The Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix, the second staging of the PSL this year, will begin with a doubleheader on November 10 at the FilOil-Flying V Arena with the opening ceremonies at 1pm. The tournament begins with a match pitting PLDT MyDSL and Maybank in the men's division at 2pm, followed by recent V-League champion Cagayan Valley going up against Petron at 4pm.
TMS-Philippine Army won the inagural tournament by beating Cignal HD in four sets, 25-15, 25-18, 14-25, 25-16. Petron, meanwhile, copped third place after defeating the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns, 25-18, 22-25, 26-24, 25-16.
Army is bannered by an all-star cast that includes Jacq Alarca, Mary Jean Balse, Tina Salak, and Rachel Anne Daquis, who will be playing in the PSL for the first time. Coach Enrico de Guzman will also rely on reinforcements Wanitchaya Luangtonglang of Thailand and Yuki Murakoshi of Japan.
Cignal welcomes the veteran presence of Maureen Penetrante-Ouano, who joins fellow De La Salle University-Manila alumni Michelle Datuin and Chie Saet. Another new face in the squad is Jheck Dionela, who previously played for Cagayan in the Invitational conference. They will be backstopped by two Chinese imports in Li Zhan Zhan and Xie Lei.
Petron Blaze parades a mix of former Ateneo and De La Salle spikers namely, Kara Acevedo, Dzi Gervacio, Gretchen Ho, Melissa Gohing, and Stephanie Mercado. Coach Vilet Ponce-de Leon took the services of Misao Tanyama and Shinako Tanaka of Japan.
Cagayan Valley has a veteran-laden lineup that includes Angge Tabaquero, Aiza Maizo, Pau Soriano, Joy Benito, Sandra delos Santos, and Jen Reyes. Thai spikers Jeng Koturang and Patcharee Sangmuang further bolsters Nestor Pamilar's formidable squad.
The PLDT MyDSL Speed Boosters are raring to improve from their fifth place finish in the first edition of the PSL. The ever animated Roger Gorayeb has a roster that sports Angelina Benting, Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone, Lou Ann Latigay, Suzanne Roces, Cha Soriano, and Maru Banaticla. They are joined by American spikers Kaylee Manns and Savannah Noyes.
Finally, RC Cola, which replaced Bingo Filipino, sports a combination of youth and experience as mentor Ronald Dulay will filed in Jed Montero, Southlyn Ramos, Ivy Remulla, and Giza Yumang. In addition, they will be boosted by Sontaya Keawbundit and Zhang Minghua.
For the first time, there will be a men's division, which comprises of four teams. Aside from PLDT and Maybank, the other teams are Systema and Giligan's. Multi-talented actor and athlete Richard Gomez is in the lineup of PLDT MyDSL.
11/08/2013
PBA 2013 draft rundown
A week is about to pass since the 2013 PBA rookie draft was held on November 3 at Robinson's Place in Ermita, Manila, but we are still feeling the aftershocks as teams continue to shuffle their roster to find the best combination that will get them far for the coming 2013-14 season.
Here are my comments on how each team did on Sunday with updated analysis that reflects the transactions that has occurred since. Here they are in order from most players drafted with the ones who selected earliest going first.
Globalport Batang Pier - Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Isaac Holstein, Nico Salva, Jopher Custodio, LA Revilla
Team owner Mikee Romero made the most of having three picks in the first round by selecting Romeo, Garcia, and Holstein. He then scored Salva in the second round, as well as Custodio and Revilla in the third round before passing in the fourth round, the first team to do so. Since then, Holstein was dealt away to San Mig Coffee for first round draft pick Justin Chua and Leo Najorda.
One thing that is apparent with Globalport is that they just got bigger. Batang Pier were able to acquire Enrico Villanueva in a separate transaction, while that two-for-one switch for Holstein and Erik Menk signing for one year means their average height just went up. Romeo and Garcia will essentially fill Gary David's scoring by committee, although I am not sure how coach Junel Baculi will utilize LA Revilla in a guard-heavy rotation. But we'll never know as he might end up this season's Emman Monfort.
Rain or Shine Elastopainters - Raymond Almazan, Alex Nuyles, Jeric Teng, Gayford Rodriguez, Ervic Vijandre
Almazan, Nuyles, and Teng will most likely be tendered with contracts. Gayford Rodriguez, at the ripe age of 28, does not have time on his side, which means he has to deliver during this short preseason to merit a slot. Drafting Vijandre might just be for shits and giggles, but I can see him becoming a Rain or Shine spokesperson or a PBA ambassador at the very least. If he gets cut, he can haggle a contract to become a TV5 talent instead.
Barako Bull Energy Cola - Jeric Fortuna, Carlo Lastimosa, Darwin Cordero, Jett Vidal, Mike Silungan
Despite trading away their three first round draft picks, Barako Bull made up for it by drafting late. Fortuna is the only one I see with a realistic chance of getting signed as Lastimosa, Vidal, and Silungan are virtually a carbon copy of each other. The verdict is still out with Cordero. Besides, they still have a 20-odd pool to choose from outside of Danny Seigle refusing to sign with the PBA's trade fodder.
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters - John Paul Erram, Robby Celiz, Eliud Poligrates, Omping Sumalinog, Byron Villiarias
One thing that I realized with the current draft system is that not all those whose names got called are assured of seeing action in the PBA, while those who got undrafted stay that way forever. The reason I am saying this is that I don't see anyone from those that Talk 'N Text selected generating an impact immediately.
The Tropang Texters are so stacked right now, they'll be lucky if they get a token contract. Erram will probably be the next Rob Reyes at the least, and if the other four can be converted to a complimentary wing player, then that's the best that I can see them as for the time being.
Air21 Express - Eric Camson, Joshua Webb, Angelo Ingco, Randolf Chua, Jens Knuttel
Since coach Franz Pumaren opted to go for Camson and Webb, another Lasallian alumnus in Romero was able to nab Revilla after dealing for Ginebra's third round pick. I'm not sure if that counts as a troll move or if Globalport sincerely wanted to get the former San Beda Red Cub since the Express are in need of a dependable point guads. This is where Knuttel comes in despite the fact he was picked way, way late in the draft.
Meralco Bolts - Anjo Caram, Mike Parala, Mark Lopez, Ronoel Guevarra, Mark Bringas
A team that did not get TV time on Sunday as they only started drafting in the third round, they got busy and took five players. Caram and Lopez are serviceable at the least, Parala is a project, and Guevarra and Bringas are bubble players.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings - Greg Slaughter, James Forrester, John Usita, Alvin Padilla
This is, to my opinion, the next best set of players that was taken in the first round after Globalport's windfall. You've got high potential players Slaughter and Forrester and they are able to fill Ginebra's immediate need. Padilla is pretty much lucky if he becomes the Kings' 13th player as Usita already got cut. Also, they were able to acquire Globalport's first round draft pick next year.
San Mig Coffee Mixers - Ian Sangalang, Justin Chua, Justin Melton, JR Cawaling
If Barangay Ginebra were able to get the best talent in the first round, the Coffee Mixers got the best picks overall. Sanglanag is a shoo-in, Chua has been converted to Holstein since then, Melton was a steal in the second round, and JR Cawaling, despite falling to the third round, should get a contract at the very least.
Alaska Aces - Ryan Buenafe, Chris Excimiano, Raymond Ilagan
For someone who did not attend the rookie camp, it is a surprise that Ryan Buenafe was picked high, although he is a dependable talent and proven winner. Excimiano is seen as a smaller version of Calvin Abueva, and it remains to be seen how he will fit in the backcourt rotation of head coach Luigi Trillo.
Petron Blaze Boosters - Sam Marata, Nate Matute
Players with duplicate skills, it will be a miracle if Marata and Matute gets to step onto a PBA hardcourt considering how stacked the Blaze Boosters are. And they were able to get Yousef Taha as collateral damage in that Barako Bull rigodon in the first round. So, that's that.
Draft day winners - Globalport and San Mig Coffee
It is hard to lose if you have three first round draft picks. Batang Pier essentially went for the best talent, went tall, and were able to get what they needed. Not bad.
The Coffee Mixers, on the other hand, was quality from top to bottom. Head coach Tim Cone gets an instant impact big man in Sangalang, a token project in Holstein, a reliable point guard in Melton, and a very malleable Cawaling. In local parlance, it is what you call 'walang tapon'.
Draft day loser - Barako Bull
It is easy to lose if you have three first round draft picks and give all of them away just as that. With that statement, I think I just contradicted myself with what I said about Globalport's position. But just think about it for a moment. You give away three quality picks for scrubs and then draft more scrubs. Now, they are surprised they have a 20+-player lineup.
Schools with multiple players who got drafted
Ateneo de Manila University (6) - Greg Slaughter, Ryan Buenafe, Justin Chua, Nico Salva, John Paul Erram, Omping Sumalinog
All six is part of the Blue Eagles' five-peat, so it's no surprise they were all called up, with five of them getting picked in the first two rounds.
Far Eastern University (6) - Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Chris Exciminiano, JR Cawaling, Jens Knuttel, Ryan Bringas
Another school that produces caliber talent, FEU ties with fellow UAAP member school with six draft picks.
University of the Philippines (4) - Sam Marata, Mike Silungan, Alvin Padilla, Mark Lopez
With four guards getting picked, it just shows where the relative strength of the Fighting Maroons' roster is.
De La Salle University-Manila (3) - Joshua Webb, LA Revilla, Ervic Vijandre
Not a lot to see in this batch of Green Archers.
Adamson University (2) - Alexander Nuyles, Eric Camson
Nuyles was able to defy projections by getting drafted late in the first round, while Camson will be able to find a role in a thin Air21 backcourt.
University of Santo Tomas (2) - Jeric Teng, Jeric Fortuna
The two Jerics, in my opinion, are the two best picks in the second round, and they can be considered as steals.
College of Saint Benilde (2) - Carlo Lastimosa, Randolf Chua
These two should thank their lucky stars if they don't get cut. Lastimosa has an edge because of his last name.
Saint Francis of Assisi College System (2) - Raymond Ilagan, Ronoel Guevarra
They are in the same position as the CSB players above.
Jose Rizal University (2) - Nate Matute, Byron Villarias
They are in the same boat as with the previous two as well.
Here are my comments on how each team did on Sunday with updated analysis that reflects the transactions that has occurred since. Here they are in order from most players drafted with the ones who selected earliest going first.
Globalport Batang Pier - Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Isaac Holstein, Nico Salva, Jopher Custodio, LA Revilla
Team owner Mikee Romero made the most of having three picks in the first round by selecting Romeo, Garcia, and Holstein. He then scored Salva in the second round, as well as Custodio and Revilla in the third round before passing in the fourth round, the first team to do so. Since then, Holstein was dealt away to San Mig Coffee for first round draft pick Justin Chua and Leo Najorda.
One thing that is apparent with Globalport is that they just got bigger. Batang Pier were able to acquire Enrico Villanueva in a separate transaction, while that two-for-one switch for Holstein and Erik Menk signing for one year means their average height just went up. Romeo and Garcia will essentially fill Gary David's scoring by committee, although I am not sure how coach Junel Baculi will utilize LA Revilla in a guard-heavy rotation. But we'll never know as he might end up this season's Emman Monfort.
Rain or Shine Elastopainters - Raymond Almazan, Alex Nuyles, Jeric Teng, Gayford Rodriguez, Ervic Vijandre
Almazan, Nuyles, and Teng will most likely be tendered with contracts. Gayford Rodriguez, at the ripe age of 28, does not have time on his side, which means he has to deliver during this short preseason to merit a slot. Drafting Vijandre might just be for shits and giggles, but I can see him becoming a Rain or Shine spokesperson or a PBA ambassador at the very least. If he gets cut, he can haggle a contract to become a TV5 talent instead.
Barako Bull Energy Cola - Jeric Fortuna, Carlo Lastimosa, Darwin Cordero, Jett Vidal, Mike Silungan
Despite trading away their three first round draft picks, Barako Bull made up for it by drafting late. Fortuna is the only one I see with a realistic chance of getting signed as Lastimosa, Vidal, and Silungan are virtually a carbon copy of each other. The verdict is still out with Cordero. Besides, they still have a 20-odd pool to choose from outside of Danny Seigle refusing to sign with the PBA's trade fodder.
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters - John Paul Erram, Robby Celiz, Eliud Poligrates, Omping Sumalinog, Byron Villiarias
One thing that I realized with the current draft system is that not all those whose names got called are assured of seeing action in the PBA, while those who got undrafted stay that way forever. The reason I am saying this is that I don't see anyone from those that Talk 'N Text selected generating an impact immediately.
The Tropang Texters are so stacked right now, they'll be lucky if they get a token contract. Erram will probably be the next Rob Reyes at the least, and if the other four can be converted to a complimentary wing player, then that's the best that I can see them as for the time being.
Air21 Express - Eric Camson, Joshua Webb, Angelo Ingco, Randolf Chua, Jens Knuttel
Since coach Franz Pumaren opted to go for Camson and Webb, another Lasallian alumnus in Romero was able to nab Revilla after dealing for Ginebra's third round pick. I'm not sure if that counts as a troll move or if Globalport sincerely wanted to get the former San Beda Red Cub since the Express are in need of a dependable point guads. This is where Knuttel comes in despite the fact he was picked way, way late in the draft.
Meralco Bolts - Anjo Caram, Mike Parala, Mark Lopez, Ronoel Guevarra, Mark Bringas
A team that did not get TV time on Sunday as they only started drafting in the third round, they got busy and took five players. Caram and Lopez are serviceable at the least, Parala is a project, and Guevarra and Bringas are bubble players.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings - Greg Slaughter, James Forrester, John Usita, Alvin Padilla
This is, to my opinion, the next best set of players that was taken in the first round after Globalport's windfall. You've got high potential players Slaughter and Forrester and they are able to fill Ginebra's immediate need. Padilla is pretty much lucky if he becomes the Kings' 13th player as Usita already got cut. Also, they were able to acquire Globalport's first round draft pick next year.
San Mig Coffee Mixers - Ian Sangalang, Justin Chua, Justin Melton, JR Cawaling
If Barangay Ginebra were able to get the best talent in the first round, the Coffee Mixers got the best picks overall. Sanglanag is a shoo-in, Chua has been converted to Holstein since then, Melton was a steal in the second round, and JR Cawaling, despite falling to the third round, should get a contract at the very least.
Alaska Aces - Ryan Buenafe, Chris Excimiano, Raymond Ilagan
For someone who did not attend the rookie camp, it is a surprise that Ryan Buenafe was picked high, although he is a dependable talent and proven winner. Excimiano is seen as a smaller version of Calvin Abueva, and it remains to be seen how he will fit in the backcourt rotation of head coach Luigi Trillo.
Petron Blaze Boosters - Sam Marata, Nate Matute
Players with duplicate skills, it will be a miracle if Marata and Matute gets to step onto a PBA hardcourt considering how stacked the Blaze Boosters are. And they were able to get Yousef Taha as collateral damage in that Barako Bull rigodon in the first round. So, that's that.
Draft day winners - Globalport and San Mig Coffee
It is hard to lose if you have three first round draft picks. Batang Pier essentially went for the best talent, went tall, and were able to get what they needed. Not bad.
The Coffee Mixers, on the other hand, was quality from top to bottom. Head coach Tim Cone gets an instant impact big man in Sangalang, a token project in Holstein, a reliable point guard in Melton, and a very malleable Cawaling. In local parlance, it is what you call 'walang tapon'.
Draft day loser - Barako Bull
It is easy to lose if you have three first round draft picks and give all of them away just as that. With that statement, I think I just contradicted myself with what I said about Globalport's position. But just think about it for a moment. You give away three quality picks for scrubs and then draft more scrubs. Now, they are surprised they have a 20+-player lineup.
Schools with multiple players who got drafted
Ateneo de Manila University (6) - Greg Slaughter, Ryan Buenafe, Justin Chua, Nico Salva, John Paul Erram, Omping Sumalinog
All six is part of the Blue Eagles' five-peat, so it's no surprise they were all called up, with five of them getting picked in the first two rounds.
Far Eastern University (6) - Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Chris Exciminiano, JR Cawaling, Jens Knuttel, Ryan Bringas
Another school that produces caliber talent, FEU ties with fellow UAAP member school with six draft picks.
University of the Philippines (4) - Sam Marata, Mike Silungan, Alvin Padilla, Mark Lopez
With four guards getting picked, it just shows where the relative strength of the Fighting Maroons' roster is.
De La Salle University-Manila (3) - Joshua Webb, LA Revilla, Ervic Vijandre
Not a lot to see in this batch of Green Archers.
Adamson University (2) - Alexander Nuyles, Eric Camson
Nuyles was able to defy projections by getting drafted late in the first round, while Camson will be able to find a role in a thin Air21 backcourt.
University of Santo Tomas (2) - Jeric Teng, Jeric Fortuna
The two Jerics, in my opinion, are the two best picks in the second round, and they can be considered as steals.
College of Saint Benilde (2) - Carlo Lastimosa, Randolf Chua
These two should thank their lucky stars if they don't get cut. Lastimosa has an edge because of his last name.
Saint Francis of Assisi College System (2) - Raymond Ilagan, Ronoel Guevarra
They are in the same position as the CSB players above.
Jose Rizal University (2) - Nate Matute, Byron Villarias
They are in the same boat as with the previous two as well.
10/10/2013
Throwback Thursday: Red Lions make it look easy
San Beda beats Jose Rizal for 3rd straight NCAA title
By JP ABCEDE
Manila Bulletin
San Beda College turned yesterday's deciding Game 3 into a virtual scrimmage, plastering Jose Rizal University, 85-69, to win its third straight NCAA seniors basketball championship at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum.
The Bombers were never in the match after the Lions extended a 35-18 halftime lead to 59-40, with 4:12 left in the third quarter. Ogie Menor led a 14-5 tear in the third, scoring seven of his 18 points. He also had eight rebounds and shot 7-of-9 from the two-point area.
"It boiled down on proper execution defensively and offensively," said San Beda coach Frankie Lim. "My guys played well."
After two matches that went down the wire, Game 3 was devoid of drama and excitement as the Lions stamped their class early before 20,360 fans.
"We will bring the war to them. Sila naman guluhin natin," Lim told his players in the locker room prior to the game. "Start aggressive, start strong, and control the game."
It marked the second time the Lions completed a hat-trick of victories. The first came from 1934 to 1936. The title was the Lions' 14th, just two short of Letran's 16 championships.
Finals MVP Sam Ekwe led the champs with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks in 36 minutes.
"He (Ekwe) did a great job on (James) Sena. He stopped (Jayson) Nocom from hitting those outside shots," Lim said. "He is the MVP of the finals and of the season. He deserved it."
Ekwe and Pong Escobal went three-for-three in their NCAA career. The Talk 'N Text draftee finished his last game with 11 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.
Other Lions who scored in double figures were Jake Pascual with 13 points, who also had seven rebounds, three blocks, and three assists, and Borgie Hermida with 11 points.
"It looked easy but it was not very easy," Lim remarked.
The Lions dominated in a number of statistical departments. They shot 45 percent from the field, and limited the Heavy Bombers to 35 percent shooting. SBC also outrebounded JRU, 53-32, 19 of those coming from the offensive end, which led to 17 second chance points. Jose Rizal only had 11 offensive boards for nine second chance points.
The Lions also had its running game humming with 14 fastbreak points, compared to seven by JRU.
The scores:
SBC 85 - Ekwe 20, Menor 18, Pascual 13, Escobal 11, Hermida 11, Tecson 6, Taganas 4, Gamalinda 2, Marcelo 0.
JRU 69 - Sena 24, Cagoco 16, Njei 8, Nocom 7, Bulangis 3, Wilson 3, Pradas 3, Kabigting 2, Hayes 2, Agas 1.
Quarters: 24-12, 38-29, 64-48, 85-69.
---
Note: This originally appeared in The Manila Bulletin.
Source
By JP ABCEDE
Manila Bulletin
San Beda College turned yesterday's deciding Game 3 into a virtual scrimmage, plastering Jose Rizal University, 85-69, to win its third straight NCAA seniors basketball championship at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum.
The Bombers were never in the match after the Lions extended a 35-18 halftime lead to 59-40, with 4:12 left in the third quarter. Ogie Menor led a 14-5 tear in the third, scoring seven of his 18 points. He also had eight rebounds and shot 7-of-9 from the two-point area.
"It boiled down on proper execution defensively and offensively," said San Beda coach Frankie Lim. "My guys played well."
After two matches that went down the wire, Game 3 was devoid of drama and excitement as the Lions stamped their class early before 20,360 fans.
"We will bring the war to them. Sila naman guluhin natin," Lim told his players in the locker room prior to the game. "Start aggressive, start strong, and control the game."
It marked the second time the Lions completed a hat-trick of victories. The first came from 1934 to 1936. The title was the Lions' 14th, just two short of Letran's 16 championships.
Finals MVP Sam Ekwe led the champs with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks in 36 minutes.
"He (Ekwe) did a great job on (James) Sena. He stopped (Jayson) Nocom from hitting those outside shots," Lim said. "He is the MVP of the finals and of the season. He deserved it."
Ekwe and Pong Escobal went three-for-three in their NCAA career. The Talk 'N Text draftee finished his last game with 11 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.
Other Lions who scored in double figures were Jake Pascual with 13 points, who also had seven rebounds, three blocks, and three assists, and Borgie Hermida with 11 points.
"It looked easy but it was not very easy," Lim remarked.
The Lions dominated in a number of statistical departments. They shot 45 percent from the field, and limited the Heavy Bombers to 35 percent shooting. SBC also outrebounded JRU, 53-32, 19 of those coming from the offensive end, which led to 17 second chance points. Jose Rizal only had 11 offensive boards for nine second chance points.
The Lions also had its running game humming with 14 fastbreak points, compared to seven by JRU.
The scores:
SBC 85 - Ekwe 20, Menor 18, Pascual 13, Escobal 11, Hermida 11, Tecson 6, Taganas 4, Gamalinda 2, Marcelo 0.
JRU 69 - Sena 24, Cagoco 16, Njei 8, Nocom 7, Bulangis 3, Wilson 3, Pradas 3, Kabigting 2, Hayes 2, Agas 1.
Quarters: 24-12, 38-29, 64-48, 85-69.
---
Note: This originally appeared in The Manila Bulletin.
Source
Azkals to defend Philippine Peace Cup this weekend
After losing to Indonesia in a friendly in August, the Philippine men's seniors football team is back on the pitch this weekend as they are set to defend the championship they won last year, the Philippine Peace Cup.
The difference this time around is that the competition will be held at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, and that instead of four teams, there will only be three. Gone are Guam and Macau, and in their place is Pakistan.
Chinese Taipei has been the other consistent participant aside from the Philippines ever since its Long Teng Cup iteration, and the two will kick off the tournament on October 11 at 7pm. Two days later, it will be the South Asian squad testing the East Asian country at 4pm, and finally, the Cup will be capped on October 15 with the Azkals facing Pakistan.
Expected to lead the charge for the locals are European top flight booters Stephan Schrock and Neil Etheridge. They will be reinforced by old hands Rob Gier, Juani Guirado, and Jerry Lucena. They will be supplanted by local-based players Phil and James Younghusband, OJ Porteria, Chieffy Caligdong, and Chris Greatwich.
If head coach Hans Weiss will field his strongest 11, the expected starting lineup will be composed of Etheridge between the sticks; Gier, Guirado, Lucena, and Patrick Reichelt at the back; Schrock, Greatwich, Jeffrey Christiaens, and Mark Hartmann at midfield; and Phil Younghusband and Porteria up front.
Last year, the Philippines swept the competition en route to the title, conceding only a solitary goal which came in the final match against Chinese Taipei. It is easy to see them duplicating the feat since the country is the highest-ranked team in the tournament since the two other squads are hovering around the 170 mark.
According to the Azkals' official website, this tournament will start off a series of tuneup matches in preparation for next year's AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives.
The difference this time around is that the competition will be held at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, and that instead of four teams, there will only be three. Gone are Guam and Macau, and in their place is Pakistan.
Chinese Taipei has been the other consistent participant aside from the Philippines ever since its Long Teng Cup iteration, and the two will kick off the tournament on October 11 at 7pm. Two days later, it will be the South Asian squad testing the East Asian country at 4pm, and finally, the Cup will be capped on October 15 with the Azkals facing Pakistan.
Expected to lead the charge for the locals are European top flight booters Stephan Schrock and Neil Etheridge. They will be reinforced by old hands Rob Gier, Juani Guirado, and Jerry Lucena. They will be supplanted by local-based players Phil and James Younghusband, OJ Porteria, Chieffy Caligdong, and Chris Greatwich.
If head coach Hans Weiss will field his strongest 11, the expected starting lineup will be composed of Etheridge between the sticks; Gier, Guirado, Lucena, and Patrick Reichelt at the back; Schrock, Greatwich, Jeffrey Christiaens, and Mark Hartmann at midfield; and Phil Younghusband and Porteria up front.
Last year, the Philippines swept the competition en route to the title, conceding only a solitary goal which came in the final match against Chinese Taipei. It is easy to see them duplicating the feat since the country is the highest-ranked team in the tournament since the two other squads are hovering around the 170 mark.
According to the Azkals' official website, this tournament will start off a series of tuneup matches in preparation for next year's AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives.
10/09/2013
Despite losing, Pandas enter playoffs; Lions, Lightning end season in sour note
JP Abcede
Photos courtesy of Kiko Malicdem
The Sentinels made things interesting for the Pandas in their chase for the final playoff spot in the tenth season of PExBall when they unleashed a fourth quarter onslaught to come out on top, 80-70, in the final elimination playdate on October 5 at the Cloverleaf Place Gym in Makati.
With team rep Carlo Palmares and several Panda cagers staying in the venue to await their fate, they encountered anxious moments before breathing a collective sigh of relief when the Lions put up a fight but fall short against the Walkers, 73-74.
Meanwhile, the Lightning forfeited their game against the Vanguards as they could not muster enough personnel to show up at the venue, which obligated tournament director Kiko Malicdem to award the victory to Arvy Trinidad’s wards.
The whiteshirts held the Pandas scoreless for two and a half minutes in the pivotal period as they cranked up their defense to turn a two-point gap to a 16-point bubble, 78-62, with just 2:15 remaining in the clock.
Robinson Abalos and Ed Maceda teamed up to lead their squad in scoring with 18 points apiece. The veteran also accounted for ten rebounds and seven steals, while the rookie chipped in six swipes and four assists.
Jojo Escanlar also had a double-double with 11 markers and 13 boards and Kenneth Leander had a productive afternoon with 11 while pilfering five possessions. The team had 24 steals all in all, which emphasized the effectiveness of their fullcourt pressure defense.
MJ Macapugay topscored with 22 points with Christian Sangalang and Carlo Palmares having 24 points and 21 rebounds between them. Ericson Fuertes put in ten markers and Leo Vencio contributed 13 boards, five assists, and six steals. As a team, the Pandas committed 32 turnovers.
Jeff Domingo and the Sentinels arrange a one-off against the Walkers, while black and orange-jerseyed squad has to win twice against the Wolverines to advance to the quarterfinals.
Walkers scrape past Lions
With the Pandas dropping the first game, the Lions were itching to get the win against the Walkers that would propel them to the playoffs. They were just three and some minutes short of doing that as they carried a four-point lead, 71-67, after Jeff Gonzales converted two freethrows off a foul from Jeremy dela Cruz.
Never giving up, Meynard Castillo’s wards took control as they scored the next eight points with Rian Lapizar capping the run with a basket at the 1:11 mark. A Pao Escober steal in the final minute practically sealed the Lions’ fate as Gonzales’ triple at the buzzer became a mere formality.
Escobar had MVP-like numbers, leading all scorers with 33 points, while corralling 20 rebounds, and grabbing five steals. Joey Santos also lit the scoreboard with 29.
Abeth Pinili was back to his old self in this fixture as he finished with 20 points on 8/12 field goal shooting and eight rebounds. Gonzales finished the season with 16 markers and 11 boards. Kevin Aladin chalked up 16 points, 14 caroms, and three steals.
The Lions conclude the season at 11th place, just ahead of the Lightning, which decided not to show up in their final assignment this year.
All-Star game and side events lined up on Saturday
The league takes a break for a week to make way for the annual All-Star game featuring the Dark Team coached by Renvic Catanghal of the Spartans facing the Light Team of Emer Rapin of the Wolverines. Last year, the Dark Team won against the Light Team in the inaugural All-Star match.
This year’s sidelights include the three-point shootout, the halfcourt shot, the obstacle course race, and the shooting stars event. The Pandas’ Macapugay will defend his crown in the three-point shootout, Tristan Taboac of the Packers will once again try his marksmanship from halfcourt, and defending obstacle race champion Omar Ilagan will attempt to make it two straight in the event.
The festivities will start at 3:30pm.
Source
Photos courtesy of Kiko Malicdem
The Sentinels made things interesting for the Pandas in their chase for the final playoff spot in the tenth season of PExBall when they unleashed a fourth quarter onslaught to come out on top, 80-70, in the final elimination playdate on October 5 at the Cloverleaf Place Gym in Makati.
With team rep Carlo Palmares and several Panda cagers staying in the venue to await their fate, they encountered anxious moments before breathing a collective sigh of relief when the Lions put up a fight but fall short against the Walkers, 73-74.
Meanwhile, the Lightning forfeited their game against the Vanguards as they could not muster enough personnel to show up at the venue, which obligated tournament director Kiko Malicdem to award the victory to Arvy Trinidad’s wards.
The whiteshirts held the Pandas scoreless for two and a half minutes in the pivotal period as they cranked up their defense to turn a two-point gap to a 16-point bubble, 78-62, with just 2:15 remaining in the clock.
Robinson Abalos and Ed Maceda teamed up to lead their squad in scoring with 18 points apiece. The veteran also accounted for ten rebounds and seven steals, while the rookie chipped in six swipes and four assists.
Jojo Escanlar also had a double-double with 11 markers and 13 boards and Kenneth Leander had a productive afternoon with 11 while pilfering five possessions. The team had 24 steals all in all, which emphasized the effectiveness of their fullcourt pressure defense.
MJ Macapugay topscored with 22 points with Christian Sangalang and Carlo Palmares having 24 points and 21 rebounds between them. Ericson Fuertes put in ten markers and Leo Vencio contributed 13 boards, five assists, and six steals. As a team, the Pandas committed 32 turnovers.
Jeff Domingo and the Sentinels arrange a one-off against the Walkers, while black and orange-jerseyed squad has to win twice against the Wolverines to advance to the quarterfinals.
Walkers scrape past Lions
With the Pandas dropping the first game, the Lions were itching to get the win against the Walkers that would propel them to the playoffs. They were just three and some minutes short of doing that as they carried a four-point lead, 71-67, after Jeff Gonzales converted two freethrows off a foul from Jeremy dela Cruz.
Never giving up, Meynard Castillo’s wards took control as they scored the next eight points with Rian Lapizar capping the run with a basket at the 1:11 mark. A Pao Escober steal in the final minute practically sealed the Lions’ fate as Gonzales’ triple at the buzzer became a mere formality.
Escobar had MVP-like numbers, leading all scorers with 33 points, while corralling 20 rebounds, and grabbing five steals. Joey Santos also lit the scoreboard with 29.
Abeth Pinili was back to his old self in this fixture as he finished with 20 points on 8/12 field goal shooting and eight rebounds. Gonzales finished the season with 16 markers and 11 boards. Kevin Aladin chalked up 16 points, 14 caroms, and three steals.
The Lions conclude the season at 11th place, just ahead of the Lightning, which decided not to show up in their final assignment this year.
All-Star game and side events lined up on Saturday
The league takes a break for a week to make way for the annual All-Star game featuring the Dark Team coached by Renvic Catanghal of the Spartans facing the Light Team of Emer Rapin of the Wolverines. Last year, the Dark Team won against the Light Team in the inaugural All-Star match.
This year’s sidelights include the three-point shootout, the halfcourt shot, the obstacle course race, and the shooting stars event. The Pandas’ Macapugay will defend his crown in the three-point shootout, Tristan Taboac of the Packers will once again try his marksmanship from halfcourt, and defending obstacle race champion Omar Ilagan will attempt to make it two straight in the event.
The festivities will start at 3:30pm.
Source
UFL shorts, 10/09/13
Green Archers United won against Nomads, 1-0, on October 8 at the Emperador Stadium in McKinley Hill, Taguig to secure third place in the United Football League Preseason tournament. In the 30th minute, Reynald Villareal's strike rolled towards the far post, far away for Nomads keeper Russel Pierson to reach, for the only goal that evening.
The finals between Global and Loyola Meralco Sparks will be played tomorrow evening, also at the Emperador Stadium.
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UFL rumor #1: A certain UFL division one club withdrew from the Cup citing that they do not have enough players in their lineup. Depends on who you asked, either they were not able to submit their roster on time or they did not bother to do so. It remains to be seen if they can muster enough manpower by the time the League kicks off next year. If they can't, will the League elevate a division two club or will we see a decrease of teams in the top flight? It has been reported that Nomads will ply their trade on division two where the "five-import limit" is not yet imposed.
UFL rumor #2: It is speculated that several non-UFL clubs which were committed to participate in this year's Cup backed out because the group draws did not go their way.
UFL rumor #3: It has been found out that a certain non-UFL club will field a roster composed of foreigners after officials received their documents. It has not been announced what they plan to do with this club, whether to sanction them or not with only three days to go before the Cup starts. Nomads declined to compete out of courtesy since they cannot commit to the "five-import limit", how come this club can?
The finals between Global and Loyola Meralco Sparks will be played tomorrow evening, also at the Emperador Stadium.
---
UFL rumor #1: A certain UFL division one club withdrew from the Cup citing that they do not have enough players in their lineup. Depends on who you asked, either they were not able to submit their roster on time or they did not bother to do so. It remains to be seen if they can muster enough manpower by the time the League kicks off next year. If they can't, will the League elevate a division two club or will we see a decrease of teams in the top flight? It has been reported that Nomads will ply their trade on division two where the "five-import limit" is not yet imposed.
UFL rumor #2: It is speculated that several non-UFL clubs which were committed to participate in this year's Cup backed out because the group draws did not go their way.
UFL rumor #3: It has been found out that a certain non-UFL club will field a roster composed of foreigners after officials received their documents. It has not been announced what they plan to do with this club, whether to sanction them or not with only three days to go before the Cup starts. Nomads declined to compete out of courtesy since they cannot commit to the "five-import limit", how come this club can?
10/07/2013
SBP, NBA hold coaching clinic
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, together with the National Basketball Association, will hold a coaches' clinic on October 8, 4pm, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This is in line with the different programs the NBA has been organizing to promote the sport and the league around the world. On October 10, the Indiana Pacers will go up against the Houston Rockets at the MOA Arena in a preseason game dubbed the NBA Global Games.
Registration will start at 3pm. For more information, email sbp.nbacoachesclinic@gmail.com
This is in line with the different programs the NBA has been organizing to promote the sport and the league around the world. On October 10, the Indiana Pacers will go up against the Houston Rockets at the MOA Arena in a preseason game dubbed the NBA Global Games.
Registration will start at 3pm. For more information, email sbp.nbacoachesclinic@gmail.com
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