Wednesday, September 26, 2012

PBA TEAMS OFFICIAL LINE UP





Here are the Official  list of  line up players in the upcoming PBA All FIlipino Conferences


AIR 21 Official Line UP

 


ALASKA ACES OFFICIAL LINE UP



BARAKO BULL ENERGY COLAS OFFICIAL LINE UP


BARANGAY GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL OFFICIAL LINE UP


GLOBAL PORT BATANG PIER OFFICIAL LINE UP

MERALCO BOLTS OFFICIAL LINE UP

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTER OFFICIAL LINE UP


RAIN OE SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS OFFICIAL LINE UP


SAN MIG COFFEE MIXERS OFFICIAL LINE UP













TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS OFFICIAL LINE UP
Source: InterAKTV

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Rey Rey Parks Is The First Possible Filipino in the NBA

InterAKTV/Roy Afable
Bobby Ray Parks may soon get a chance to work out for an NBA team.
Sheryl Reyes, a top agent who represents American imports for teams from all over the world, said she’s hooking up with several American colleagues to give the National University star an opportunity to showcase his wares stateside.
“My bet as to who among Filipino players has a chance of making it to the NBA is Ray Parks,” wrote Reyes in a text message to InterAKTV. “I will recommend him to my agents [in the US] and sponsor him for camps.”
The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player led the Bulldogs to its first final four stint since 2001 with a victory over Far Eastern University on Sunday. Parks finished with 27 points, none more important than his go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute late in the game.
He is the son of seven-time PBA Best Import Bobby Parks, who was selected in the third round of the 1984 NBA draft before being cut by the squad before the start of the season.
The younger Parks has long harbored NBA dreams. “I’d want to be the first Filipino in the NBA,” he said in an interview last year prior to the start of his first UAAP campaign.
He spent the bulk of his teenage years in his father’s home state of Tennessee, where he developed into a top American high school prospect. He got the opportunity to play pickup basketball against former University of Memphis players who later made it to the in the NBA, such as Derrick Rose, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Tyreke Evans.
He was recruited by several different American colleges and signed a letter of intent with the Georgia Tech, but chose to attend NU instead.

source: interaksyon.com

Smart Gilas Pilipinas Next Line up

JUNE Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Arwind Santos, Kelly Williams, and Marc Pingris are on Chot Reyes’ wish list as the Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 coach looks to close gaps in his lineup in the wake of a fourth-place finish in the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo.


Arriving from Japan on Sunday afternoon, Reyes said a Tokyo campaign which Gilas ended with lopsided losses to Iran and Qatar exposed two glaring holes in his lineup – the need for a backup for Ranidel de Ocampo at power forward and a couple of big men that could keep the Nationals respectable in the middle when naturalized player Marcus Douthit takes a breather.
Reyes also said he is keen to test how Talk ‘N Text guard Jason Castro will fare under the Gilas setup, the same way he gave Sol Mercado a chance to show his wares during the title run in the Jones Cup and Jarred Dillinger during the Tokyo campaign.
“Glaring [na butas talaga] ang backup to Marcus and backup to Ranidel. Hopefully we can get a Slaughter or a Fajardo and then Kelly, Arwind and Ping (Pingris). ‘Yun naman talaga ang nasa pool eh,” Reyes said.

“And we need to see Jason (Castro) playing. Kailangan i-test. Na test na natin Jarred, mukhang kaya. Kailangan si Jason naman [ang bigyan ng opportunity].”

At the same time, Reyes said Garvo Lanete, Matt Rosser, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual and Slaughter will be invited to be part of Sinag Pilipinas, the national team’s ‘B’ pool which he also hopes to bolster by holding tryouts for Fil-American prospects in the United States.
Reyes said an evaluation will be made on the team in the next few weeks, with an eye on the Fiba Asia for Men (formerly the ABC) tournament next year in Lebanon, where the top three finishers earn berths to the following year’s world basketball championships.
All members of the Jones Cup and Tokyo teams deserve to remain in the pool, Reyes said, but he added that no one at this point is guaranteed a spot in his 12-man lineup.
“What I can definitely say is this is an evaluation. Hindi maiiwasan yon. There’s gonna be an evaluation and whatever changes that need to be made will be made,” Reyes said. “But right now too it’s early to tell kung sino ang masasama.

“I think the players that went to Taipei and Japan, they all deserve to be in the pool. Now if they’re going to make the final twelve di pa natin alam.”

However, Reyes said he hopes the PBA will address a “gray area” in the memorandum of agreement on the lending of players to the national team so he can have a better idea on who will be available for him in the buildup for the Asian championships.

“Again that’s always a gray area. Hopefully we can get a more definite commitment in that regard,” Reyes said.

Curiously, Reyes was silent on a possible reshuffle of his armada of shooters, even though shooting had been Gilas’ Achilles heel in Tokyo. The team went a combined 24-of-113 from three-point range in the games that mattered in the Asia Cup, with no one among Jeff Chan, Gary David, Larry Fonacier, LA Tenorio , Gabe Norwood and Dillinger getting into any rhythm in Tokyo.
Reyes, however, said he hopes the PBA will adopt Fiba rules on traveling violations and start using the same rims that are used in Fiba-sanctioned tournaments, which players swore are firmer and as a result cause bigger bounces than the ones used in local leagues.
“If I can ask the PBA board and my fellow coaches if they’re willing to adopt the Fiba rules on traveling in the PBA. Number two, kung pwede palitan ang rim – rim lang ‘di ang board that fits Fiba’s. Malaking bagay 'din yon. If we don’t make outside shots against the big teams, we’ll have a hard time winning,” Reyes said.


“We have to get used to that kind of rim and to shooting against much bigger opponents and it will only come by continuously playing against much bigger teams.”

Looking back, Reyes said the Jones Cup and Tokyo tournaments have shown how good Gilas has become after just two overseas stints – and how much better it can be.
“Before this whole thing started, if someone said we’ll have one first [place] and one fourth, we’ll be happy. Kaya lang ngayon malungkot tayo, we all know we could have done better in Japan,” the Gilas coach said.

“But then again, we have to remember it’s just second tournament of the team, marami pang igagaling itong team na ito. Even after Taipei, we didn’t have any illusion sa tournament sa Japan and ang ganda nyan, more than anything else, we know how much more we have to go, how much longer we have to go if we’re to contend [sa Asian championships] next year.”

source: spin.ph

Friday, September 21, 2012

Alaska VS Talk and Text Game Result in PBA Pre Season



The Alaska Aces displayed poise at crunchtime to edge the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, 73-70, in the 2012 Cebu City Mayor’s Cup Friday night at the Cebu Coliseum. The Aces had ball possession while holding a slim one-point lead, 71-70, with 12.5 seconds on the clock. Alaska’s Tony Dela Cruz inbounded to JV Casio who was immediately fouled by TNT’s Kelly Williams. Casio converted the two pressure-packed free throws to seal the win for the Aces, 73-70, with 10 seconds left to play. The Tropang Texters had one final chance to send the game into overtime but Jason Castro missed a three-pointer as the Aces held on to post the scrambling victory.



The Aces had to buck the absence of Cyrus Baguio late in the game. Baguio fouled out of the game with still 2:31 left to go in the match. In the opening game the San Mig Coffee Mixers posted a lopsided 82-69 win over the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos Meanwhile, Alaska Aces Assistant Team Manager Dickie Bachman said winning the tournament will just be a bonus to the team’s primary objective which is preparing for the coming 2013 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup set to start first week of March. “It will be nice if we win all three games and the tournament. But from a team standpoint, we are here to improve ourselves on both ends of the floor,” said Bachmann. Alaska’s Assistant Team Manager noted that Alaska players, eager and raring to make up for their poor performance the past year, have really stepped up their game. “Mac Baracael has been playing very well these past few weeks. He has been starting to execute in the triangle offense. More importantly he is willing to do the dirty work in defense,” said Bachmann.

 The Assistant Team Manager also praised Dondon Hontiveros for the numerous things he brings to the Aces. The Aces now have a legit shooter who can help spread the floor on offense according to Bachmann. Another noteworthy player for the Aces according to Bachmann is newcomer JV Casio. “We have played five practice games and he has been our scoring leader. He’s not afraid to take the big shot and knows when to pass to an open teammate.

Defensively, he’s a smart player,” said Bachmann. Other players worthy of mention according to Bachmann are rookie Raffy Reyes as well as journeyman Gabby Espinas. “Reyes, who is just a rookie, will shock everyone. He is lightning quick and plays aggressive defense.

 I enjoy watching him pressure the opposing point guards,” said Bachmann. Two more players who stepped up in the pre-season so far are veterans Gabby Espinas and Tony Dela Cruz. “Gabby (Espinas) will be a key for us this conference .

 If he can remain focused, he will give other teams a hard time. He’s a tremendous post player and can hit the open 15-18 footer consistently,” said Bachmann. “Dela Cruz on the other hand was playing with an injury last year. But this coming conference he is 100 percent ready. Here’s a player who will do what needs to be done to make the team win

. If i’ts to stop the other teams scorer, he will do it.” The Aces open their campaign in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup 7:30 p.m. on October 5, Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum against the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

The other Alaska games for October are:
 October 10, 2012-Wednesday, against the Meralco Bolts, Araneta Coliseum-5:15 p.m.;
 October 14, 2012-Sunday, against the Barako Bull Energy Cola, Smart-Araneta Coliseum-4:15 p.m.; October 19, 2012-Friday, against the Petron Blaze Boosters, SM MOA Arena (tentative)-5:15 p.m.; October 26, 2012-Friday, against the Air21 Express, Araneta Coliseum-5:15 p.m.; and
 October 28, 2012-Sunday, against the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, Smart-Araneta Coliseum, 6:30 p.m.

source: alaskaaces.com.ph

Full Video Replay Of June MAr Fajardo Vs Greg Slaughter FTW

Who is a better player  between June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter.  Two  best future PBA Center aspirant as of today. Watch here the full video replay of June Mar Fajardo And Greg Slaughter in FTW episode.


Ginebra's Guards Reaction on LA TENORIO







Barangay Ginebra San Miguel point guards have spoken, and it’s unanimous: newly-acquired LA Tenorio is the lead point guard for the Gin Kings this season.

Jayjay Helterbrand, Mike Cortez, and Rob Labagala have no problem if the newest member of the squad gets majority of the minutes and the spotlight.

“Egos have to be set aside in quest of a championship,” Helterbrand told InterAKTV. “I welcome LA with open arms. Management has done a tremendous job tinkering with our lineup.”

According to the 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player, Tenorio’s inclusion is vital to the team’s championship aspirations.

“We’ve got a right mix of veterans and young players, so I see LA, coming off his spectacular performance in the Jones Cup, will be an important ingredient for us,” said Helterbrand.

Cortez, who was the starting point guard for the Gin Kings for most of last season, knows Tenorio’s entry will take away huge minutes for the other guards, but he said he has already accepted his new role with the squad.

“I’m at the point of my career where I’m not concerned about not getting more minutes,” said Cortez. “I’m at the stage of my career where the only thing I think about is to win a championship.”

Ginebra gave up Enrico Villanueva and two draft picks in a complicated five team deal to bring in Tenorio, and his entry has had the most impact on Rob Labagala. The former University of the East guard has been relegated to Ginebra’s reserve list, and is scheduled to join the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League after the Philippine Cup.

“Malaki talaga ang epekto sa akin sa pagpasok ni LA, pero accepted ko naman ito. Ang importante sa akin, part pa rin ako ng team at yugn pagpasok ni LA, gumanda yung tsansa naming manalo ng championship. Yun ang objective naming lahat, makuha yung championship,” said Labagala, who added that he’s looking forward to a bigger role in the ABL.

“I hope makatulong ako sa San Miguel, kung dati runner-up sila, we’re determined na makatulong na bigyan ang San Miguel ng championship.”

Source: Rey Joble, InterAKTV
interaksyon.com

Smart Gilas Versus IRan Game Result

InterAKTV file photo/Justin Gener
It’s all on him.
SMART-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said he’s to blame for the national team’s 77-60 defeat to Iran in the semifinals of the FIBA Asia cup Friday in Tokyo, Japan.
“23 turnovers. Weren’t ready to play. I take full responsibility,” wrote Reyes on his Twitter account after the game.
A day after committing 21 turnovers against Chinese Taipei, the Philippines was once again plagued by errors, which allowed Iran to turn a tight 50-47 contest in the third quarter into a blowout in the fourth.
The loss relegated SMART-Gilas to the battle for third. Several players chimed in on Twitter to apologize to Filipino basketball fans and promise a better effort for the bronze medal match.
“Apologies for letting the country down tonight,” wrote Gabe Norwood on his feed. “Only option now is to bounce back tomorrow and finish on somewhat of a high note.”
“We will bounce back from today. We will place third. There’s nothing else to say,” added Jared Dillinger.
But while he accepted the responsibility for for the team’s loss, Reyes clarified that there was something he wasn’t taking the blame for.
“I didn’t deserve the (technical foul) for talking to (Gabe Norwood) two minutes into the game from the LEBANESE ref,” said Reyes. The coach was among those who had criticized FIBA Asia for awarding the hosting rights to next year’s championship to Lebanon despite what he called a better presentation from the Philippines. FIBA Asia secretary-general Hagop Khajirian is, incidentally, Lebanese.
SMART-Gilas will take on the loser of the other semifinal pairing between Japan and Qatar.

Jun Mar Fajardo has a Better Chance to Play in the NBA than Japeth Aguilar

PBA/Nuki Sabio
Veteran Petron center Dorian Peña has a word of warning for other PBA big men who will try to guard top overall pick June Mar Fajardo: Look out!
“He’s strong, he’s got the height, he can shoot and he can run. To all the players who will try to stop him, look out,” Peña told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview at his restaurant in Marcos Highway.
Peña has had the opportunity to size up the 6-foot-10 rookie out of Cebu, and he likes what he’s seen so far.
“How many Filipino players are 6-foot-10, can shoot, can run and has strong body? If several people believe Japeth Aguilar has a chance of making it to the NBA, I think June Mar has a better chance of making it to the big league,” said Peña.
The 6-foot-9 Aguilar is one of the most physically-gifted Filipino players, but has struggled in the rough and tumble PBA game. He is currently in the United States and has reportedly attended open workouts of several NBA and D-League teams.
Unlike Fajardo, however, Aguilar plays the forward position because of his lack of bulk. That’s not a problem for Fajardo, who weighed in at 268.4 pounds during the PBA’s pre-draft measurements.
But before he can dream bigger dreams, Fajardo has to prove himself first against top centers in Philippine shores. He makes his much-anticipated debut when the Petron Blaze Boosters take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on October 3.

source: interaksyon.com

Thursday, September 20, 2012

PBA TRADE UPDATES : Josh Urbiztondo was Traded To Barako For Future First Round Pick



IN a trade which Tim Cone said broke his heart, San Mig Coffee is sending its scrappy starting point guard Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull for a first-round pick in next season’s PBA rookie draft.
The trade, subject to the approval of the Commissioner’s Office, actually makes sense for both teams since San Mig has a surplus of point guards with Jonas Villanueva, Mark Barroca and Urbiztondo while Barako has suddenly become thin in that position after the departure of Willie Miller and Wynne Arboleda.


The Mixers are also getting former Ateneo star Wesley Gonzales as part of the three-team deal also involving sister team Petron, which, sources said, will get a couple of second round picks from the deal.
However, Cone said it still pained him to let go of Urbiztondo, an undrafted Fil-American point guard who defied all expectations by finishing second to Rico Maierhofer in the 2010 Rookie of the Year race and blossomed during Cone’s first season with the Mixers.
“(It was) hard for me because I loved Josh and I thought he represented our organization extremely well,” Cone said. “It would have been tough to trade any of our point guards, but Josh was the hardest because of my personal relationship with him.”

source: http://www.spin.ph

Smart Gilas Pilipinas Vs Iran on FIBA Asia Semifinals

InterAKTV file photo/Justin Gener

It was an ugly win, but he’ll take it.
Shortly after leading the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team to a 75-68 victory over Chinese Taipei in the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals, coach Chot Reyes took to Twitter to express his sentiments about the game.
“Not pretty at all. Our rust showed. But at least we found a way,” he wrote.
The Philippine team was coming off a two-day break, and the lack of action showed right in the first quarter, which saw SMART-Gilas trailing 13-10.
The squad got its bearings in the second quarter, pouring in 28 points to take a 38-32 halftime advantage. Chinese Taipei inched closer after the break on the heroics of Taiwanese-American swingman Douglas Creighton, but a strong start in the fourth quarter gave SMART-Gilas an insurmountable edge.
The Filipinos shot 42 percent from the field, but just 29 percent from the three-point line (7-of-24). And while SMART-Gilas took a 50-31 rebounding advantage, the team was uncharacteristically sloppy, turning the ball over a whopping 21 times.
With the victory over Chinese Taipei, SMART-Gilas moved into the semifinal round, where it faces Iran on Friday. For Reyes, the team’s performance against the Taiwanese won’t cut it against the West Asian powerhouse.
“We need to play a LOT better to have a chance vs Iran tomorrow,” he said.
Iran remains the only undefeated team in the tournament, after sweeping Group B of the competition and dispatching lowly Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals. The Iranians have added motivation as it tries to avenge its 77-75 loss to SMART-Gilas in the 34th William Jones Cup last month.

source: interaksyon.com

PBA Opening day Muses for Air 21 and Rain or Shine

Stephany Stefanowitz and Camille Guevarra. Photos courtesy of Miss Earth Philippines and Mutya ng Pilipinas
Two beauty queens will take center stage to add a dash of glamour to the opening ceremonies of the PBA on September 30.
Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 Camille Guevara and Miss Earth 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz will be the muses of Air 21 and Rain or Shine, respectively.
A native of Pampanga, the 5-foot-7, 19-year-old Guevarra will be the country’s representative for the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Spain in December.
Stefanowitz, a 22-year-old Filipino-German, will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth contest in Manila in November.

source: interaksyon.com

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

San Mig Cofee Mixers Muse, Anne Curtis

Photo courtesy of Viva Artist Agency
Popular television and movie actress Anne Curtis will be the muse of the San Mig Coffee Mixers for the opening of the new season of the PBA on September 30.
San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo confirmed the news to InterAKTV.
The 27-year-old Curtis, one of the most sought-after celebrities in the country, is no stranger to the PBA, having served as muse for Ginebra in 2010. She stars in the newest commercial for San Mig Coffee, making her an easy choice for the basketball team.
Apart from film and television projects, Curtis was recently named an ambassador for peace by the Philippine government along with apl.de.ap, Gerald Anderson, and members of the Philippine national men’s football team.

source: interaksyon.com

BonBon Custodio Was Traded To Air 21


AKTV/Leslie Sy

Air 21 isn’t done tinkering with its roster.
Just 10 days before the start of the new PBA season, the Express got a new addition in spitfire guard Bonbon Custodio from Alaska in exchange for a 2014 second round pick.
Air 21 team executive Lito Alvarez told InterAKTV that his team has reached an agreement with the Aces as of late morning Thursday.
“OK na kami ng Alaska for Bonbon,” Alvarez said in a telephone interview. “He is the type of player na hinahanap ni Coach Franz [Pumaren], a combo guard who can score and give us stability sa backcourt.”
Alaska coach Luigi Trillo said sending the talented guard to the Express is a way to assure him of playing time, which isn’t guaranteed in the crowded Aces backcourt.
“It would be unfair for Bonbon to see him play in the third group considering the talent that he has,” Trillo said in a telephone interview.
Air 21 underwent a major facelift with its lineup in the offseason, acquiring KG Canaleta and John Wilson from Ginebra and Noy Baclao and Rob Reyes from Petron.
They also added big man Yousef Taha and guard Simon Atkins from the rookie draft.
Like the Express, the Aces were busy making offseason moves, trading main man LA Tenorio and seldom-used forwards Hans Thiele and Wesley Gonzales to bring in promising sophomore JVee Casio and veteran swingman Dondon Hontiveros.
The Aces are also expected to make room for rookie stalwart Calvin Abueva, the team’s second overall pick, as well as do-it-all guard Raphy Reyes, who has impressed Trillo in their tuneup games.
“With Raphy Reyes showing a lot of promise in practice, doing everything from hustling, defending and providing scoring sock when needed, Bonbon will be relegated to the third group because we also have Dondon Hontiveros, Cyrus Baguio and Calvin Abueva,” added Trillo. “I know Bonbon is not complaining. He’s a silent-type player, but I don’t want to be unfair to him, that’s why we want to help him the best possible way by looking for a team which can give him more playing time.”

Source: interaksyon.com

Panatang Makabayan By Smart Gilas

Smart Gilas Pilipinas, The National Basketball team of the Philippines made a nationalistic video by reciting the Panatang Makabayan. Naturalized Filipino made it more exciting as he tries to recite it using tagalog. Go Smart Gilas. We all here supporting. Go for the Gold


PBA is a War

This is a full five minute video created by a PBA fan. Just sharing this guys to you. Hope you all like it too. PBA is a War.


Saturday, September 15, 2012

Full Video Replay of Kiever Ravena Dunks over Abdul HIghlights

Ateneo Blue Eagles Star, Son of a PBA legend, Kiefer Ravena Dunks on much taller UST Tiger Abdul. Coming out from a steal, Ravena rush toward the basket and made an unforgettable dunk. If you miss the game. this high quality video replay is for you


Smart Gilas Vs Lebanon Result

Photo courtesy of Chot Reyes
Naturalized center Marcus Douthit showed exactly why he’s such an important member of the SMART-Gilas national team as he dominated on the floor to help the Philippines defeat Lebanon, 78-68, in their Group A clash in the 4th FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan.
Douthit posted 25 points, 21 rebounds and one crucial block on longtime Lebanon star Fadi El-Khatib with under a minute to play as SMART-Gilas notched its first win of the tournament.
Gilas trailed Lebanon after a very tight first half that saw neither team lead by more than five points. Behind El-Khatib, who had 15 points and six rebounds in the first two periods, and their own naturalized player Garnett Thompson, who had 13 and seven, the Lebanese held a slim three-point edge, 41-38, at the halftime break.
But Douthit turned things around in the third period, crashing the offensive glass to score eight of his 10 points in the quarter off of second chance putbacks. His last two points, a pair of free throws with 23 seconds remaining in the third, gave Gilas a 59-53 lead, the largest for either team at that point.
The center had 16 points and 16 rebounds through the first three quarters.
But Lebanon issued a stiff challenge in the fourth, scoring six of the first eight points to come to within two, 61-59, off an El-Khatib triple early in the quarter. Ranidel De Ocampo scored for the Filipinos but Thompson responded with two of his own as the Lebanese looked determined to stick around.
But it was Douthit again that carried Gilas, scoring seven unanswered points and grabbing two defensive rebounds as the Filipinos opened up a 70-61 lead with just 3:29 to play.
Lebanon, though, wasn’t done yet with Rodrigue Akl and Jean Abdenour bringing them to within four yet again. Gary David scored for the Filipinos but El-Khatib found the net on the other end to make it 72-68 with just 1:09 remaining.
After a big defensive stop for Lebanon, it was El-Khatib again with a chance to cut the deficit down even further. But Douthit came up big once more for the Philippines, blocking the shot attempt and securing the ball for the Filipinos with 25 seconds left.
David hit again to push the lead up to six, 74-68, before LA Tenorio added a pair of free throws and Jared Dillinger sealed the win with a basket in the dying seconds as the Philippines grabbed their first win in the tournament.
David and Tenorio finished with 11 points apiece while Gabe Norwood and Dillinger each had 10 for SMART-Gilas.
The Filipinos outscored their counterparts 34-18 in the paint and 10-2 in second chance points.
El-Khatib led Lebanon with 24 points and 15 rebounds while Thompson finished with 17 and 11.
With the win, the Philippines tied their victims at 1-1 in Group A of the tournament. China and Uzbekistan lead the group with 1-0 marks while Macau brings up the rear at 0-2.
The scores:
SMART-Gilas Pilipinas (78) – Douthit 25, David 11, Tenorio 11, Dillinger 10, Norwood 10, De Ocampo 8, Fonacier 3, Chan 0, Thoss 0.
Lebanon (68) – F. El Khatib 24, Thompson 17, Akl 10, Abdelnour 8, C. El-Khatib 4, Sarkis 3, Stephan 2, Rustom 0, Tabet 0.
Quarterscores: 19-20, 38-41, 59-53, 78-68.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Cliff Hodge Updates

AKTV/Bannie O. Bravante
Rookie Cliff Hodge is on an impressive run for the Meralco Bolts in their practice games, and coach Ryan Gregorio couldn’t be more thrilled.
The No. 4 overall pick came away with 27 points to lead all scorers in Meralco’s tuneup game Friday against Rain or Shine to lead all scorers.
“He had 19 points in our first tune up game, 24 in our second tune up match and 27 today,” Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio told interAKTV. “This guy keeps improving game by game.”
The coach said even though the Filipino-American had been a star in the PBA D-League, there were still things about Hodge’s game that came as a pleasant surprise.
“He surprised me with his perimeter game. I had no idea he can take those 20-footers. My recollection of Hodge is he’s an aggressive player,” said Gregorio.
“People felt that Hodge is a cross in between a power forward and a wingman, but this guy makes up for being an undersized forward with his athleticism and enthusiasm.”
Gregorio is installing a free-flowing offense for the Bolts, which plays to the strengths of Hodge.
“If you noticed, there were instances when we played with four small men with Hodge playing center. But that benefits Hodge, particularly on the offensive end. This offense gives players freedom,” said Gregorio.
“There’s no absolute freedom, but it’s a freedom to do the right things.”
The new system also gave a lot of scoring opportunities for Sunday Salvacion, who was acquired by the Bolts along with Carlo Sharma in a trade that sent Jason Ballesteros to Barako Bull.
“He spread the floor well for us,” said Gregorio. “Imagine if you have a Sol Mercado there who can break the defense, then it will give good looks to Sunday, Mac Mac [Cardona] and Hodge.”

source: interaksyon.com

Smart Gilas Vs China Game Result

Photo courtesy of Larry Fonacier (@findingheaven12)
It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of fight in the dog.
Even though the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team lost to China, 71-68, to open the FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan, the Philippine squad proved that adage true by showing that it could go head-to-head against a much taller squad.
The Chinese, with an average height of 6-foot-8, enjoyed a big size advantage against the Filipinos, who had an average height of 6-foot-4. Despite the size difference, SMART-Gilas held China to 38 percent shooting from the field, fighting hard not to give any easy looks to the Asian powerhouse.
And even though China lorded over the rebounds, 58-31, SMART-Gilas made up the difference by forcing 10 more turnovers against its less-experienced counterparts, 22-12.
The Filipinos forced China’s star guard Guo Ailun, a member of his country’s Olympics team, to four turnovers. SMART-Gilas also hounded prized 18-year-old center Wang Zheilin to just six points and five turnovers. Wang, who battled foul trouble throughout the game, did use his size and athleticism to grab 14 rebounds.
Firing blanks
In the end, however, it was outside shooting, or lack thereof, that spelled doom for the Philippines. Early in the game, after repeated incursions by SMART-Gilas slashers into the shaded lane, Chinese coach Fan Bin decided to go into a zone, virtually daring Filipino shooters to try to beat them from the outside.
But the Philippine gunners kept firing blanks. Larry Fonacier shot just 2-of-7 from beyond the arc, while Gary David and Jeff Chan each shot 1-of-7. LA Tenorio was 1-of-5, while Ranidel De Ocampo hit none of his five three-point attempts. As a team, SMART-Gilas shot a miserable 6-of-35 (17 percent) from three-point distance.
SMART-Gilas’ shot four three-pointers to try to tie the game in the dying seconds, missing all of them. Here’s hoping those shots drop for the Philippines for the rest of its campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup.

source: interaksyon.com

Asi Taulava on a Trade Table

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan
Despite Asi Taulava’s departure to the ASEAN Basketball League’s San Miguel Beermen, the Meralco Bolts will retain PBA rights of first refusal to the veteran center.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud said rights to Taulava will remain with the Bolts indefinitely since the team extended the player a tender offer.
But Bolts executive Mon Segismundo said Meralco is open to trading Taulava’s rights should another team show interest in the center.
“We are always on a lookout for trade transactions that will give value to the Bolts,” wrote Segismundo in a text message to InterAKTV.
The San Miguel Beermen squad is owned by San Miguel Corporation, which also bankrolls PBA teams Ginebra, Petron, and San Mig Coffee.
Taulava’s agent Sheryl Reyes, however, said that the slotman isn’t thinking about a return to the PBA just yet.
“Asi is focused winning a championship and the ABL is a big chance for him. It’s been a long time since he had that feeling,” said Reyes, who also expressed gratitude for Taulava’s former team.
“We are very grateful to Meralco. If they do end up trading Asi’s rights, then we will respect that.”
The Bolts have started to move on from the Taulava era, acquiring veterans Carlo Sharma and Sunday Salvacion from Barako Bull for Jason Ballesteros.

Air 21 Wants Mike Cortez, Said Pumaren

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan
As the Cool Cat of the De La Salle Green Archers, Mike Cortez spent some of his best years on the basketball court playing for coach Franz Pumaren.
These days, the Air 21 coach couldn’t help but dream about being reunited with his former star point guard, who now plies his wares at Ginebra.
“It will be good if we have a reunion of sorts,” Pumaren told InterAKTV in a telephone interview. “Besides, we badly need a dependable point guard.”
Air 21 has embarked on a massive buildup in the offseason that saw the team welcoming Noy Baclao, Rob Reyes, KG Canaleta, and John Wilson into its fold. It also signed rookies Yousef Taha and Simon Atkins, another former La Salle player.
Ginebra has also seen some radical changes in its lineup, highlighted by the acquisition of star point guard LA Tenorio, whose entry is expected to cut Cortez’s minutes. Apart from those two players, Jayjay Helterbrand and Rob Labagala are also expected to man the point for Ginebra.
Cortez had a witty reply when informed about his former coach’s interest in his services: “Might as well bring in Mac Cardona, Ren-Ren Ritualo and the other members of the La Salle champion squad in Air 21.”
Cardona plays for Meralco, while Ritualo is already with the Express.
Turning serious, Cortez said isn’t looking to leave Ginebra. “I’m happy with where I am now. I’m at the stage of my career where my focus is geared towards winning a championship,” he said.
“Management did a great job getting good players for our squad.”
He acknowledged, however, that staying with Ginebra is not just up to him
“I leave it all up to them what happens in my career. All I want to do is play for whichever team I am with. That’s something you don’t have control of.”

Source: interaksyon.com

New Players of Global Port, Marvin Reyes

Photo courtesy of the ASEAN Basketball League
Former University of the Philippines point guard Marvin Cruz is making a PBA return after being signed by the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
GlobalPort team manager BJ Manalo confirmed the deal to InterAKTV.
Cruz, who spent the past season with the Bangkok Cobras in the ASEAN Basketball League, is expected to shore up the Batang Pier’s point guard spot after they lost JVee Casio in a trade that brought back Willie Miller.
The 5-foot-8 lefty guard last played in the PBA in the 2010-11 season with Barako Bull.

Source: interaksyon.com

Thursday, September 13, 2012

PBA Opening Day Schedule, Global Port vs GInebra


AKTV/Bannie O. Bravante
GlobalPort Batang Pier, the newest team in the Philippine Basketball Association, will get their baptism of fire right away in the league’s season opening game against the crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
PBA operations chief Rickie Santos confirmed the news to InterAKTV in a text message.
The Batang Pier are the successors of the Powerade Tigers, whose franchise was acquired by Mikee Romero during the offseason. The team is coming off a controversial tuneup game that saw three of its players – Romel Adducul, Jondan Salvador and Rabeh Al-Hussaini – ejected after getting involved in a melee with Air21 rookie Yousef Taha recently.
For GlobalPort team manager BJ Manalo, playing on opening day against the league’s crowd darling is definitely the best way to welcome their squad.
“What more can you ask for? Playing against crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra, that is truly the warmest welcome we could get,” said Manalo.
“We’re very excited and we can’t wait until opening day.”
Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen doesn’t have an idea how GlobalPort will play them and their 6 p.m. encounter, to be held after the traditional opening ceremonies on September 30, will be the only time that they will be able to study the league newcomers.
“All I know is GlobalPort is a new team, but I’m sure they’re going to prove something,” said Tanquingcen.
Playing on opening day has its share of challenges. Some teams are still building up at this stage while others have just started practices and have only just completed their roster.
“You don’t have any choice. Anyway, maglalaro ka rin lang naman so playing on opening day is something we don’t have control of,” added Tanguingcen. “The rookies and other new players are coming along and learning the system. We will see how they fit in.”
The Kings had a massive buildup in the offseason, trading several of their players to get a marquee player in LA Tenorio while also securing something for the future – an additional first round draft pick next season.
“Of course, he’s LA Tenorio. He plays impressive basketball and he has been playing what is asked of him,” said the veteran coach.
Other key acquisitions for the Kings include rookies Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen, two players picked up by the squad in the first round of the recent draft.
For the Batang Pier, it’s an opportunity to see whether Gary David and Willie Miller, two big-time scorers, can co-exist on the floor.
GlobalPort received Miller as part of the multi-team trade centered on Tenorio. The team, however, had to let go of incoming sophomore JVee Casio.
With Casio gone, David remained as the only key holdover of the Powerade squad that surprisingly entered last season’s finals in the Philippine Cup.

source: interaksyon.com

Chris Tiu Perfect Fit To Play in Rain or Shine


PBA/Nuki Sabio
After recovering from a hamstring injury, prized rookie Chris Tiu was finally given the go-signal to scrimmage with the rest of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters barely three weeks before the opening of the new PBA season.
But it wasn’t much of an adjustment for Tiu, who said he feels right at home in coach Yeng Guiao’s system.
“System is perfect for me. Conditioning and timing na lang,” wrote Tiu in a text message to InterAKTV.
Guiao agreed with his new guard’s assessment.
“Bagay na bagay siya sa sistema. He looks to be the right fit whenever we run the pick and roll and the weave offense,” said Guiao of Tiu.
“He is also a very intelligent player, shoots the ball efficiently, knows when to react and makes the right decision. He will definitely make an impact for our team and the league in general,” added Guiao, who was named Coach of the Year by the PBA Press Corps last Monday for leading the Elasto Painters to their first title in franchise history in last season’s Governors’ Cup.
“Siguro if I’m going to grade him, I will give him a 7.5 out of 10, considering the fact na hindi pa siya 100% fit coming off an injury.”
Guiao has a reputation for allowing his players room to freelance on the offensive end, and Tiu is relishing the newfound freedom.
“Compared to my former coaches [Norman Black and Rajko Toroman], Coach Yeng’s system gives you a lot of freedom. We run a system and patterns, but it gives players opportunity to create. Di-diskarte ka rin and you will read situations,” said Tiu.
“Coach Rajko’s system is very systematic and structured while Coach Norman’s is a little bit in between between coach Yeng’s and Rajko’s.”
For the former SMART-Gilas captain, however, the key is to make sure that he is 100 percent come the opening of the season.
“I feel better now, but this is not a good gauge because we only played half court,” he said. “There’s still pain sa harmstring injury ko, but I’m doing constant rehab to facilitate healing.”

San Mig Coffee Mixers Possible Uniform Design

San mig coffee mixers jonas villanueva posted on his tweeter account the possible appearance of the team's possible unform in upcoming PBA season.


Shout your opinions here

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

San Mig Cofee Mixers Walks out on a Tune up Game Against Alaska


AKTV file photo/Paolo Papa
It turns out that coffee and milk don’t always make for a perfect combination.
San Mig Coffee walked out of its tuneup match against Alaska on Tuesday at the Reyes Gym after Mixers coach Tim Cone disagreed with a call by the referees.
The Aces were leading 63-50 in the third quarter when San Mig Coffee forward Jerwin Gaco was thrown out of the game for warding off with his elbow against Alaska’s Eddie Laure. Cone vehemently protested the call before leading his team out of the court.
“Cone proceeds to Alaska bench, shakes hands of Aces coaching staff. Tapos ang laro,” wrote veteran journalist Dennis Principe on his Twitter account, where he provided updates on the game.
Cone refused to take calls by InterAKTV on the matter.
Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, meanwhile, said the call on Gaco was correct, saying that it really was flagrant.
It marked the second straight day with a tuneup game involving a PBA team being halted. On Monday, a tuneup game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Qatar national team was stopped afteran altercation between Kerby Raymundo and a Qatari center.

Tim Cone apologizes to Alaska for San Mig Coffee walkout

San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone took to Twitter to apologize to the Alaska Aces and coach Luigi Trillo for his team’s walkout in their tuneup game on Tuesday.
“No big deal. We asked to halt the practice game. We weren’t ready to play. My fault in scheduling it,” wrote Cone on his Twitter account.
He added that the ejection of Jerwin Gaco was not the reason for his decision to have the game halted.
“It was more about the fear of injury to our key guys than the call. We’re not in shape yet and guys were cramping. Again, my fault,” added Cone.
Cone asked the tuneup to be stopped in the third quarter shortly after Gaco was called for a flagrant foul for elbowing Eddie Laure. Trillo told InterAKTV that the call was justified.
San Miguel Corporation official Noli Eala earlier claimed that the call was the reason for the stoppage.
“Alaska-San Mig Coffee game stopped because of another bad call by refs,” wrote Eala on his Twitter account.

The Video of the Tune up Games Between Mixers and Aces

Here is the video of the whole third quarter where Gerwin Gaco was called for a flagrant foul 




source: interaksyon.com

PBA Trade Updates, Ballesteros to Barako for Sharma and Salvation to Meralco


AKTV/Leslie Sy
Barako Bull beefed up its frontline Tuesday by acquiring 6-foot-7 center Jason Ballesteros from Meralco in exchange for veterans Carlo Sharma and Sunday Salvacion.
Ballesteros, a former member of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national program, spent most of his rookie season on the bench for the Bolts, but Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi believes he can develop into a key contributor.
“I still believe in the saying, you can’t teach height, so it’s hard to pass up a 6-foot-7 player like Ballesteros,” Baculi told InterAKTV. “He’s a project player. We will see if our coaching skills will be able to turn him into an effective player.”
Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio said the deal gives the Bolts two players who can step in and contribute right away. Sharma, he said, will help fill the void created by the departure of Asi Taulava, who has signed with the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League.
“We need someone who can be an efficient defender at the post and give Jay-R Reyes some quality minutes, that’s why we got Sharma,” Gregorio said in a telephone interview.
“We have to remember to that June Mar Fajardo will be playing this season so we need someone who can defend him at the post. As for Salvacion, he will shore up our small forward spot because Mark Borboran always gets hurt lately. He will open up the floor for us.”

source: interaksyon.com

Smart Gilas Pilipinas Basketball team New uniforms

Coach of Smart Gilas, Chot Reyes tweeted the new uniforms of  Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 basketball team in the upcoming FIBA Asia. The Team's jersey was reinforced again by Nike after winning the Jones Cup.



Kamukamo News Update