UAAP Final Four & Finals Sked

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
FEU Gym
Women’s Playoff for 2nd 2pm DLSU vs AdU

Saturday, September 19, 2009
San Juan Arena
Women’s Final Four 9am AdU vs DLSU
Women’s Final Four 10:45am UST vs FEU
Junior’s Final Four 12:30pm FEU vs DLSU
Junior’s Final Four 2:15pm ADMU vs UST

Saturday, September 19, 2009
Araneta Coliseum
Men’s Final Four 3:30pm UE vs FEU

Sunday, September 20, 2009
Araneta Coliseum
Men’s Final Four 3:30pm UST vs ADMU

Thursday, September 24, 2009 Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Araneta Coliseum Men's Final Four if neccessary
San Juan Arena Women and Junior’s Final Four if necessary

Sunday, September 27, 2009 Saturday, September 26, 2009
Araneta Coliseum
Men's Final

San Juan Arena
2pm Women’s Final
4pm Junior’s Final

Thursday, October 1, 2009 Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Araneta Coliseum
Men's Final

San Juan Arena 2pm Women’s Finals
4pm Junior’s Final

Sunday, October 4, 2009 Saturday, October 3, 2009
Araneta Coliseum
Men's Final if neccessary

San Juan Arena Women and Junior’s Finals if necessary

Here's to Mark Barroca...

Several people asked me what I thought about the accusations that FEU's Mark Barroca has been throwing games. I answered every time out that I'd be really surprised if he does. And if he did, I'd be very cross at him.

But I know that he doesn't and never will.

He was on FEU's Team B with his current batch of teammates when their 2006 squad was blown up in the off season. That team was blown up because management felt it wasn't good enough to challenge for a title. It was deemed that the players on Team B were not only better than the UAAP team but ready to contend for a title in the years to come. It was only in 2007 when JR Gerilla was thrown off the team and Jeff Chan forever banished from the Morayta campus. And Barroca, like the others were there when Mac Baracael was nearly killed.

Don't tell me that those lessons aren't learned. He is signed to Smart Gilas and Oracle. He knows he is set if he plays his cards right. While in Jakarta with the Smart Gilas team I was privy to one session where the players openly talked and teased one another about basketball; game fixing included. I thought that Mark gave a very passionate diatribe on shady dealings and being unhappy about losing. I thought it was rare for an athlete especially one who isn't very good at expressing himself to wax eloquent. And I respected him more for that.

He is so excited about the future. In fact, of the Tamaraws team, it is only him and Aldrech Ramos with a sterling class attendance record. He really wants to move up and learn. Before I packed my bags ahead of the team and left for Manila, he sought my advice because he wanted to ask his girlfriend togo to Corregidor. He wanted to know more about the island fortress from me. How he knew that I've been there twice I'll never know. I don't think he even goes here to Bleachers' Brew.

The reason why he was very successful with Smart Gilas and Oracle is that he has the ball in his hands all the time. He plays lots of minutes and clearly wants the ball come crunch time. With FEU, it's another story. Glenn Capacio said prior to the start of the current season, he'd give the ball to RR Garcia while turning Barroca into a shooting guard. How many point guards do they have -- five or six? Barroca will never be the shooting guard that Ben Fernandez is. Plain and simple, iba yung laro.

On a lighter note, Capacio also joked that he is the only one to be able to stop Barroca; something he jests about even in the presence of his prized guard.

The truth is Barroca finds FEU's offense (even before the arrival of Garcia) to be restrictive. Having said that, he totally enjoys playing for Gilas. It's hard for him to be effective when the ball is in Garcia's hands. I've seen him play bad games for FEU, Oracle, and Gilas and he always bounces back. I've been inside their locker room and at their practice and have made many friends on their team. I may not know as much as the others but from what I know, it isn't so.

At the start of the season, I was worried that he would suffer from fatigue. I even voiced that concern to their trainer on several occasions. During the summer, he was playing and practicing for FEU, Oracle, and Gilas. I wondered if he would one day collapse from exhaustion. In Jakarta, after matches his arm would be real sore. In fact prior to one game, he couldn't lift his arms because they were leaden. One time an opponent from Kuwait took a shot at him. He was already in pain yet he was taking shots from a guy he can twist like a pretzel six ways 'til Sunday without breaking a sweat. Obviously binawian niya ng mas matindi (it almost sparked a rumble). Siya rin yung tinitira ng kalaban and they geared their defense to stopping him.

I understand that FEU officials are meeting right now -- around noon time of this post -- to deliberate on his case. If this is true (and I know he has not admitted to anything) then it's really disappointing. But this Tamaraws team are like brothers having been together solidly for three years now. I know that JR Cawaling is upset at the accusations hurled against his teammate. It's totally not fair.

Like I said, I don't believe it and so do many others. If it does turn out to be true, then how crushing is that? He would be a great ham artist. I just hope this is resolved because this isn't simply one person's future but could also affect their program once more. I mean why would someone want to play for a school that blames players after they have a bad game? You should see that school in Taft. They're doing a good job of that.

By the same token, players on other squads are reported to be doing some shady things. Even in Ateneo, over the years, there rumors of players (just a few mind you) who were throwing games. But they were just that. Rumors. Although some will say otherwise but never show a shred of evidence.

Man, all this is making my head spin.

Good luck with it, Mark.

UAAP Season 72 Men's Basketball Awards

Mythical Five:
Rabeh Al-Hussaini
Aldrech Ramos
Elmer Espiritu
Dylan Ababou
Paul Lee

Most Valuable Player - Dylan Ababou

Rookie of the Year - Jeric Teng

Probably the best feeling in the world has gone Standard Chartered

Liverpool FC and Standard Chartered Bank announced today they had agreed a four year deal for the bank to become the club's main sponsor - the largest commercial agreement in Liverpool's history.

The agreement, which starts in July 2010 and runs through to the end of the 2013-14 season, will see the bank's name and logo appear on the Liverpool shirt.

Liverpool FC is the most successful club in English football, enjoying a global following most recently evidenced in its highly successful pre-season tour of Singapore and Thailand. As official club sponsors, Standard Chartered will enjoy a major rights package which will provide the platform to significantly step up the Bank's brand awareness across its core markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Standard Chartered PLC, listed on both London and Hong Kong stock exchanges, ranks among the top 25 companies in the FTSE-100 by market capitalisation. The Bank has more than doubled its revenue and profits over the last five years and has performed consistently well, delivering record results throughout the recent financial crisis.

Christian Purslow, Managing Director of Liverpool Football Club, pictured above signing the contract alongside Standard Chartered chairman John Peace, commented: "This partnership brings together two highly successful organisations with a really strong cultural and strategic fit. The sponsorship opportunity attracted a huge level of interest from a wide array of globally recognised brands and in Standard Chartered we believe we have the ideal partner to move forward and help develop our global ambitions for the club. It is a real sign of the progress we have made at Liverpool that we have been able to secure the largest ever commercial deal in our history."

Peter Sands, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC, said: "This is a great partnership. We are excited to be working with such a famous global brand as Liverpool Football Club for the next four years. This is an outstanding opportunity for Standard Chartered, our customers and shareholders, and for Liverpool, its players and fans

"We see many opportunities to continue growing our business, particularly as Asia, Africa and the Middle East are emerging from the global downturn more quickly than the West. This sponsorship will drive a step change in brand recognition in our key markets and will provide an additional catalyst for our business growth."


Personally, I love the "Carlsberg" in the front of the jersey. I wasn't too crazy about the "Crown Paints" or "Candy" in front. Like the "Seimens" of Real Madrid or the "Northern Rock" of Newcastle, I think it's perfect. Can't imagine that -- Standard Chartered -- on my LFC reds. But come tothink of it... it might be good too. Time for change as well. Besides if the Reds approved it...

Monday Zingers

The New York Giants began the new NFL season by taking out the Washington Redskins 23-17. NYTD Blue also beat the Redskins in the opener of the previous campaign. Eli Manning & Mario Manningham! Whooo!

Liverpool got their season back on track with a 4-nil win over Burnley thanks to a hat trick by midfielder Yossi Benayoun and a solo strike by Dirk Kuyt.

You have to see the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos. What an unbelievable ending. The Paul Brown Stadium was eerily quiet after that.

The New York Yankees avoided a sweep at the hands of the cellar-dwelling Baltimore Orioles by taking the third game 13-3 to go to 92-52 for the year. Twenty games left. The Yanks have a chance to get a 100 wins and wrap up the best record in Major League Baseball (they are up by 7 against the LA Dodgers on the best win-loss total).

FC Barcelona beat Getafe 2-0 to remain unbeaten also at 2-0 in the Spanish La Liga.

Bleachers' Brew #174 Where Amazing Happened

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/15938-where-amazing-happened.html

Where Amazing Happened
by rick olivares

I’m somewhat wary of these reunion tours by suddenly reunited bands whose only purpose is to cash in on old hits and who, during their peak, never even deigned to perform in the Far East.

I don’t want to see this traveling piece that calls itself Chicago when it’s sans several key players, including the late Terry Kath and Peter Cetera. It’s like watching the 20th Century Doors that performed with only Robbie Kreiger and Ray Manzarek from the classic Doors lineup with replacement vocalist Ian Astbury of the Cult and drummer Stewart Copeland of the Police replacing the late Jim Morrison and John Densmore, who refused to play with the outfit. I’d rather listen to their CDs.

I am wary of these WWE wrestling events that are as fake as their storylines. I see them on television after their Philippine sojourn, and they mingle with their Stateside fans and sign autographs for hours and even do community work. It’s a slap to me and all Filipinos. The few times they’re here they are hardly friendly, and their handlers make it difficult for fans or even media people to get interviews or even a snapshot that will mean more to them than a show that doesn’t even count in their overall storylines.

And I am wary of all-star traveling troupes of athletes who are way past their prime. All I know is they’re being paid a couple of cool millions to don their old gear, wave to the fans, then put in a few minutes of playing time before taking their place on the bench for good.

But I momentarily suspended my pragmatism for the 2009 National Basketball Association (NBA) Asia Challenge. It was more than just watching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Horry, Tim Hardaway and Vlade Divac join a selection of players from the Developmental League in the first major event for the NBA in Asia. It was also a chance to see some of the second wave of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars like Benjie Paras, Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc and Kenneth Duremdes join some of the current stars and play these NBA Legends.

During their press conference at Fiama in Makati, I was allowed five minutes to interview each player. And I thought that although they were probably asked similar queries in one form or another thousands of times, the NBA Legends were downright friendly, honest and candid.

Kareem longingly spoke of going outside Manila to see the rest of the country and to lazily lounge around our world-class beaches without having to talk about basketball. “Do I see that happening?” he said to me. “I honestly don’t think so, but I’d really like for that to happen. It’s hard to put on a disguise when you’re a seven-footer.”

Horry talked about his being a sleeper coming up through the 1993 draft as a nobody out of Alabama and stepping into the lineup of the Houston Rockets. He even settled the issue of who is the best center he ever played with (Hakeem Olajuwon gets the nod over Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan).

Divac revealed the connection that Manila had for all Serbians when they won the World Championships here in 1978 and how that got him into basketball. The fact that he visited Fort Santiago the day after to sample a slice of Philippine history and to inquire about Jose Rizal scored more than a few brownie points with me.

Wilkins talked about dunking the ball for the first time ever back when he was in eighth grade, and the exhilaration he felt after doing so. “I used a volleyball back then,” he recalled with a huge smile on his face. “I didn’t think that in doing so it would define me and give me a career, but it sure is nice.”

Hardaway said that it was fun being a part of Run-TMC with his then Golden State Warriors teammates Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond, and later playing with Alonzo Mourning in the Miami Heat. “Some things you only realize afterward and playing with many great players. I’m blessed,” he smiled at the memory.

In the days prior to the NBA contingent’s arrival, I learned that ticket sales were slow. Local promoters hoped the players’ presence in the country and the increased media coverage would turn things around. True enough, reports had it that sales were brisk with the lower and middle portions sold out.

I have seen dozens and dozens of live NBA games, and this exhibition match was something more than a novelty. It could be the start of something bigger and long-term. And it was a pleasant surprise to see the crowds come in despite the inclement weather and cheer for everyone.

As expected, the NBA Legends all started alongside Billy Thomas, the one-time FedEx import in the PBA. Wilkins scored the first six points and two baskets coming off dunks. Although they were no longer of the windmill or the double-pump variety that was once graceful and violent, just to see him defy gravity at 49 years of age was a thrill. He certainly proved that he was more than a dunker when he posted up Patrimonio and scored on a variety of fade-aways and lay-ups. The NBA players’ height was clearly a factor, and the PBA All-Stars needed someone to pull the trigger to jump-start their offense.

Allan Caidic stepped out of a time warp and hit five triples—some with Horry or Divac flailing away at him—as the home team took the first quarter, 26-25. I, like everyone else, was clapping and cheering for both sides.

The D-Leaguers came in the second quarter and their quickness and youth kept them more than in step with the smaller but no less game Filipinos. Although it was an exhibition match, the composition of the team and the way we played showed we have lagged behind in the world game.

When the NBA Generations team played in Korea as their first stop of the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge, they played a squad that was stocked with outside shooters. The Koreans hit 50 percent of their shots and beat the Americans, who were slow to rotate and cover the perimeter.

Dondon Hontiveros, Willie Miller and Magsanoc kept the visitors honest inside as they launched triples. But they couldn’t hit enough of them to open the NBA Generations’ zone. The visiting team took the half, 46-41, and when the NBA Legends took the floor once more in the third quarter, they put 33 points on the board to break the match wide open, as they eventually coasted to a 109-86 win. As the buzzer sounded, it took some time for the crowd to exit, as they hoped for a photograph or an autograph with anybody.

In truth, I also thought that the Filipinos were star-struck. During time-outs, they watched the vexing New Jersey Nets Dunking Divas, who were a refreshing sight for sore eyes with their dancing talent and flair for showmanship. And the Nets’ mascot, Sly the Silver Fox, was massively entertaining. When they bounced off the trampoline for some acrobatic dunks of their own, the Divas and Sly left the coliseum rocking in their wake.

When Wilkins was late getting back to the bench prior to the start of the second half, the PBA All-Stars took the opportunity to have a group shot with the Human Highlight Film, who was perhaps the most gregarious and entertaining of the visiting team. Wilkins scored a game-high 28 points while pulling down five boards and blocking two shots. Not bad for a 49-year-old. How did he feel afterward?

“Sore,” he deadpanned, as the assembled media erupted into laughter. “Scoring points is not a problem, but running up and down the floor—man, I’m sore. I got me these icebags here on my knees.”

As the NBA Generations team made its way to the team bus back to their hotel, their coach Rory White had one last thing to say, “These five days—yeah, they were memorable. I agree with Kareem. It would be fun to come back and not talk basketball.”

I’ll look forward to that without a trace of wariness.

UAAP Season 72 Elimination Round Final Standings

Final Rankings after Elimination Round


1) Ateneo 13-1
2) FEU 11-3
3) UE 10-4
4) UST 6-8
5) AdU 5-9
6) DLSU 5-9
7) NU 3-11
8) UP 3-11

The reason why UP fell all the way to 8th place after staying away from it was their loss to NU in the first round where the Bulldogs had a higher win margin.

Adamson and La Salle will qualify for the wild card berths for the Champions League. The Falcons will be competing in the Cebu leg qualifiers while the Green Archers will be in Naga (for what will be an easier bracket).

With my fellow sports media friends

At the media room of the Araneta Coliseum with my colleagues.

I actually have a story to tell. I'm not really the superstitious lot but I like to make a joke about how Ateneo has not lost this season when I'm around. Of course that's rubbish but I'll bet you how many people say that they have similar experiences or vibes.

Last Saturday, the media writers were not allowed on the court. Well we could go but we were not allowed to bring pens, ballpens. So I stayed with my colleagues inside the media room for the game. I normally bring a camera with me but Araneta people are just so difficult to deal with. For the most part I get on the court but last Saturday, well, no.

Towards the 3rd Quarter of the Ateneo-FEU game we had fallen behind by 18 points and I began to feel antsy. I suddenly realized that our photog from Business Mirror was not at the game. I told my colleagues that maybe, just maybe, I needed to get out. And they told me to go on. I mean, who believes this stuff, right? I dashed out, got the wristband that gave me access to the floor, and hoped for a comeback.

Well, we won. And man, by hook or crook, I ain't staying inside that damn media room for the next three Ateneo games.

Remember Steve Kerr's story about making the shotin 1997 and getting out of the way for Michael Jordan in 1998? Well, I do. That's my story and I'm sticking to that. Bwahaha!

Congratulations to the Blue Babble Battalion for finishing 1st Runner-up in the CDC

I am so proud of the Blue Babble Battalion for finally breaking into the top three of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition and taking First Runner-up after scoring 83.4% on their Michael Jackson-inspired routine. FEU won the competition while last year's champion UP placed third. Congrats to all the winners!

Ateneo Blue Eagles Game 14 Die Hard

Die Hard
Ateneo 74 vs. FEU 73
by rick olivares

“What do you want to do with this game?”

The Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles were down by only three points to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws 35-32 at the half yet they seemed to be unable to get into a rhythm. In almost every statistical category they were getting their butts kicked.

They overhauled an 11-point deficit in under four minutes with a flurry of treys and garden-variety three-point plays early in the second quarter if only to prove that they could handle FEU when they’ve got their game on. But the Tams’ zone was giving the Ateneans fits. Without a legitimate lowpost presence as Rabeh Al-Hussaini was saddled with two personal fouls early on, the Blue Eagles had to settle with outside shots to get back in the game.

Matches like these are important regardless whether they’ve clinched the twice-to-beat advantage or not. One can make an argument that they rather play the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers with their relatively lighter and smaller line-up instead of the tougher University of the East Red Warriors who are peaking at the right time. But the truth of the matter is this is a point where one would like to keep the wins coming more so since the series played from hereon are shorter unlike in the professional game where one can still make a comeback in a longer series.

The Tamaraws, on the other hand, have slipped a notch in the second round where their play has been uninspired and disorganized. Yet even such, they are a dangerous bunch and have the firepower to match Ateneo. They know they can beat Ateneo and a convincing win over the front-running Blue Eagles would be that match to push them to a higher gear.

“Do you want to win this game?”

Norman Black faced his wards inside the locker room at halftime and asked them the second of two questions. Their zone and rotation wasn’t only in shambles but they were slower to the ball. The early fireworks display by Eric Salamat got them back in the game but the Tamaraws quickly put some distance between them.

The fifth-year Ateneo coach exhorted them to play more vigorous defense even without the foul-plagued Rabeh Al-Hussaini and to have a hand in every shooter’s face. The Blue Eagles collectively voiced a promise to bounce back in the second.

But once more they came out flat while Tamaraw forward Paul Sanga was smoking from the perimeter. The lanky reed thin forward carried the cudgels for his team that was missing the injured Pipo Noundou and a silent Ryan Garcia, JR Cawaling and Mark Barroca who had not scored since dropping 8 points in the opening period. He dropped three treys and a twinner from far out that had the Ateneans reeling.

Black put his hands to his head as FEU’s back-up guard Jens Knuttel drove inside for a lay-up that gave his side a 18-point lead at 57-39 with time running down on the third quarter. Emman Monfort knocked down a triple at the buzzer to pare the lead down to 15; a shot that sent a shiver down FEU Coach Glenn Capacio’s spine. “Ayaw mo magbigay ng chance ang kalaban mo ng tira ng ganyan kasi pwedeng tuloy-tuloy nay an para sa kanila,” he would say later.

And as the fourth quarter started, Capacio’s worst fears were confirmed as Ryan Buenafe who had been sterling of late scored on a drive to further slice the lead to 13. It was the first time Ateneo had put up consecutive points on the board since early in the second quarter as they were both bothered by FEU’s defense and betrayed by poor shooting.

Cawaling’s one free throw was sandwiched in between Ateneo captain Nonoy Baclao’s putback and the last of Eric Salamat’s four three-pointers. The rally was officially on at 58-50. FEU called for time and as both teams headed for their benches, Baclao exhorted his teammates, “Kaya natin ‘to. Hindi pa ‘to tapos.”

For the second time in the game, the Blue Eagles, their fighting hearts bolstered with heart-stopping wins and gritty comebacks that have been the hallmark of the Norman Black years, strapped on their on hardhats as they mounted another improbable comeback.

Shutting down the interior and sticking to FEU’s outside gunners, the Blue Eagles finally regained the lead at 62-61 with a Jai Reyes trey at the 4:25 mark to cap a 19-3 blast. It was Ateneo’s third first taste of the lead since Salamat’s opening triple that gave the Blue Eagles a 3-2. Al-Hussaini would play only 24 minutes but Baclao, finally totally healthy after fracturing his hand in their first round match versus La Salle, stood tall in the middle even as Nico Salva was sent off for an alleged punching foul. Baclao finished with 12 points and corralled 18 huge boards – half of them coming on the offensive glass – to go with 3 blocked shots and altered several more.

After a sterling Season 71, Baclao struggled with nagging injuries and his numbers went down as a result. While never one to look at the stat sheet, his over-all presence is integral to Ateneo’s success. With his numbers down, FEU’s Aldrech Ramos, another defensive monster has quietly slipped into Baclao’s slot as the eminent forward-center with his ability to score from inside and outside while playing great D.

Baclao cares for none of that and has a healthy respect for foes but that does not diminish the warrior’s ferocity he has in his heart. After Ramos scored on him, the Ateneo captain returned the favor with an and-one to make it 65-63 for the blue and white.

It was a war of attrition from there; a case of who would blink first.

After Ateneo raced to a 68-63 lead following a Jai Reyes triple, Sanga dropped in one of his own with an Atenean all over him to edge closer with 2:03 left to play. There was still plenty of fight in these Tamaraws.

Following a Monfort moving pick that gave the ball back to FEU with the score 69-68 Ateneo, Ryan Garcia blew by the pint-sized Atenean and found only Reyes (who was being posted by Barroca) in his path. It was an excellent execution of spotting a mismatch and Garcia scored off the window to make it 70-69 FEU.

Black countered by sending in the taller Buenafe in for Monfort to take away that disadvantage. It paid dividends for the super soph fished Knuttel’s fifth and final foul and deposited both free throws owing to FEU being in penalty. 71-70 Ateneo.

The two teams’ verve was tested in the clutch as Kirk Long and Garcia trooped to the 15-foot line. The Blue Eagle made one while the Tamaraw hit both to tie the match at 72-all.

With 30 seconds left in the game, Baclao took the inbound pass from Reyes and handed it off to Salamat to create. The fourth-year guard drove from the left side and attracted three Tamaraws freeing him for a drop pass to Al-Hussaini who scored with a lay-up off the glass.

Just when it seemed that Ateneo had pulled off the win after Reil Cervantes missed a fifteen-foot jump shot, a referee whistled Al-Hussaini for his fifth and final foul. Al-Hussaini scored only 7 points and pulled down 2 rebounds. He ran to the Ateneo bench in disbelief. There were 2.1 seconds left in the match and FEU had an opportunity to send it to extra time and face Ateneo without its slotman.

Cervantes coolly made the first but his second hit back iron and tumbled into the right side. Kirk Long was playing the opposite end of the hash marks and scooted in for the defensive board as time ticked away.

Ateneo beat FEU 74-73 in one of the worst-officiated matches of the season but was at the same time one of the most thrilling. The wrapped up the number one seed, their second objective of the season (the first was to make the Final Four while the third is to win the championship) to close out the final game of the eliminations.

“We survived it,” sighed Black after the game. “What a game, huh?” He paid tribute to his players for not giving up in spite of the seemingly insurmountable odds and to the Tamaraws who had given them all sorts of trouble. “People stepped up on both sides. We all wanted the game, that’s for sure. We showed our fighting heart.”

When the assembled media asked Al-Hussaini what he thought of the titanic struggle… he answered Black’s question that was posed during the half, “Gusto lang namin manalo. Hindi pa ‘to tapos.”

Ateneo 74 – Salamat 20, Reyes 13, Buenafe 12, Baclao 12, Al-Hussaini 7, Monfort 6, Long 4, Sumalinog 0, Salva 0, Chua 0, Austria 0

FEU 73 – Sanga 19, Ramos 16, Garcia 8, Barroca 8, Cervantes 7, Cawaling 6, Tanuan 4, Knuttel 4, Vinluan 1, Caluag 0

Starter scoring
Ateneo – 56 points
FEU – 50 points

Bench scoring
Ateneo – 18 points
FEU – 23 points

Fastbreak points
Ateneo – 11 points
FEU – 2 points

Second chance points
Ateneo – 15 points
FEU – 14 points

Turnover points
Ateneo 20 points
FEU 21 points

Rebounds
Ateneo – 35 (15 offensive)
FEU – 49 (23 offensive)

Assists
Ateneo – 11
FEU – 16

Steals
Ateneo – 7
FEU – 6

Blocks
Ateneo – 4
FEU - 1

Who's that guy?

Scenes from the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge

In the days leading to the NBA Asia Challenge, I was told that ticket sales didn't seen encouraging. The press conference at Fiama changed that. Whether the NBA Legends were far from their prime makes no difference. It was an opportunity to see them on a local hardcourt and with PBA Legends too. Many Filipinos like me have seen a live NBA game many times over but the great majority of our countrymen have not. And the first big NBA event in Asia looking very successful will ensure that this will not be the last. Who would have thought... Vlade Divac, Dominique Wilkins, Tim Hardaway, and Robert Horry -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the D-Leaguers too -- on the lay-up line at the Araneta Coliseum?

UST Growling Tigers Dylan Ababou and Khasim Mirza (along with fellow Atenean and Rebound guy Kenneth Ti) were my guests for the event. It was also fun for Ken and me to explain to them what the PBA was like when Benjie Paras, Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, and Ronnie Magsanoc were running the roost. We also had fun reminiscing about Smart Gilas and UAAP ball. Good luck to Khasim who hopes to land a spot with the Gilas team.

Jason Webb and Mico Halili provided color commentary for the game. Magoo Marjon and myself stayed behind them where the PBA's Radio Panel is usually situated. Good one guys!

The D-Leaguers were throwing down some nasty stuff during warm-ups. If you look at the PBA All-Stars in the back, they were star-struck and it showed. A fun time was had by all.

I've seen the New Jersey Nets' dancers before but this is a new crew with a different character. The Dunking Divas were quite a show with their beauty and talent. When they were on the floor everyone watched them. Shoutout to Siobahn!

It was great seeing Benjie Paras play again. We caught up before and after the game and he was grinning from ear to ear about the experience. The Tower ofPower scored 7 points and pulled down 4 rebounds. Great to see ya, Benj!

NBA Legends Coach Rory White was always a good interview. Very insightful and knowledgeable.

Former Fed Ex import Billy Thomas who is now with the NBA's D-League, Dominique Wilkins, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Rory White graced the 15-minute post-game press con. Great great interviews with these guys. And all throughout their stay, Dominique Wilkins was such a nice fellow when it comes to meeting fans and making time for interviews and photo ops. They were all unanimously impressed with Allan Caidic.

Billy Thomas caught up with former teammates Jeff Cariaso, Jason Webb, and others as soon as he arrived. This guy should get a shot at the NBA. Thanks, Billy.

When I interviewed Dominique Wilkins, he made sure to emphasize that he was more than a dunker. While it's not a bad memory, he showed that he was more than that in his game at the Araneta Coliseum. He topscored with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and dished for an assist. He threw down a couple of dunks but not those traditional windmills and double-pump throw downs. He was still fun to watch.

This was Kareem's fifth time in the Philippines and he really wished he could go get some sun in the beaches. He was here more as an ambassador for the game.

With GMA-7's rising broadcast reporter James Velasquez who has been a good friend. It is a real honor and privilege to know that I inspired him to do what he does. Last year when I stopped writing for Ateneo early in the season, he took up my slot in ateneo.edu. In a conversation with Comm & PR's Sonia Araneta, she asked, "Do you know who you are following?" James said, yes. "He's why I got into writing." And now he's taken his game to GMA-7 where he is getting the breaks. Am so happy for this guy. Thanks, bud and rest that sprained ankle!

I have more pics but will save them for elsewhere. My Monday column in Business Mirror (that will appear here in Brew) will be about the NBA Asia Challenge.

Agassi & Sampras Showdown. Heck, I am watching this!

Tennis fans are in for a double-header spectacular event when The Venetian Macao Tennis Showdown 2009 opens October 25, 2009. Combining the top talents in tennis of today and tomorrow the sports spectacular at the Cotai Arena features an encounter between two of the game’s greatest players ---Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi---and two of the brightest future talents---Junior world No. 1 Yuki Bhambri and American champion Ryan Harrison.

The younger stars will kick off the afternoon with a timed 45-minute singles match, followed by the match-up between Sampras and Agassi—two sets and a ten-point tie-breaker if one set all. This will be a historic first encounter between the two legendary greats since Sampras defeated Agassi to capture the 2002 US Open.

Closing match will be one set of doubles with pairings to be determined by a draw at the “Meet the Players” Press Conference on October 24. Here the clashing titans of tennis will join the future champions for an exciting doubles event.

More information on this once-in-a-lifetime sports spectacle and other Macau offerings may be obtained from http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/.

Anyone want to go and watch? We can plan this trip. Email me so we can make this happen.

In case you're wondering what is up with the current Ateneo-La Salle golf controversy, it's like this. As stated in Mr. Clavecilla's letter, they are not out to disqualify the boy but reclassify and when he is reclassified, those 5 points that he was awarded will go to Ateneo and give the blue and white the victory. And according to the boy's family, he was told by the DLSU Team Manager to play in the Open Category. The incredible thing there is, he played last year using the correct name and in the correct category. So this is willful deceit. On who's part we don't know but as in the case of Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian, I don't think they're the ones behind this. The boy's family is really upset with what has happened and they have returned the trophy. Sad lang if you know what the response of their team manager was. And he's the same board rep to the UAAP during the time of the PEP Test scandal. He should be more inquisitive and careful about these things. The Ateneo Golf Team will wait for their response until Monday.

Real Big Fish: NU stuns DLSU 63-61

NSational University closed out their disappointing season with a rousing win as they played the spoiler's role once more when they pipped La Salle 63-61 to give them three victories in 14 games while rudely slamming the door shut on the Green Archers' hopes of a play-off for a Final Four slot.

The Bulldogs' Jewel Ponferrada blocked Hyram Bagatsing's shot with time running down and team captain Mervin Baloran corralled the loose ball with 0.1 left on the game clock. While he missed five free throws that could have rendered any La Salle shot moot and academic, this time there simply wasn't much DLSU could do with a catch and shoot from the far end of the court.

The win by NU was their first over DLSU since August 31, 2003 when they ran the Green Archers off the court with a 80-59 win. Said NU Coach Manny Dandan, "Binigay na ng mga bata lahat sa last game. We didn't think of the others and their situation. Gusto lang namin manalo. We wanted to end our season on a good note. To build for next season.”

“We are in the rebuilding process,” said DLSU Coach Franz Pumaren after the game. “I guess the guys that were supposed to be the shepherds of this team failed to guide the young players. Being a young team probably took its toll already during the crucial stretches in the past games.”

Halikinu Radio Episode 10

Time sure does fly when you're having fun. We're now done with the tenth episode of Halikinu Radio. We were short-handed again as Martin David was busy with the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge while Chuck was stuck in a meeting. As Mhel said, "Great! More airtime for us!" Bwahahaha. Here's a shot with student assistants Yna & Chi.
Our guests from the Cheerdancers who were there to talk about the Blue Babble Battalion, life as a cheerleader, and the upcoming Cheerdance Competition. Good luck, Blue! Belle, Courtney, and Trish here.

With Gerard Cancio, James Arco, and Gab Siojo of the Ateneo Men's Football Team. Trina Alejo, on the extreme left, is the show's producer. She was the guest host tonight as we were missing two of the hosts. Obvious ba na biased ako for the football team?

Gerard makes a point. James didn't answer the question, "Define crush?" Boo! Bwahahaha. Happy birthday, bud!

I thought that Gab's crack about no need to line up and buy tickets and having lots of parking space about the football games was really hilarious. It's a jab at fair weather fans of all Ateneo sports. Make that all sports outside basketball. We've been trying our best to get other teams on the show. We started that with the Men's Volleyball Team and now Men's Football. Next week it's the Women's Beach Volleyball Team.

The Football Team is competing in the AFC Cup where they go up against the military teams. Games are at the Ateneo pitch on Sundays 3pm. See ya there!

Some feedback says we're more laid back and into the discussions when we're not complete. Like everyone has more airtime to express their thoughts. Bwahahaha. Yeah,m that's true but having the whole gang there is fun as well.

Portia has this thing for SJ's and DJ's.

At the waiting room for the briefing, jokes, quick bites, and prayer. Yep, we always say a group prayer before every episode. The one time we did not sabog yung hosting ng show. Besides,we gotta give props to the Man.

With Yna. Always a fun student assistant to work with. And Chi does a fab job of keeping to the times.

What is this again?

Thursday Morning Zingers

Members of Greenpeace launched the "90 Days to Copenhagen and Global Campaign for Climate Change" with a bike tour around the Makati area. It is one of the many private initiatives to support efforts for governments to reach a comprehensive and fair climate agreement in Copenhagen this December.
Melanie Oudin, the 17-year old sensation of the US Open has drawn comparisons to former US Women's Tennis great Tracy Austin. So far, she's the Russian killer of the tournament and she's in the quarterfinals. http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/usopen09/columns/story?columnist=ford_bonnie_d&id=4456601 WOAH, SHE GOT OUSTED IN STRAIGHT SETS JUST NOW!

Two coaches on a hot seat. For NU Coach Manny Dandan, he's in Year One of the rebuilding project of the Bulldogs. They do not have the material for this year despite flashes of individual skill by Kokoy Hermosisima, Joseph Terso, and Ajeet Singh. But the losses have been bad and disheartening prompting increasing whispers that Dandan's job is at stake. For UST Tigers Coach Pido Jarencio, he spent a summer fending off attacks to be replaced. And despite lacking frontcourt power, his team led by graduating players Dylan Ababou, Khasim Mirza, and Allien Maliksi turned them into the highest scoring squad this season. But mounting losses and what was once a sure Final Four slot that is slowly slipping away could prove disastrous. The Tigers' loss to Adamson last Sunday is what Ateneo went through two years ago when it lost to NU late in the second round. And today's results could determine the two coaches' future.

And with regards to the MVP race, this year's pick will come from this group:
ADMU- Rabeh Al Hussaini, Erik Salamat
FEU- Aldrech Ramos, Andy Barroca, Ryan Garcia
UE- Paul Lee, Narciso Llagas, Elmer Espiritu
UST- Dylan Ababou, Khazim Mirza


If you ask me, I'd say it will come down to Dylan Ababou and Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

The Blue Babble Battalion in rebuild mode? Yep. Their best performance this year -- I hate to say -- was ironically put up by the band members themselves. Rev it up and go, BBB! On to the Final Four and beyond!

On a non-UAAP note, Bacon Austria has his Ateneo Alumni Association card that will give him access to the Rizal Library after graduation, discounts on fora and symposia organized by the AAA, and discounts with partner merchants like Fully Booked, adidas, Wham! Burger, Banapple, Elorde Gym, Ill Ponticello, Cravings, National Sports Grill, Teriyaki Boy (Katipunan only), the Coffee Beanery and more (see the AAA website for details on this).

Thought you'd never see them again? The Triggerman, the Captain, and Captain Marbel are back!

Getting ready for the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge. It's also going to be great to see these guys in action once more. Photos are by Nuki Sabio.

Big Shot Rob shoots straight on the Dream, his career, and playing in Manila

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15822:big-shot-rob-shoots-straight-on-the-dream&catid=31:sports&Itemid=65

Big Shot Rob shoots straight on the Dream, his career, and playing in Manila
by rick olivares

Fourteen years ago, Sports Illustrated ran a feature where the NBA stars of yesteryear were pitted against the stars of the day. Then-Houston Rocket forward Robert Horry was pitted against former New York Knick Bill Bradley in the article.

When interviewed for the piece, Bradley, a former three-term US Senator, could only utter one word when told of the match up: “Help!”

Horry, now comfortably retired after having won seven championship rings with three different teams, was obviously pleased and surprised when told of the good senator’s comments. “For him to say that I feel very honored. I’m fortunate. One very lucky guy because few people have been able to accomplish what I’ve done,” softly said the former Alabama Crimson Tide player who seemed to be pleased with the reception of the NBA Legends who are in Manila to play an exhibition match dubbed the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge. The NBA players who will be supported by a selection from the Developmental League will tip off against Philippine Basketball Association counterparts this Friday, September 11, 2009 at 7:30pm at the Araneta Coliseum.

Solar Sports Chief Operating Officer Peter Chanliong, a Los Angeles native who is never shy to declare his devotion for the hometown Lakers, told the assembled media horde at the Fiama Ristorante in Bel Air, Makati that it was a dream for him since three of the legends participating in the 2009 NBA Asia Challenge had a purple and gold legacy – Horry, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Vlade Divac.

“Get this guy a jersey,” teased the 6’9” Horry who referred to Chanliong suiting up for the NBA team that will also count Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Vlade Divac, Tim Hardaway, and Dominique Wilkins in the line-up. The PBA contingent will feature legends Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, and Ronnie Magsanoc who will be supported by current stars Wynne Arboleda and Arwind Santos among others. The event is the biggest involving NBA players outside North America and Europe.

“I’m older than you guys,” gamely protested the boss of Solar Sports who proudly received from Abdul-Jabbar a game jersey with his surname printed on the back. “This is cool.”

In an exclusive interview with BUSINESS MIRROR, Horry although several years removed from active competition said that he looked forward to hitting some of those big shots that he made a career out of while playing for the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs in a career that saw him win seven championship rings. “It’s hard to stay away from the game that I love so much and it has been a long and joyous ride. I am happy to be able to do what I did in the league and work with great players and coaches. Sometimes when I sit back and look back, I just go, ‘Wow! I did that?’ Now hopefully we can put on a show for the fans in Manila. I keep hearing how crazy this country is about basketball.”

When asked who was the best center he ever played with, Horry who played the middle for the Crimson Tide didn’t bat an eyelash when he declared former Houston Rockets’ great Hakeem Olajuwon as the top slotman. He was so talented and could do so many different things. I’d put him on top and Tim (Duncan) and Shaquille (O’Neal) can trade places for second and third.”

Horry then paused, smiled, and made sure he was clear with his intentions, “Hey, Shaq and Tim… I love you guys, okay?”

He let out a laugh. Clearly he was having fun. With time left for one question, I asked how he’d like to be remembered. Horry who still looks lean and in game shape coolly replied: “I’m just a guy who got the opportunity to knock down some big shots for a championship or two. It can’t get any better than that."