, may konting sakripisyo, Lumabas lang then siyempre, empake na din dahil aalis na agad ng Tuesday, Mindset namin mag-improve lang. As much as possible, play quality tune-up games para makapag-prepare kami this August. Maganda ang magiging competition dun sa New Zealand. That will prepare us (for the Fiba-Asia meet)," Tenorio said.

This is how LA see their trip to New Zealand.

Rumors - Air 21 to use Asi Taulava as a trade bait for Rico Maierhofer

                                          image via pinoyexchange

It has been out in the public that the Air 21 Express is trying to get the playing rights of Asi Taulava from the Meralco Bolts via trade but sources said that the real target of coach Franz Pumaren is his ex-LaSalle center Paul Rico Maierhofer.

If in-case Air 21 gets Taulava from Meralco, they will then use "The Rock" as a trade bait for Ginebra's center Rico Maierhofer according to the source.

The source said "Trade bait lang,".

It has been reported that Air 21 is willing to give Noy Baclao to get the services of Taulava.

The source also said "Kung makukuha kasi ng Ginebra si Asi, may Japeth (Aguilar) pa sila at Kerby (Raymundo). Tingin naman namin pwede na nilang i-let go si Rico,"

"Sana tanggapin ng Meralco yang offer kasi they keep on hanging on to something (Taulava’s rights) na hindi naman na nila nagagamit, Mamaya, dumating yung time wala pa silang makuha na kapalit (ni Taulava)," he added. "Time’s not on Asi’s side … and so with them." continued by the source.

PBA 2013 draft order

                                                   image via philnews.ph
For those who are interested about the PBA 2013 draft order here is the list.

FIRST ROUND:
1. GlobalPort Batang Pier (to San Mig Coffee Mixers)
2. Barako Bull Energy (to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters)
3. Air21 Express (to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel)
4. Petron Blaze Boosters (to Barako Bull Energy)
5. Meralco Bolts (to Barako Bull Energy)
6. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (to Barako Bull Energy)
7. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
8. San Mig Coffee Mixers
9. Alaska Aces
10. Talk n’ Text Tropang Texters (to Barako Bull, to GlobalPort)

SECOND ROUND:
1. GlobalPort Batang Pier
2. Barako Bull Energy (to San Mig Coffee Mixers)
3. Air21 Express (to GlobalPort, to Rain or Shine)
4. Petron Blaze Boosters (to Meralco, to Alaska)
5. Meralco Bolts (to Air21 Express)
6. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (to Barako Bull, to Petron)
7. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
8. San Mig Coffee Mixers (to Barako Bull Energy)
9. Alaska Aces
10. Talk n’ Text Tropang Texters

Note: This is not yet final. The final draft order will be determined after the Governors cup plus a lottery will be held between the top two pics.

Source: pba website

Chris Ellis will stay with Barangay Ginebra

                                          image via inquirer.net

Chris Ellis will not be traded. This is what SanMiguel Sports director Noli Eala confirm on his twitter account.

On Eala's twitter account he said " Time to put this ugly rumor to rest. We have no plans to trade Chris Ellis,"

Chris Ellis became one of the well loved Barangay Ginebra SanMiguel player because of his hassle plays and his jaw dropping slumdunks only on his rookie year.

 Noli Eala also said the Ellis is one of the most important pieces of Ginebra's lineup.

"He's one of Ginebra's building blocks" continued by Eala on his twitter account.

This confirmation shuts down rumors of Chris Ellis and Josh Urbiztondo transferring to the Meralco Bolt in exchange for Asi Taulava and Cliff Hodge.

Gilas Pilipinas will face PBA stars and Kazakhstan national team for tune up games.

                                          image c/o Chot Reyes

Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled to play against a team that consists of a collection of PBA (Philippine Basketball Association ) stars and the  Kazakhstan national team for a pair of tune up games to help them prepare fot the incoming FIBA Asia tournament.

The game between the Gilas Pilipinas  and the PBA stars will be held at the Mall Of Asia Arena on July 23 while the game between Gilas Pilipinas vs Kazakhstan national team will be on July 26 in the same venue.

Both games will most likely feature the final 12 ma lineup of Gilas Pilipinas team because the deadline sor the submission of the final line up for the FIBA Asia tournament is set on July 12.

Another set of tune up games for Gilas Pilipinas will be played in New Zealand. The team is scheduled to fly to New Zealand to face some of the professional teams there as well as the New Zealand national basketball team.

SMC coaches rigodon

                                          image c/o spin.ph

Here is the summary of what happened to the SMC teams coaching roster.

C/O @snowbadua

Here now is the VERBATIM re-organization CHART of SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION teams

GEE ABANILLA named new PETRON coach.

SIOT TANQUINCEN as PETRON MANAGER.

JORGE GALLENT & ATO AGUSTIN to GINEBRA.

KOY BANAL to PETRON

OLSEN RACELA to SAN MIG

SAMBOY LIM – ALTERNATE GOV GINEBRA

HECTOR CALMA – ALTERNATE GOV., PETRON

ROBERT NON - GINEBRA GOVERNOR & TEAM MANAGER

Whats your take on it guys?

Ginebra's import Dior Lowhorn in a cameo appearance for NBA 2K1

                                         image via ABL website.

The soon to be Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's import when the third conference of the PBA unveils this August 14 2013 plays a cameo role for the much awaited NBA 2K14.

Dior Lowhorn told the ABL website the he was indeed invited to work for the development of the NBA 2K14 game. Lowhorn helped the development team simulate different NBA player's moves for the latest installment of the NBA 2K14 which will also feature the king LeBron James as its cover.

In an interview lowhorn said “Well, the 2K13 studio is 30 minutes north of San Francisco. Since they can’t always get the NBA players to simulate the video games, they call up local basketball players to help mock various NBA player moves – from shooting, dunking, dribbling, defense and post moves,”

“The motion capturing takes all day, but it’s a lot of fun, and I even got a free copy of the game, although I’m not much of a video gamer,” continued by Dior.

Dior Lowhorn last played in the ABL for the Saigon Heat where he had an average of 26.7 points per game and grabbed an average of 8.4 rebounds in his 11 games in the Asean Basketball League.

Lowhorn is set to arrive in July 13, 2013 then two days after Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will resume their regular team practice to prepare for the season ending tournament.

Some highlights of the San Beda vs Saint Benilde

For those who missed the very exciting game between the San Beda Red Lions and the Collage of Saint Benilde Blazers here are some of the fourth quarter highlights. The video includes two clutch plays, one was the three point shot by St. Benilde rookie Fons Saavedra and then the game winner alleyoop play by San Beda's Art Dela Cruz to win the game 71-70.

Miami Heat are your champions for the second straight years

Associated Press

June 21, 2013

                                          image via nba.com
MIAMI (AP) — LeBron James and the Miami Heat remain atop the NBA, and not even a proud push from the San Antonio Spurs could knock them down.

James led the Heat to their second straight NBA title, scoring 37 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a 95-88 victory Thursday night in a tense Game 7 of the NBA Finals that lived up to its billing.

Winning the title they needed to validate the best season in franchise history — and perhaps the three-superstar system they used to build it — the Heat won the second straight thriller in the NBA's first championship series to go the distance since 2010.

James continued his unparalled run through the basketball world, with two titles and an Olympic gold medal in the last 12 months.

He made five 3-pointers, defended Tony Parker when he had to, and did everything else that could ever be expected from the best player in the game.

The Heat became the NBA's first repeat champions since the Lakers in 2009-10, and the first team to beat the Spurs in the NBA Finals.

Players and coaches hugged each other after the game, the respect between the franchises that was obvious when the series started becoming even more apparent after two straight classics.

Fans stood, clapped and danced across the final minutes, when every score was answered by another score, each stop followed by a better stop. The Heat pushed their lead to six points a few times midway through the fourth but the Spurs would never be deterred.

The Spurs, so close to a fifth title just two nights earlier, couldn't find a way to grab it in this one, perhaps the last shot Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will ever get together.

They were trying to become the first road team to win a Game 7 on the road since Washington beat Seattle in 1978, but those old guys ran out of gas just before the finish.

Duncan had 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Spurs, but missed a shot and follow attempt right under the basket with about 50 seconds left and the Spurs trailing by two.

James followed with a jumper — the shot the Spurs were daring him to take earlier in the series — to make it 92-88, sending San Antonio to a team a timeout as Glenn Frey's "The Heat is on" blared over the arena's sound system.

He then came up with a steal and made two free throws for a six-point lead, and after Ginobili missed, James stalked toward the sideline, knowing it was over and he was the last one standing again.

Dwyane Wade had 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who overcame a scoreless Chris Bosh by getting six 3-pointers and 18 points from Shane Battier.

Streamers fell from the arena ceiling onto the white-clad fans for the second year in a row, but this one meant so much more after how close the Heat were to losing it.

They were down 10 in the fourth quarter of Game 6 before James led the charge back, finishing with a triple-double in Miami's 103-100 overtime victory. This one was nearly as tight, neither team leading by more than seven and the game tied 11 times.

Kawhi Leonard had 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Spurs, who had been 4 for 4 in the championship round. Manu Ginobili had 18 points but Parker managed just 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

The Heat collected the Larry O'Brien again from Commissioner David Stern, presiding over his final NBA Finals before retiring next February.

James avenged his first finals loss, when his Cleveland Cavaliers were swept by the Spurs on 2007. That helped send James on his way to South Florida, realizing it would take more help to win titles that could never come alone.

He said he would appreciate this one more because of how tough it was. The Heat overpowered Oklahoma City in five games last year, a team of 20-something kids who weren't ready to be champions yet.

This came against a respected group of Spurs whose trio has combined for more than 100 playoff victories together.

Some highlights of the Gilas Pilipinas in Lithuania

For those who are curious to see what Gila Pilipinas did during their two weeks training in Lithuanina here is a 5 minute video that shows the summary of the team's trip to Lithuania.


Video C/O youtube.com/user/BasketNewslt

James and Allen tows the Heat to game 6 OT win

Photo: San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) collide during the second half of Game 6 of their NBA Finals basketball series, Tuesday, June 18, 2013 in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Associated Press

June 19, 2013, 12:21 pm

MIAMI — LeBron James led a title-saving charge, and now his crown will be on the line one more time in Game Seven.
James powered Miami to a frantic fourth-quarter rally and overtime escape as the Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs 103-100 on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time) to extend the NBA Finals as far as they can go and keep Miami's repeat chances alive.
Losing his headband but keeping his cool while playing the entire second half and overtime, James finished with 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, making the go-ahead basket with 1:43 remaining in the extra period.
"If we were going to go down tonight, we're going to go down with me leaving every little bit of energy that I had on the floor," James said.
Tim Duncan scored 30 points for the Spurs, his most in an NBA Finals game since Game One in 2003, but was shut out after the third quarter. He added 17 rebounds.
Game Seven will be here Thursday, the NBA's first do-or-die game to determine its champion since the Lakers beat the Celtics in 2010.
"They're the best two words in sports: Game Seven," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
The Spurs looked headed to a fifth title in five chances when they built a 13-point lead with under four minutes left in the third quarter, then grabbed a five-point edge late in regulation after blowing the lead.
But James hit a three-pointer and Ray Allen tied it with another. Just 5.2 seconds remained in regulation. The Heat were that close to the edge.
James was just 3 of 12 after three quarters, the Heat trailing by 10 and frustration apparent among the players and panic setting in among the fans.
Nothing to worry. Not with James playing like this.
He finished 11 of 26, even making a steal after his basket had given Miami a 101-100 edge in the OT.
Before that, he was 12 minutes from hearing the familiar criticisms about not being able to get it done, from having to watch a team celebrate on his home floor again.
Then he changed the game and erased that story.
The Heat, who haven't lost consecutive games since Jan. 8 and 10, had too much defense and way too much James for the Spurs in the final 17 minutes. They are trying to become fourth team to win the final two games at home since the NBA went to the 2-3-2 format for the finals in 1985.
James came in averaging 31.5 points in elimination games, highest in NBA history, according to a stat provided through the NBA by the Elias Sports Bureau.
This wasn't quite the 45-point performance in Game Six of last year's Eastern Conference finals in Boston, but given the higher stakes may go down as more important — if the Heat follow it with another victory Thursday.
The Heat were in the same place as they were in 2011 at the end of their Big Three's first season together, coming home from Texas facing a 3-2 deficit in the finals.
This is a different team. And oh, what a different James.
They said they welcomed this challenge, a chance to show they how much mentally tougher they were than the team the Dallas Mavericks easily handled in Game 6 that night.
James made sure they did, looking nothing like the player who was so bad in the fourth quarters during that series.
He was simply unstoppable down the stretch of this one.
Kawhi Leonard had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs. Tony Parker had 19 points and eight assists, but shot just 6 of 23 from the field.
The Spurs had one final chance down 103-100, but Chris Bosh blocked Danny Green's three-pointer from the corner as time expired.
Bosh had said Green wouldn't get open the way he has all series — and he didn't.