This is Jason Castro against San Mig Coffee: Wow. Holy cow! Did you see that? WTF are you doing?!$#&*@!! No no no yes yes yes. You the man! WTF! I can't believe this. Aargghh! Wow. What can't Talk 'N Text do without Jason? He's Da Man!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
NCAA Season 90 preview Part 1
by rick olivares
The road to a five-peat for San Beda rests on the shoulders of one
man – Ola Adeogun. The Nigerian center is the X-Factor in which no other team
in the NCAA can match much less has an answer for. And with the road to the
title cleared of any Raymond Almazans, even with a depowered Red Lions team,
San Beda is a heavy favorite to win it all again.
Take him out of the equation and this year will be anyone’s
ballgame and championship. Practically all the other teams do not have that
force in the middle and have to make up with it with undersized forwards or
others used outside they regular position.
With regards to SBC, Even with key pieces to their recent dynasty –
seven of the last eight NCAA champions – moving on, second year head coach
Boyet Fernandez has a few more studs to count on when Adeogun is saddled with
foul trouble. He has two players who can seemingly score against any defense in
Baser Amer and Art dela Cruz left.
Fernandez will take his cue from the San Antonio Spurs. He has
three players he can depend on and a bunch of role players to backstop them. So
any talk of the lack of star power is overrated.
The Semerad brothers need to be more consistent. You’ll never know
when they will score or help or be saddled with fouls. Looking at their bench, Radge
Tongco and Ryusei Koga will help put points on the board. Now
incidentally, they are all combo guards.
However, if any team wants to unseat the Red Lions, they will have
to be very creative in their attack. Having said that, right now, it is only
San Beda that is assured of going to the Final Four.
Let’s take a look at two of the more impressive NCAA sides during
the pre-season – Jose Rizal University and the University of Perpetual Help
System Dalta.
During the summer, the JRU Heavy Bombers were an overachieving
bunch despite not having a quality big man since James Sena was sheriff in
these parts. Essentially, they played small ball with a number of tweeners logging
heavy minutes and trying to Steph Curry opponents into oblivion like Philip
Paniamogan and Jaycee Asuncion.
Over the summer, the two realized that they need to more than
simply bombard from the outside. They need to get inside the lane because the
outside shot will not fall all the time.
Michael Mabulac has finally rounded out into a smart paint player
but he is more of a power forward than a center and one who is woefully undersized
when going up against Adeogun. He might battle the Red Lions’ man in the middle
to a stalemate for a quarter; maybe even a half that could help win a game, but
in a long series, Mabulac will need some help from his friends.
Make that “friend” as JRU is really thin up front. And that other
friend is Abdul Razak, the Ghanaian center who looked lost in JRU’s schemes on
both sides of the court and even had butterfingers on offense. If – and this is
the operative word – if Razak can just rebound and play defense, as the Heavy
Bombers have a few players who can point points on the board, and stay out of
foul trouble, they will go far.
Other crucial parts to their puzzle and if they want to make the
Final Four – point guards Gio Lasquety and Teytey Teodoro. Both aren’t the type
to create for teammates. Teodoro can hit it from the outside but he will be
even better if he can find a way to create for teammates especially since
Jordan dela Paz was stricken off the roster due to grades at the last moment.
Dela Paz’ loss is huge as he brought scoring and rebounding from
the three-spot. How they adjust without him is just as key.
The other under-sized team that could go far is Perpetual Help. But
as it is painfully obvious, they will live and die by their Fantastic Four of
Juneric Baloria, Harold Arboleda, Justine Alano, and Earl Thompson. The four
need to produce each and every game no ifs and buts.
Even if they account for 90% of their team’s output, the Altas will
need to play defense as a strong offense doesn’t always mean they will win. Gab
Dagangon and Flash Sadiwa need to be consistent with what they can do and not
merely make cameo appearances every now and then.
With this NCAA season played to a tighter sked, that means there
will be fewer days for rest and you don’t know what the wear and tear can do to
Aric del Rosario’s squad.
Another Final Four contender but one that struggled in the pre-season
is Letran. Clearly, head coach Caloy Garcia was trying to tinker around and
figure out who he can count on. There’s a lot to like in this squad that can go
deep once more despite missing Almazan.
They have some new rookies like Chester Saldua and Daryl Singontiko
who will help this season. But what they need is a presence inside the slot.
Knights coach Caloy Garcia’s team will compete and probably mow down the rest
of the field (with the exception of Perpetual Help, JRU, and College of Saint
Benilde) that is anyone’s ballgame) that too are without their own center.
They can still make it to the finals but being a bridesmaid for a
third straight year isn’t funny. You can say that it’s good for a young team.
Not really because soon this team will lose Racal and Gabawan further thinning
that frontline corps. Moral victories are only temporary; no one will even
remember them in the long run.
The Knights have one of the better backcourts with Mark Cruz, Rey
Nambatac, and McJour Luib. The difference will be in Kevin Racal, Jamil
Gabawan, Ford Ruaya, and Rey Publico staying in the game foul free. More so
since Ruaya and Publico are more outside players despite being tasked to
protect the lane.
This team needs to be strong inside. Mark Cruz, as talented and
clutch as he is, can score all the points he wants but Baser Amer can match
that. What they need to show is how to more than match and offset Adeogun in
the paint.
Solve that riddle and the title is yours.
Another dark horse squad is College of Saint Benilde. They have
lineups vastly similar to Perpetual Help, JRU, and Letran – talented backcourt,
very good wing players but not much help in the middle.
Now this team can score. In bunches. In the high 90s. They just
need to play better defense.
By the time the NCAA season tips off, Mark Romero will be in game
shape. He’s got the talented Paolo Taha to help out. RJ Argamino, Jonathan
Grey, Raph Nayve, and Luis Sinco will all help. But the key here is Robert
Bartolo and JR Ongteco manning the slot. Consistency is the key.
Arellano University can surprise everyone and play well. They are a
year older with some of last year’s newbies like Keith Agovida and Zach
Nicholls getting their feet wet in seniors ball. If Agovida can be less
tentative and become a slashing and creative force, he will help point guard
Nard Pinto who seems to be the only guy who can create for teammates.
Prince Caperal is back for one more fling and he needs to be
dominant inside (and not on the bench because of foul trouble). Not sure if Ice
Ciriacruz can replicate his deadly form of years ago. If he does, they will
have scoring sock from the wing.
This squad should count on Nichole Bangga, Julius Cadavis (it’s now
or never, son), Levi Hernandez, and Jiovani Jalalon.
The onus on this team is for them to be that – a team. One that cannot
only spread the wealth points-wise but to get everyone in the act. If they can
be unselfish like Letran is they will be a serious challenger.
Lyceum of the Philippines University did relatively well in the
summer but I am not too high on that as some of their foes included a
de-powered RP Youth squad (that played minus many key players).
I love how Rhoel Maconocido and Dexter Zamora have strapped this
team in their backs. I hope they realize that they cannot simply live with the
outside shot. And speaking of outside shots, Shane Ko wasn’t his usual scoring
self in the summer. If he can pick his spots and provide rebounding, defense,
and assists that will be better than any other long bomb he can hit.
Unfortunately, LPU isn’t deep. But do have Joseph Gabayni who will
be their source of strength inside. Christian Paul Pamulaklakin should help
too.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
H&J Sports bar (in Makati): An Orange Crush
H&J: An Oranje
Crush
by rick olivares
Nigel De Jong played an excellent forward pass to
Arjen Robben from their defensive third. Despite a long Bundesliga season where
he played a total of 3,124 minutes (tenth most on Bayern Munich), Robben, the
30-year old midfielder with wheels for feet, motored downfield and outraced
Chilean defender, Gonzalo Jara who is two years his junior.
Robben sent a sure-footed cross from the left side of
the box not knowing if any teammate had raced up ahead to join the attack.
Second half substitute Memphis Depay linked up. When he saw that Robben had
gotten into perfect position for a cross, he put on a burst of speed to beat
defender Eugenio Meña and midfielder Marcelo Diaz to bundle in a second goal to
ensure that the Netherlands topped Group B with an immaculate record, 3-0-0,
while Chile, finished second with a 2-0-1 slate, but also advanced to the
second round.
The Dutch crowd that gathered at H&J Sports
Restobar erupted in wild celebration. “Top of the group!” yelled one expatriate
who slapped high fives with everyone in the vicinity.
“All the way,” crowed another while clinking beer
bottles with another.
H&J is and has been home field for the Dutch
community in Manila. For the past 15 years, first at the corner of Jupiter and
Polaris Streets in the Bel-Air area of Makati and now is in its new and
permanent home along Felipe Street (about four street corners from the old
venue), it has been one of the top sports bars. Its staple of viewing has been
football from the Premier League to La Liga to the Bundesliga to Dutch
Eredivisie and to the always crowd-drawing Euros to the World Cup. Rugby
matches are popular as well.
With 20 television screens (including three massive
screens) spread across homey lounges, couches and viewing areas and a pair of
billiard tables to go with its well-stocked bar and an impressive menu that
provides, Western, Asian, Filipino, and Indian fare, H&J has become a
popular hangout for both expats and locals. “You don’t have to be Dutch to come
over and have a good time,” cleared Musters. “We get people from different
nationalities. The other day, we got a good Argentinean crowd. During the
Spain-Netherlands match, there were quite a few Spanish nationals in the
crowd.”
While the ouster of Spain and England may be good
from the standpoint of teams with everything to gain, at H&J, it is
considered a huge hit. Especially for the English and British crowds.
“There are a lot of English or British expats here in
Manila,” pointed out Musters with a wink. “And they drink a lot too. So that
helps.”
Outside the tournaments that feature national teams, the
most watched matches are those that involve English clubs Manchester United and
Liverpool. “Any time those two teams play separately or against each other we
get large crowds,” said former Nomads FC captain Randy Musters who manages
H&J for his uncle, Jerry Echter. “There are fans from other clubs but not
in the same number as United or LFC.”
“We get some Eredivisie matches but among the Dutch
expats, it is only when the big games – the rivalries – that we get a good
attendance,” added Musters.
CJ, a Dutch expat, has lived in the Philippines for as
long as H&J has been in existence. It was his connection to game that saw
him look to the sports bar for a semblance of home.
“If you’re Dutch and during the Euros or World Cup
time, this is the place to be,” explained CJ. “The owners are Dutch (with
Indonesian roots) and that adds to the ‘home field’ feel. There are other
sports bars in the area but this is ours.”
The first matches of the Oranje – the 5-1 thrashing
of Spain and the 3-2 win over Australia – drew massive crowds. “There is no
space to walk around,” described CJ. “You have to get in early or risk not
having any place to sit or stand or anywhere where you can squeeze yourself.”
“Now that the team is through to the next round, we
might not see as many Dutch people come out,” added CJ. “In the next round, the
knockouts, the Dutch crowds will be back.”
When the Wilhelmus, the Dutch national anthem is
played before kickoff, several bar patrons join in the singing. And they sing
loud and proud. “Netherlands!!!!” screamed one man while raising his beer.
“Yes, H&J is for the Dutch while Handlebar is for
the German community,” added Sebastian, CJ’s best friend in Manila, who is
German.
Knowing the two countries have a rivalry stemming
from the Second World War, I ask how it ever gets heated between the different
nationalities.
“Sometimes there are arguments,” admitted CJ who also
roots for his hometown Ajax Amsterdam team. “But it’s all talk. Not like back
sometimes gets a little more physical. Not in Manila. We’re well behaved.”
When the stakes are higher, the matches get more
intense. And at sports bars, where the alcohol flows, sometimes there’s a
tendency to get a little rowdier. But it’s all just talk.
So how does one avoid “arguments?”
“Don’t drink,” deadpanned CJ while Sebastian and
other friends laughed out loud. “But I don’t think Jerry or Randy will be happy
about that (not drinking).”
 |
| CJ and Sebastian who I interviewed for this story. |
 |
| With Randy Musters! |
Monday, June 23, 2014
Find out who Denden Lazaro, Alyssa Valdez, Jeron Teng, Jaja Santiago & others are rooting for in the World Cup
I asked some of our local athletes who they are rooting for in the 2014 World Cup (if they follow it at all) and here are their answers:
Jeron Teng - Portugal
Denden Lazaro - Germany
Alyssa Valdez - Netherlands
Von Pessumal - Netherlands
Jaja Santiago - Spain
Chieffy Caligdong - Germany
Gelo Alolino - Brazil
James and Phil Younghusband - Brazil
Read about Chieffy's World Cup pick here.
Azkals mainstay Chieffy Caligdong is rooting for Germany in the 2014 World Cup
by rick olivares
Like a lot of other people today, Emelio “Chieffy”
Caligdong is following the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a lot of interest. Caligdong,
who plays his club football with Green Archers United and is ready to return to
national team training following a leg injury that kept him on the shelf for a
while. With the United Football League season done, Caligdong has a little more
time to spend with his family and follow the World Cup.
The 10-year national team veteran is rooting for
Germany to win the World Cup. “I like the way they play,” explained Caligdong
in the vernacular. “They are very organized in their build-up. They play simple
but fundamental football. They pass the ball around and are very patient with
their offense. And when they score they are very respectful of the game. I
think that this is how we should play the game.”
“They finished third in the last two World Cups so
anything less is like a failure for them,” added Chieffy about the German team.
“If they make it to the finals, I think they will win it.”
Watching the Germans struggle against Ghana, Chieffy
believes that Joachim Low’s squad underestimate the Black Stars. “I don’t think
they will make that mistake against the Americans though.”
Chieffy also admits to following the campaign of the
Blue Samurai, Japan. “For the same reasons as Germany, when it comes to Asian
countries, I like Japan. I like watching them and the Germans and try to pick
up some techniques from them. When I get to the pitch, I try to work on them
and see how I can incorporate them into my style of play.”
Green Archers United’s very own national player also
finds time to watch other countries and has been impressed with the United
States of America. “There are similarities with their national team and ours.
Right now there’s some controversy with the addition of their German-Americans
and others born of foreign mothers,” said Chieffy. “It’s the same thing with us
in the Philippines except that we assimilated earlier than they did. And to
think they are a more developed nation.”
“Their Major League Soccer, though ahead of us, is
growing,” pointed out Chieffy. “Their major sports are American Football,
basketball, baseball, and hockey while football is growing there. It’s also the
same here in our country where basketball is the most popular sport. But look
where MLS is now? They have some star players from the European leagues playing
there now. Hopefully, with the UFL, we can continue our growth especially for
the homegrown players.”
Caligdong also noted that the warmer climate in
Brazil is affecting the Europeans teams’ performances. “It’s an advantage for
the South American teams because they are used to that weather.”
“When we played Kuwait in the second round of the
2014 World Cup Qualifiers, the heat affected us. When Kuwait came over for our
home game, they were concerned about the rain. It’s really like that. The
weather plays a big factor.”
Right now, Caligdong is enjoying watching the World
Cup. “This is a very unpredictable World Cup. The former powers are struggling
and new teams are doing well. That means the game is evolving and teams are
getting better. Hopefully, one day, the Philippines will be participating in
the World Cup.”
Next year, the Philippines will once more embark on
that dream as it plays in the Qualifiers for the World Cup in Russia in 2018. “With
better preparation,” summed up the veteran midfielder. “Hopefully we can go
farther.”
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Showing him love -- Kevin Love is surprised at the reception he got here in Manila
NBA superstar Kevin Love is surrounded by television cameramen, photographers, and fans right before the Master Game Face Challenge got underway. Obviously you cannot see him because he's sitting down.
Kevin admitted that he didn't really know anything about the Philippines save for Manny Pacquiao. He thought that boxing was the most popular sport and was hapy to know that it is hoops. He also expressed surprise at the massive reception he got n Manila.
Here is one dude who is a legit star yet isn't even in his prime yet. If he were healthy the Big Fella would have suited up.
Bleachers Brew #400 Innovation at the World Cup
Innovation at the
World Cup
by rick olivares pic from sporting news
During the World Cup match between Germany and Ghana,
the television commentator mentioned that should the temperatures soar to 32 degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit) there will be a
mandatory water break after every 30 minutes.
This gained further prominence when a Brazilian
judge, Rogerio Neiva Pinheiro, of the Labor Court in Brasilia, ordered that
FIFA comply or else face a fine of 200,000 real ($89,686) if they fail to
comply with the water break rule that is incidentally in the football body’s
protocol.
Brazil is a country with different climates.
Technically, it is the winter season in the Southern hemisphere but the
climates change depending on where you are and the time of the day.
In this World Cup, some teams play under the
sweltering noontime sun while others see action in the late afternoon and early
evening prompting people in the crowd to put on a little thicker clothing.
To give you an idea of the extremity, the climes in
stadia in Manaus and Natal are hot and humid whereas the arena at Porto Alegre
is cooler and a lot drier. That means the exposure to extreme changes in
weather can wreak havoc on the human body.
Watching the teams play in this World Cup, outside
the South American teams that are used to the weather, you could see the other
sides struggling. Like the hometown crowds, the weather is the X-factor and one
that does not favor European teams.
Obviously, the coaching staffs have anticipated that
and their battery of trainers and physiologists have prepared for the humidity
with hydration programs that are keenly monitored. And perhaps that is why
we’ve seen far fewer cases of cramping. But nevertheless, it is a concern.
Imagine several years from now when the matches are
played in Qatar (after the 2018 World Cup in Russia). Ironically, it is a
chilling thought.
I believe that water breaks aren’t the only
preventive measures FIFA should look at. They should look at adding at most two
more substitutes during matches. Each team has about 23 players lined up for
the World Cup and at the maximum, only 14 players are able to see action during
a match. Why line up that many players when they will hardly play?
Adding at least two more players to the allowed
number of substitutes will also be another preventive measure for injuries and
will provide much needed exposure to others.
The goal-line technology (that has so far eliminated
any controversial goals or non-goals) took a little longer to implement because
of testing and implementation. On the other hand, the mandatory water breaks
and adding two more substitutes should be a lot easier to introduce to the game.
This is also the first World Cup where that vanishing
foam-like spray has been used to mark free kicks and defensive walls. That has
made it easier in preventing any players from encroaching or moving the ball to
a more advantageous position. It is a simple innovation that is beneficial for
officials, coaches, players, and fans alike.
Now hopefully, this can be introduced to all domestic
leagues.
Sans the heat, this World Cup is arguably proving to
be the most exciting and best played of the lot. There have been incredible
comebacks, massive upsets, new heroes to cheer for, and goals galore. And to
think, the tournament is only halfway done. Furthermore, the innovations have
been marvelous and welcome additions that everyone can appreciate. A few more
cosmetic changes, such as the proposed breaks and addition of substitutes, can
only mean better play for all.
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