Reedley Silverbacks in a rebuilding season; Imson on Javelosa & Gueye

Last year's edition of the Reedley Internation School Silverbacks. Coach Nathaniel Imson (wearing the shirt with the red sleeves) and his former prized wards Jay Javelosa (#4) and Karbala Gueye (#10).

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Reedley Silverbacks in a rebuilding season; Imson on Javelosa & Gueye

by rick olivares

The Reedley Silverbacks are getting ready for the new high school basketball season. The problem for head coach Nathaniel Imson is he practically his entire team to graduation. “Out of the original 17-man line-up including the two alternates, I lost 12 players!”

Among the Silverbacks who have gone on to college include forward-center Jay Javelosa (who is a RP Youth Team veteran) and center Karbala Gueye, both who are now in Ateneo de Manila University. The Silverbacks finished third in Division III of last season’s Metro Manila Basketball League (MMBL) where they became a crowd favorite. They were upset in the semifinals by Trinity that despite fielding a smaller line-up had a faster team and a deeper bench. “That was a disappointing loss,” understated Gueye after that loss. “We should have played better.”

“This year will be developmental for us,” underscored Imson. “We're not joining the MMBL this year.  I think we are entering ISSA (Inter-Scholastic Sports Association) or LSMS (League of Southern Manila Schools) and MISAA (Manila International School Athletic Association). With hard work and a premium on team play, we're aiming to win the MISAA and enter the semis of LSMS.”

Imson’s present roster is composed of three seniors, four juniors, with the rest junior high and sophomores. “I don’t have any recruits this year,” he noted. “I will rely on our homegrown players and senior Joey Tuason. I’m trying to groom him for Ateneo even for Team B only.”

Regarding his former wards in Javelosa and Gueye (who is Ateneo Team B and is currently playing in the Fr. Martin II tournament), Imson expressed excitement in seeing them play, “I’m proud of both of Jay and KG. I think of them as my kids. Truth be told, my whole family was so eager and excited to see Jay don the Ateneo jersey and watch him on television. It gave my family goose bumps. Right now they are my only former players that I know of who are playing somewhere.”

“With Jay’s potential - height, ball handling, perimeter shooting, and shot blocking skills, he will be of great help to Ateneo. I know he is get very little playing time. His present coach (Bo Perasol) has his own style, system, and strategy that is working. Maybe, Jay is adjusting to the new system. Who knows? One thing for sure, he will have a breakout game. Then, people will take notice.”

UAAP Rookie Watch Week 3: Ateneo's Arvin Tolentino still pacing rookie class

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UAAP Rookie Watch Week 3

by rick olivares

Let’s sum up the past week, La Salle looks to have arrested its early season skid by taking down erstwhile undefeated National University and University of the East to even its slate to 2-2.

The NU Bulldogs came back from that disappoint two-point defeat to La Salle to hand Ateneo its first loss in four matches. They now own a three-match win streak against the Blue Eagles in UAAP play (including the two from Season 76). This was their second biggest win of the young tournament after taking out UST in the season opener.

And as always here, we’re taking a look at the contributions of the rookies to their respective squads.

Arvin Tolentino (Ateneo de Manila University - 1 win and 1 loss)

29.3 minutes: 18.5 points (5/16 from 3FGs  31% + 7/102FGs + 70% 8/8FTs 100% ) 8.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 2.5 turnovers.

Jay Javelosa (Ateneo de Manila University – 1 win and 1 loss)

5.67 minutes: 2 points (1/2 2FG = 50%), and 1 block.

Dario (University of the Philippines - 2 losses)

11.8 minutes: 3.0 points (3/10 2FGs 30%), 1.0 assists, and 1.5 turnovers.

Rev Diputado (National University – 1 win and 1 loss)

17.6 minutes: 7.0 points (1/2 3FGs 50% + 5/7 2FGs 71% + 1/2 FTs 50%), 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.5 turnovers.

Prince Rivero (De La Salle University - 2 wins)

11.5 minutes: 5.0 points (4/6 2FGs 66% + 2/2 FTs 100%), 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 1.5 turnovers.

Henri Subido (University of Santo Tomas 1 win)

21.7 minutes: 2 points (0/3 3FGs + 0/2  2FGs + 2/2 FTs 100%), 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 3.0 Turnovers.

Jessie Pedrosa (Adamson University – 1 loss)

18.5 minutes: 10 points  (0/3 3FGs + 2/4 2FGs 50% + 6/6 FTs 100%), 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2 Turnovers.

Joseph Nalos (Adamson University – 1 loss)

19.0 minutes: 9 points (1/1 3FGs 100% +  2/6 2FGs 33% + 2/2 FTs 100%),  2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals.

Ivan Villanueva (Adamson University – 1 loss)

29.17 minutes: 5.0 points (0/3 3FGs + 2/9 2FGs 22% + ½ FTs 50%), 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 Turnovers.

The A-Train (Tolentino) and Villanueva played the most minutes but it was the former who put up better stats. However, it is my observation that he can do less with his three-point shooting and work on taking shots closer to the rim as it shows his field goal percentage is better).

Tolentino is in the Top 10 for individual statistics, total field goals and free throws made, offensive rebounds, blocks, and fouls!

Villanueva again struggled against a taller line-up (La Salle). But he’ll learn and get better.

Subido didn’t do too well in those long minutes but gotta give the kid some slack as he joined UST late in the summer.

Who should get more playing time? In my opinion and not just stats-wise but also on potential -- Prince Rivero, Jay Javelosa, and Rev Diputado.

If we were to award a UAAP Rookie Player of the Week, for the second time in three weeks, this will go to Arvin Tolentino (as Ivan Villanueva will take the honors for Week One).

The International Tennis Premier League: A smashing promise

This appears on abs-cbnnews.com

The ITPL: A smashing promise

by rick olivares pic by jason cairnduff

I want to hear Maria Sharapova grunt as she serves. I want to see that backhand of hers rip down the line. I want to see those crosscourt volleys and see her rush to the net to pound the ball past a helpless opponent. Come on. How often do you get to see a statuesque Russian beauty not have a care in the world as she plays with an intensity that is equal to the most focused of male players?

Ah! Speaking of intensity, Andy Murray seems to have written a chapter in that good book. Unfortunately, grass suits his game and I wonder and look forward to seeing how those backhands of his and drop shots will work in the synthetic surface that will be used for the inaugural International Tennis Premier League tournament.

I got this rush of blood to my head when I first heard about the International Premier Tennis League from my Australian boss at the office a couple of months ago. It so happens that the multinational media agency that I work for does business with the organizers.

I have always watched and loved tennis. I played it recreationally and only stopped when a relationship I was in ended in 2008. Ondoy wrecked my tennis rackets and that pretty much put an end to any playing (along with putting on the pounds). On television, I watched every chance I got. I’ve been to two live tennis events all my life – Fire and Ice (the Bjorn Borg-John McEnroe exhibition match) and the 2003 US Open when Pete Sampras bade the tennis world goodbye. I have a bunch of tennis books at home some of which are my favorites. What’s even cooler is I’ve got relatives who were former All-Americans and a nephew (who has appeared in a television commercial with Roger Federer) and niece who are up and comers in the US Junior Tennis Circuit.

I think that Filipinos never had it so good when it comes to sports. A handful of athletes and national teams are making waves internationally. We’re now hosting World Cup Qualifiers. We’re seeing more and more top caliber athletes coming over for visits, clinics, or even to play exhibition matches.

And now the International Premier Tennis League is coming to Manila to play it’s inaugural tournament with many of the top stars of tennis coming over. Andy Murray! Jo-Wilfried Tsonga! Carlos Moya! And… Maria Sharapova! Yes… Maria Sharapova who is arguably the most famous female athlete in the world. Organizers acknowledged that she was added to the Philippine franchise – the Manila Mavericks to give the league and the event an impact player in terms of interest, buzz, and corporate dollars and pesos.

This event has the potential to give the local tennis scene a badly needed shot in the arm.

Sometimes, I feel that local tennis is only known form have a pretty player in Christine Patrimonio or because we have some Fil-Ams (Cecil representing us in competitions. In the old Atlas Sports Weekly, I followed the late Ajay Pathak’s column with great interest.

While Sharapova will draw a lot of interest (and I hope for more than her looks but also for her gritty play), there are others on the Manila team that I look forward to watch.

Andy Murray

Nationality: British

Current Ranking: 10

Highest Ranking: 2

Career Title – Singles: 28

Career Titles – Doubles: 2

Grand Slam Single Titles: 2

Davis Cup Singles (W/L): 16-1

Murray is the first British player to win Wimbledon in 77 years and the only one from the UK to win a Grand Slam in the Open Era. Also won Olympic Gold during the 2012 London Olympics.

Maria Sharapova

Nationality: Russian

Current Ranking: 6

Highest Ranking: 1

Career Titles – Singles: 32

Career Titles – Doubles: 3

Grand Slam Single Titles: 5

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Nationality: French

Current Ranking: 16

Highest Ranking: 5

Career Titles – Singles: 10

Career Titles – Doubles: 4

Davis Cup Singles (W/L): 13-3

Carlos Moya

Nationality: Spanish

Current Ranking: Inactive

Highest Ranking: 1

Career Titles – Singles: 20

Career Titles – Doubles: 0

Grand Slam Singles Titles: 1

Davis Cup Titles: 1

Davis Cup Singles (W/L): 20-7

Daniel Nestor

Nationality: Canadian

Current Ranking: 5 (doubles)

Highest Ranking: 1

Career Titles – Singles: 0

Career Titles – Doubles: 85

Grand Slam Doubles Titles: 8

Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Titles: 4

Davis Cup Doubles: 31-8

The doubles specialist who has won the doubles title in all four Grand Slams, Masters series events, Year-End championships, and the Olympics!

Treat Huey

Nationality: Filipino

Current Ranking: 29 (doubles)

Highest Ranking: 20

Career Titles – Singles: 0

Career Titles – Doubles: 3

Another doubles specialist who will most likely team up with Daniel Nestor. Has reached the finals thrice of the ATP World Tour. Won his lone title at the 2012 Citi Open in Washington, D.C.

Kirsten Flipkens

Nationality: Belgian

Current Ranking: 46 (singles)

Highest Ranking: 13

Career Title – Singles: 1

Career Title – Doubles: 0

Fed Cup Singles (W/L): 9-16

The twist in this tournament is that it isn’t your regular tennis match but an entirely different one. We’ll tackle that in great length next. But in the meantime… talk about a year-end buzz regarding the International Tennis Premier League. No doubt, this will be the “Fire and Ice” for this generation of Filipino sports fans.

Stephon Marbury for a Cause (Jersey for A Cause and the victims of Biliary Artesia)

Andrew Tan of Jersey Haven, Stephon Marbury, and Sheryl Reyes hold up the Love is Love special and limited edition jersey (with Marbury on the back with his #3) that will benefit victims of Biliary Artesia.

This appears on the NBA Philippines site.

Marbury for A Cause

by rick olivares

If you’ve come expecting the sneer and streetwise attitude that Stephon Marbury displayed during his NBA career to be on full display at the Heroes Café at Bonifacio High Street you’d be pleasantly surprised to see that Star is all smiles and looks you in the eye when you hold a conversation. He smiles and cracks jokes. He never fails to pose for a photo, sign an autograph, or answer questions.

Marbury is in Manila for the fourth time in the last couple of years. He’s back this time to launch “Jersey for A Cause,” a charity where the proceeds of a sale of special and limited edition basketball jersey will all go to the Ang Pamilyang Lansangan Foundation (APLF) to particularly help defray the cost of Biliary Artesia, a disease of the liver that is fatal to children.

During the presscon at Heroes Café to unveil the special jersey, Stephon carried six-year old Hannah Honor, who was successfully treated for the disease. He constantly whispered encouragement to Hannah and her family as well as the other families that APFL brought to the proceedings. “My heart goes out to them, man. That’s a tough situation. People should really do more to help the unfortunate and the needy.”

Hannah wore a Miami Heat shirt and not one of the colors of the five NBA teams he played for in his 14-year career. “That’s all right,” he said of the shirt that bore LeBron James’ name. “At least people are basketball fans. A positive love for the sport can mean good things.”

“But the most important jersey at the moment -- is this one right here,” he said pointing to the special and limited edition jersey manufactured by Jersey Haven that used Filipino colors with the words “Love is love” boldly printed in front. “That’s the home team right there,” Marbury pointed to the families with children afflicted with Biliary Artesia. “My home team.”

“I really hope we can get people to support Jersey for A Cause then that will be meaningful not to me but to the families and children whose lives are at stake. If people can spend a lot of money on gadgets and other luxury goods what helping out here? This is a country (the Philippines) that loves, lives and breathes basketball so what’s the cost of a basketball jersey that goes to a really good cause? I hope Filipinos and basketball fans come out to support this.”

“I am not trying to change the world,” underscored Steph belying rumors that he’s become a new millennium basketball-dribbling Dalai Lama, “I am trying to help the world.”

“Love is love,” the mantra that Marbury recites along with thanking God for hundreds of times a day isn’t something new he thought of after his experiences in China. “It was there from my beginning. It got lost in the shuffle between all the noise and controversy. It’s when I got to China when there was less outside noise that the message got louder. Social media certainly helped me get the message across too.”

Even at the height of his NBA career, Marbury was into philanthropy as he donated huge amounts of his pay to the victims of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina as well as the police, fire, and emergency departments and teachers of New York City.

He even came out with a line of shoes and clothing called “Starbury” that made shoes and clothes at the bargain basement price of $14.98. In China, Marbury is also assisting in other things such as the creation of classrooms for children.

So why the Philippines as well?

Star spoke of how he became friends with agent Sheryl Reyes and local sports scribe Tina Maralit and how they collectively hatched this charity event together. “I love those girls. Their doing good things and that’s something I can appreciate. China’s like my second home now and because of them, the warm reception I get every time I am here and the love that is shown me, the Philippines is my third home.”

“I know what it’s like to not have things at home,” he related. “My mother worked lots of jobs just to put food on the table and clothes and shoes on us. Not everyone makes a lot of money so what if we can do something for them; make their lives a little easier? I am not in this business to take advantage but to help others.”

“When you’re living in America you kind of think you know all you need to know because of what we have but when you go out, you expand your horizons, you know more. There are misconceptions about places like China that you are glad to know aren’t true at all. When you see the world, you know more and you love life more. You appreciate things and realize, ‘Man, life is good and you can do good.’”

After the press conference, Marbury patiently took close to two hours worth of individual interviews fielding questions about his NBA and Chinese Basketball Association careers and his thoughts on today’s basketball stars. Not once did he look at his watch or complained he was tired. He gamely posed for photos with fans and media. He then spent time with some of the families of APLF before going to grab what was a really late lunch (it was well past 2pm when it was all done).

When he stepped out of Heroes Café, a fan asked for a photo. After the photo op, the fan asked if he was here for a game. Marbury explained that it was for “Jersey for a Cause.”

This isn’t about me… but them,” he said pointing to the APLF families and their children.

There were more smiles around.

The special and limited edition Love is Love jersey can be ordered through Jersey Haven's website: jerseyhaven.com.ph or through their Facebook account. ALL the proceeds will go to the children stricken by Biliary Artesia.

Heroes Café, located in Bonifacio High Street sell designer toys, graphic novels, t-shirts of super heroes and collectible items. There’s also café to serve hungry fanboys and collectors.



Read my piece on Stephon Marbury and his China adventure.