The Bleachers Brew Podcast: Von Pessumal

Ex-Adamson Falcons’ Ken Bono and Jericho Cruz are starring in their teams’ PBA campaigns.

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Former Adamson Falcons’ Ken Bono and Jericho Cruz are starring in their teams’ PBA campaigns.

by rick olivares

During the Meralco Bolts-Rain or Shine clash last Wednesday, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria was in the stands at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to not only scout but also to watch some of his former players at Adamson University — Ken Bono of the former and Jericho Cruz of the latter squad.

Bono, the 2006 UAAP Most Valuable Player when he led the Falcons to the semifinals for the first time in team history came into the match in the second quarter and scored two buckets in the midst of a 51-point bomb dropped by Meralco in 13 minutes (RoS scored 31 in that span). Bono finished with nine points and one board in 11 quality minutes while Onuaku took a breather.

Cruz himself came alive in the fourth period where he scored 11-points as the Elasto Painters came close to overhauling a 26-point deficit only to fall short at the end. Cruz, the sophomore swingman, scored a total of 15 points, second best on his team, and mostly on daredevil drives inside despite the presence of Meralco’s 6’9” reinforcement, Arinze Onuaku. 

Austria said that he was proud of his former players. “Ken is one of the smartest players around,” said the coach who now has three PBA titles to his name. “He just needs a break.”

“As for Jericho, the boy has always played a lot of confidence. I think that is also due to his martial arts training.

Cruz grew up in the Northern Marianas Islands, an American protectorate. “I was in high school when I started training in Mixed Martial Arts,” recounted Cruz. "I got into Jiu Jitsu and had a little stand up game. I was with a team called, Marianas Elite. I never got in the cage though because that was more for my training.”

“Ever since I was a kid, I was always passionate. I dont care if I break my bones or what I am going to do what I am supposed to do. People misinterpret the way I act inside the court. I think it is more of how our team is in general — we are a tough team."

The 25-year old feels lucky that he is given playing time by Yeng Guiao. “I am very honored and at the same time pressured because not all players are given that trust. That is why I keep working hard to prove that I belong in coach’s rotation. When I had my breakout game against Alaska, it was in my rookie year and my first Best Player of the Game. That is when I think I earned Coach Yeng’s trust."

Bono on the other hand has bounced around the league serving with six teams since he was drafted sixth overall in 2007 by Alaska. He was a reserve player for B-Meg/San Mig Coffee’s title winning teams but left to join Meralco in hopes of getting more playing time. It didn’t happen right away as he was used mainly as a practice player by Norman Black before he was penciled in for the team’s Commissioner’s Cup roster.

He started Meralco’s conference debut against Star Hotshots and has played in all three wins for the Bolts thus far with the RoS win his most productive since his return to active duty. “I feel like a rookie all over again,” said the 6’5” forward/center following the win over RoS. “Hindi naman ako tumigil sa pagpakundisyon kahit ilang taon akong practice player.”

During a crucial stretch in the fourth period, Black rested a visibly tired Onuaku, amidst a run by the Elasto Painters. It was a huge gamble that paid off. Bono beat JR Quinahan to an offensive board for a putback. And-one.

It was a massive shot. The Bolts, with some late points from Jared Dillinger and Onuaku, held off RoS. 

"Nung pagod na ang import namin sinabihan ako na bigyan ng chance siya magpahinga at the same time mag-contribute sa makakaya ko. So yun naman ang ginawa ko,” said Bono. "Umaasa naman ako magtuloy tuloy. Lagi lang handa. Napagdaanan ko na din kasi yung madaming taon na di makasama sa lineup. Pero ayaw ko naman sumuko. Work hard lang lagi at pilitin to stay positive kung anumang mangyari kasi ganyan naman pag mahal mo trabaho mo.”

Summed up Leo Austria, “Those are my boys!"

Breaking down the Meralco Bolts' 24-second shot clock vs Rain or Shine

Breaking down the Meralco Bolts’ shot clock vs RoS

by rick olivares

The resurgent Meralco Bolts showed resiliency in their 98-95 win over a tough Rain or Shine team last night. The Bolts coughed up a 26-point lead in the second quarter but never surrendered the lead en route to their third win in as many matches.

You have to give credit to the RoS Elasto Painters who played better without import Wayne Chism who looked meek and fragile and not the explosive player he was. He went out in the early third period with what looked like a hamstring injury but that didn’t stop Yeng Guiao’s charges from playing much better. Jericho Cruz, Maverick Ahanmisi, and JR Quinahan led the scorching rally that saw them knot the score at 76-all after being down 61-36 in the half.

In the fourth quarter, Merlaco got some huge points from Jared Dillinger, Arinze Onuaku who looked tired and was lumbering up and down the court, and two huge buckets from the resurgent Ken Bono and back-up point guard Anjo Caram.

For the match, I dusted off my analysis on the 24-second shot clock theory that I used to take reams of notes on Tim Cone’s Alaska and B-Meg/San Mig Coffee teams (I also tested that with NU-BDO in the D-League).

Essentially it goes like this: theoretically, a basketball team has five opportunities in a 24-second shot clock.

The first six seconds are usually off the fastbreak or the quick putback where the percentages are higher.

The next six are of lower percentages because the defense is better set.

In the next six (18 seconds), the percentages are better because this is when an offensive team should pick apart the defense with its set plays.

The next three seconds are still good because the designated scorer should have the ball in his hands.

The last three seconds, the percentages plummet because this is what you call the desperation shot.

What I did in this instance was break the shot clock down to FOUR intervals (I included two and three-point baskets as well as free throws whether one or two points were scored) instead of the five that I have previously used. The margin for error here is small. Probably three possessions that I could have been wrong but they do not affect the data that I have recorded.

24-19 seconds: 9 attempts; 6 times they scored; 1 turnover

18-13 seconds: 15 attempts; 7 times they scored; 1 turnover

12-7 seconds: 43 attempts; 20 times they scored; 5 turnovers

6-0 seconds: 20 attempts; 11 times they scored; 3 turnovers

Reset shot clocks

14-7 seconds: 4 attempts; 2 times they scored; 1 turnover

6-0 seconds: 2 attempts

Obviously, the Meralco Bolts score best in the first six seconds and the last six but the bulk of their attempts are when the shot clock hits 12 because they have managed to work the ball down to Arinze Onuaku. 

Ken Bono! Scored nine points in the match. Finally given a chance after being a practice player for both San Mig Coffee and Meralco the past few years, the former UAAP MVP has been given playing time the past three games. Against RoS, battling Beau Belga and JR Quinahan, Bono hit some huge shots.

Some sports memorabilia/souvenirs I acquired today!

The scarf used from Season 40 for the San Miguel Beermen (the one they use in Season 41 is of different material and not as good if you ask me) as well as their championship shirt for the recently-concluded Philippine Cup. My question about the shirt is -- where is the date? Every championship shirt needs a date to commemorate the feat.

Chris Newsome's Ateneo Blue Eagles jersey! One of my all-time fave Blue Eagles.

On that Messi penalty assist to Suarez versus Celta Vigo....

On that Messi passed up penalty versus Celta Vigo....

If it is within the rules then it is legal. 

A feint is allowed to confuse a goalkeeper. It is disallowed by the referee if it is considered an act of unsporting behaviour. 

On the other hand, I thought it was more trickery than entertainment as Luis Enrique defended the play. But again, if it is within the rules then it’s all right. I don’t have to like it. 

But that begs the question, if Messi wanted to let Suarez have the goal then he should have given him the penalty. A penalty is a shot between a kicker and a goal keeper. He didn’t kick the ball. He tapped it to a teammate to take the shot. This wasn't a free kick. It isn't a penalty shot; IT IS A PLAY. 

Even if Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry pulled the stunt before that doesn’t mean it’s all right. Maybe FIFA should look into that and correct that rule. It is disrespectful and puts the goalkeeper in a disadvantageous position.

I would have thought more from a team that says they are more than a club.

Turning a new leaf for the NU Lady Bulldogs volleyball team

This appears on philstar.com


Turning a new leaf for the NU Lady Bulldogs volleyball team

by rick olivares

The National University Lady Bulldogs are on a three-match win streak. After losing their season opener to two-time defending champions Ateneo in Season 78 of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball tournament, Roger Gorayeb’s Lady Bulldogs have taken down two impressive teams in Adamson and La Salle before crushing hapless University of the East to move up to solo second with a 3-1 record.

However, the veteran coach believes that they haven’t done anything yet. “I am looking for consistency,” he stated.

Gorayeb thinks that their last Shakey’s V-League title might have lulled his team into a false sense of accomplishment. “We know that Ateneo wasn’t 100% in those Finals. We also won with (guest players) Rubie De Leon and Dindin Santiago on our team. We don’t have those two now.”

The NU coach, while elated at his team’s big wins against Adamson and La Salle, urges caution. "We almost bungled that game against La Salle. We were leading two sets to none then in the third set we lost. In the fourth set, we were down again.”

“Hindi sa tingin ko La Salle is not a good team. On the contrary, sila yung model ng team perfection — solid players, pare-pareho mga suot ultimo hanggang medyas at sapatos. Excellent sila fundamentally. Nakaka-sindak. Kami naman, we’re just trying to pick up the pieces and play consistently.”

With La Salle poised to send the match to a fifth set, Gorayeb called for a time out with the score 20-14 with the Lady Spikers in the lead. "I showed disgust to my team during that game,” recalled Gorayeb who didn’t say anything to them at all during the time out instead asking assistant Edget Mabbayad to talk to them.

“Alam namin na kapag hindi nagsasalita si coach galit na siya,” said NU open hitter Myla Pablo. “Yung problema kasi namin yung consistency."

The Lady Bulldogs incredibly turned it around and won the fourth set, 25-23, to take the upset win. “I long for the day when people will no longer say ‘upset win yung NU.’ But we need to earn it hindi binibigay ng basta basta yun.”

The coach related a story from last year’s Final Four where the Lady Bulldogs defeated La Salle in three sets in the first match. “I wanted to see how the team would react to that win,” related Gorayeb. It was NU’s first ever volleyball win against La Salle. Ever. And the team already celebrated like they won a championship. “Nakita ko ‘to when I was in Ateneo. We defeated La Salle in Game One of the Season 74 Finals. First namin yun and grabe rin yung locker room celebration. Sobra. After that, na-blanka kami in the next two games. So nag-flashback ako sa team ng NU last year. Hindi ko naman sinasabi na huwag mag-celebrate. Okay lang kahit konti pero malayo pa tayo."

In the locker room post-match, the NU head coach reminded them about their character. “Against Ateneo, we fell. Against La Salle, nakatayo kami. Sa ngayon, 3-1 kami. Malayo pa tayo."

Chris Newsome on his adjustment to the PBA

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Chris Newsome on his adjustment to the PBA

by rick olivares pic from the pba

Rookie swingman Chris Newsome believes that the Meralco Bolts and his personal development in the pro basketball game is due to the adjustments made between the PBA’s Philippine and on-going Commissioner’s Cup.

The Bolts have opened the Commissioner’s Cup with two straight wins a 90-86 conquest of the Star Hotshots and an 88-84 win over Talk ’N Text. In these two wins, Newsome, the rookie out of Ateneo de Manila University, is averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. "There is always an adjustment phase coming from the collegiate ranks to the PBA,” explained Newsome. “Everyone here is just bigger, stronger, and faster. You’re going up on a daily basis against MVPs of their own leagues, the best players of their respective college teams, All-Stars, legends, and even national team players. You have to raise the level of your game or you’ll be left in the dust.”

The two wins of the Bolts while it is something to build on is nonetheless something Newsome and his teammates aren’t celebrating. “We haven’t done anything yet but double our win total from the Philippine Cup (Meralco finished 1-10 including a nine-match losing streak). We have to aim for more and do better each game.”

The California, USA native experienced a modicum of success with Ateneo and a championship with Hapee in the D-League. “My regret is not helping lead Ateneo to a title. I won with Hapee but came up short with Ateneo. But playing for the Blue Eagles made me a better basketball player.”

The poor showing of Meralco in the Philippine Cup was more than he ever experienced with Ateneo or Hapee. “That teaches you that nothing is handed on a silver platter and you really have to work hard for any success,” he shared.

While he was playing for the Blue Eagles in the UAAP, Newsome was used as a do-it-all forward; someone who helped in the rebound-challenged Ateneo squad, one who defended the opposing team’s top scorer, and one who needed to score points. “It’s good training if you ask me,” noted Newsome. “In the pros, you have to be more multi-faceted as a player. Being one-dimensional hurts your value. People say that I am undersized as a forward at 6’2” and maybe that is so. For me to cope with those challenges, I have use my speed, athleticism, and work hard to get better in my perimeter shooting to help my team.”

When Newsome came to the Philippines, he was recruited by Norman Black for Ateneo. While Newsome never got to play for Black who went back to the pros with Talk ’N Text at that time, he showed his wares under Bo Perasol. Now in the PBA as the fourth overall pick of the 2015 draft, he is reunited with Black and Jimmy Alapag who Chris corresponded with while still living Stateside in New Mexico. “Coach Norman is giving me the confidence to find my game and to contribute while Jimmy is there to mentor me as he always has even while I was in Ateneo. It’s an ongoing process and we have a ways to go."

Newsome and the Meralco Bolts will face a supreme test to their newfound confidence when they take on the tough and battle-tested Rain or Shine Elasto Painters tomorrow, Wednesday, in the main match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

“Here’s where we see what we are made of,” summed up Newsome.

A letter to the Ateneo Blue Eaglets 2015-16

HALF-TIME inside the Ateneo dugout. Gabby Severino explains some adjustments. Jolo Mendoza (with a towel draped over him) is clutching his rosary.

Dear Ateneo Blue Eaglets,

I know my words might ring hollow in the aftermath of defeat to the De La Salle Zobel Juniors Archers in the Final Four today. After all, I’m a just that supporter from the sidelines trying to drum up some cheer and interest about our team through my writing. Cheering when we win and feeling sad when we lose. I will not begin to say that I come close to duplicating the hurt that you all feel. I won’t even begin to try.

Nevertheless, I will try my best to assuage the hurt and to put things in perspective.

It was a tough season to begin with — the graduation of key players, losing one to academics, while others fell prey to injuries. Along the way, other players also got injured and that all the more hampered our chances. If Jossier Hassan, who has been playing well of late, been in the game, who knows? These things happen and they are a part of the cycle we all have to unfortunately go through. 

Having said that, you guys made it this far. You came close to forging another another do-or-die game. Had those four free throws and that undergoal bucket scored in the last six minutes who knows? It might have a different ending. But there it is.

By no means does this define you or your team. The bulk of this squad was a part of last year’s champion team so you have something in the bag. For those who were not a part of last year’s squad, you still shouldn’t feel like losers. 

It was apparent from the start of the season that it wasn’t going to be easy. Zobel was mostly intact with a veteran crew. NU, well, those guys are always contenders and have been for the past five seasons. With that assembly line of top players, you have to go, “Whoa!" Adamson and FEU? Those guys are taller and just as good. But you dispatched five other teams to get there.

What this all means is you guys fought that One Big Fight to get there and sometimes, this is all we ever ask for. Stacked odds, injured players, poor play, spotting officiating, you defied that to make it to the second to the last round. That counts for something.

We always hear that these games we play are metaphors of life. Some of you might not see it or even understand it now but in time you will. But heed the wisdom in it. You'll be glad you did one fine day.

Now look at it this way… why do you practice every day? Why is there repetition in the drills and execution? Because you are being prepared for the grind. The grind of what is alternately a long and a short season (it depends on which tier of the standings you're at). As well as the grind of life. Even when things are tough, you have to put on your work boots and just keep at it. 

This season teaches you about sacrifice. During the summer, Al Rosales started while Jolo Mendoza was out and he did a creditable job. When Jolo came back, he returned to the bench. But the kid was always ready to play. Sure, he wishes he played more but some things are beyond our control. Giving it your best is all we ever ask. It might not be enough sometimes, but when you hang your hat and say, "Well, I tried my darn best." No one can ever fault you.

This loss also teaches you to be magnanimous. If there is anyone who should take that crown from you it has to be someone who beat you. And whether we like it or not, the two teams that beat us — or who we didn’t win against — are squaring off the finals. We should tip our collective hats and give them credit for they beat us. 

In that locker room post-match today, I was the oldest person perhaps in that room. Having said that, I saw all the coaches suit up for Ateneo. Or the Blue Eaglets in particular. 

When Coach Gabby Severino spoke about his teams not being particularly good… he speaks the truth. I saw Gabby play. I saw Joe, Yuri, Marco, play. My fondest Gabby Severino story is ironically Olsen Racela’s last game in the UAAP for Ateneo. The Blue Eagles went up against Adamson with that power trio of EJ Fiehl, Marlou Aquino, and Kenneth Duremdes. But Gabby, he drove right at the heart of that frontline. He got blocked, had a shot altered, but he kept attacking. Late in that game at the Blue Eagle Gym one weekday afternoon in 1991, the Blue Eagles had a chance. A chance to win. The season was over. But you know, just go out with a win. For Olsen. For Danny Francisco who if he had played would have been in his last UAAP year (he never got to suit up again after a heart ailment sidelined him forever in 1988). 

Now Gab? The lanky dude grabbed an offensive board and put it back over the seven-foot Fiehl. And-one. He went right at the behemoth with an emphatic “Oh!” while we in the stands jeered, “Ano height mo?” Ano height mo indeed. Adamson’s height, talent, and depth were too much that day. But along with about sixty other Ateneans in the stands that day, we applauded and we sang with our hearts on our sleeve and with tears in our eyes. 

When you look at Gab now, well, the losses didn’t define him at all. He’s become a very good coach in his own right and I have had the pleasure of watching him coach our high school and college basketball teams.

Coach Joe — he was right. The title last year? That helped relieve some of the hurt in losing in the late 1990s. But he’s all right. He just keeps on trucking. I used to wonder if he was the right man for the job. But even before the title last year, I knew already that, yes, we have a good coach with the right mind and the right heart. One who cares for his craft and loves his boys win or lose. If there is a labor of love for any Ateneo coach, it is coaching the Blue Eaglets. 

High school is where you build lifelong friendships, where you learn to take your first steps as a young man, and where you begin to imbibe all those teachings from the school we all love. That’s homegrown pride right there. Something you will take with you forever and wherever you may be 20 years, 30 years from now.

Sure it’s a tough loss. Embrace it. 

Embrace the pain, as my good friend Alex Compton told his luckless Alaska Aces following their painful Game 7 defeat in the recent PBA Philippine Cup. 

Embrace it but by no means make this define you. Use it to move forward.  Learn from it to move forward.

My take away from the game today?

Damn. When Gian Mamuyac snatched that ball and drove in, no, he jumped freaking high, and he got fouled for an and-one.

Justin Eustaquio. One of the smallest guys on the court grabbing that offense rebound and sticking that close range jumper.

When Jolo Mendoza went on a short tear to answer that mid-third period blitz of Zobel, I went, “here we go.”

Jason Credo? How about his defensive stops. Coach Aris Manalo, bulk up this dude and he’ll be kicking butt next season. This kid can shoot, drive, and play defense. Plus, he's tall! Let Wesley Gonzales show him how to weave in and out of traffic for a bucket and one. If he learns that... oh, boy!

BJ Andrade? What guts! What drop steps inside! You sure this kid isn't a center?

How about Shaun Ildefonso? Lakay's son was eating up those boards (he finished with a game high 18 rebounds). He might not have his dad's height but he sure has his heart.

And there’s Dave Ildefonso.

His dad, Danny, has been a good friend the past few years. Danny told me before the game that Dave was a fighter. 

In the sobbing and somber din of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets’ locker room after the painful Final Four loss, almost everyone was in tears. Save for two guys — Jason and Dave. Sure they were sad but they fought back the tears. After Joe Silva asked if anyone had anything else to say (before he turned over the floor to Fr. JBoy Gonzales, S.J.), Dave raised his hand.

“I have something to say,” he said.

“It hurts but me, Jason, RV (Berjay), Carlos (Gatmaytan), and SJ (Belangel), we’ll come back and win it for our seniors who are leaving us today.”

I can’t wait to see you all back in the grind.

Love you guys (and coaches)!

One Big Fight!

Rick

Three points to take from the Ateneo Lady Eagles win over UP

Three points to take from the Ateneo Lady Eagles win over UP

by rick olivares

The Ateneo Lady Eagles put in a solid performance against the UP Lady Maroons dispatching them in three sets (25-19, 25-21, 25-21) in a Valentine’s Day win to remain undefeated at 4-0. The two-time defending champions know that UP has a good and talented team but they never allowed their foes to really make a game of it. 

The scoring, like many other matches, was close for the first half of each set before Ateneo gradually pulled away. 

Here are some points to glean from the match.

Good all-around performance!

The Ateneo Lady Eagles played their steadiest game of the first round. I don’t think they were troubled too much with some nifty play that had UP on the back pedal and playing catch up. I think that UP has greatly improved their floor and net defense this year but they were moved around quite a bit. At times, they were befuddled with the Lady Eagles’ offense. 

UP used Nicole Tiamzon as they setter thinking she’d make a better blocker against Ateneo’s frontline. But Jerry Yee realized by mid-second set that it wasn’t working well so he brought back Jewel Lai. Tiamzon had a modicum of success hitting while Diana Carlos played well. But all of UP’s other attacking options were mostly kept quiet.

Aside from the fact that everyone came to play, the balanced offense of Ateneo was also due to Jia Morado’s excellent setting. Every single player scored in the first set. When looking at the final score, it seemed surprising that they didn’t score more. But Jia Morado is the conductor to this symphony of volleyball grace with loads of weapons of mass destruction.

Some, like Jhoana Maraguinot didn’t score much, and at a later glance, it seems surprising that she didn’t hit in double figures, but she played well on defense and did make timely hits. 

Alyssa Valdez had a quiet but effective game. She was tied with De Leon with 13 points to lead Ateneo (Diana Carlos top scored for the game with 16) but she was solid in all other aspects — receiving, blocking, and serving. 

The less she exerts herself and the more balanced scoring means Ateneo is playing well.

Bea De Leon was solid.

Excellent performance on both ends of the floor. Kept the gigil to a minimum and the result was a more economical performance. Not too many net balls or violations.

What a tag team with Maddie Madayag she makes in that middle position.

Well, hello, Jamie Lavitoria!

Given a break in the last match, she proved her worth today at the libero position. While like, Gizelle Tan, a setter who is a converted libero, I think her height helps because her strides and wingspan help her cover the court better. Love her setting too. 

UP isn’t a slouch when it comes to attacking but Jamie did great covering the floor. While I like Gizelle Tan (even if there are a lot of critics about her play), I think that she tries to over-compensate by trying to cover a lot thus, crashing into teammates or the attempt to do so finds the team making poor receives. Lavitoria chose her spots. I think it was only once where she and another went for the ball. However, I’d like to see her cover her front row teammates a bit more, something that no one yet kind of approximates something that Denden Lazaro did outstandingly. 

But it’s all good. She’ll get better.

The Old Lion and the Fox: A modern take on a child’s fable

This appears on abs-cbnnews.com

The Old Lion and the Fox

A modern take on a child’s fable

by rick olivares

The Lion was chosen to lead the denizens of the jungle into a new era. He was deemed to be the best choice, after all, his teeth and claws were worn with supposed wisdom and age and that he too was one of them. One who toiled in the jungle through the years and that he knew the ins and outs. 

So the Lion was anointed King.

Now the Lion held office in his cave up high. As for the jungle folk? Well, one by one, they went up to the cave to pay their respects.

The first to visit was a feisty pug that was said to be a constant deliverer of controversial news. The pug was banned from the jungle.

The next visitor was the most popular figure in the jungle. But as it turned out, this popular figure was ill-equipped to take on the Lion. After all, he was just a boxer.

Then there was that old grizzly veteran of many a war. Now, this vet? He didn’t last a minute.

After the vet came the gunslinger. He went up to the cave to pledge his allegiance. But one claw from the old lion, jabbed towards his face, was enough to silence the two-gun kid.

And most recently, perhaps the toughest and meanest animal on the block came calling. For his trouble, this tough and mean animal was heavily fined. And like the feisty pug, banned.

The Fox? Well, it was cautious. He had heard all the stories about those who dared to go up against the Old Lion had never made it out of the cave alive.

Nevertheless, the Fox decided to visit the Old Lion. From near the mouth of the cave, the Fox inquired about the Lion’s health. The Lion replied that he was ill and he invited the Fox to step inside and to see to his health. 

The Fox, wisely stayed where he was and said, “I have noticed that you seem to have frequent visitors but no one ever comes out. Pray tell me, how ever did your visitors find their way out?”

“Why do you take issue with a lot of jungle folk,” further pressed the Fox. “And why are you always confrontational? Shouldn’t you be taking the high road and setting an example? The jungle folk should take centerstage and not you!" 

The Lion had no answer so the Fox left.

With some PBA coaches at the games this Saturday

With Rain or Shine assistant coaches Mike Buendia and Caloy Garcia, Alaska's Topex Robinson, and San Miguel head coach Leo Austria. My colleague Levi Verora was in the pic but the guy taking it cut him off (no intention of course). Gabbing about the pro game and the Ivan Johnson/Commissioner Chito Narvasa incident.

A time to grieve, a time to heal and a time to move forward for the Alaska Aces

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A time to grieve, a time to heal and a time to move forward for the Alaska Aces

by rick olivares

On two sides of the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City are two quotes from two famous basketball warriors who know a thing or two about failure and getting right back up.

There’s a larger-than-life image of Michael Jordan with the quote, “If you quit once, it becomes a habit. Never quit.”

On the opposite end is Dwyane Wade with the quote, "Whenever there is a big game and people don’t think I can do it, I always play my hardest.”

More than ever, the Alaska Aces will have to heed the calls of these basketball demigods.

The Aces have exactly one more day (Sunday) to grieve. For on Monday, they go full throttle in practice and will be asked to check their emotional baggage outside the door of the Gatorade Hoops Center, their practice facility.

After their epic fall in the recently-concluded PBA Philippine Cup where they saw a 3-0 vanish into thin air as the San Miguel Beermen overhauled the daunting deficit for a literal one-for-the-books victory, the Aces haven’t had it easy.

“We don’t talk about it anymore,” said point guard JVee Casio. “But the pain is there. It’s not something you get rid of that easily. But it will.”

The Aces returned the hardcourt for their first practice six days after Game 7. “In that first practice for the Commissioner’s Cup, we took a look at the team and decided that we had to give them a little bit of time to heal not only their bodies but our collective minds. We’re still hurting.”

“I was thinking that when we went up 3-0, ‘Ah, this is it. We’re going to win one,” recalled back-up point guard RJ Jazul. “But it never came. I think we got too caught up emotionally in the game that we didn’t play with out heads. Of course, you have to give the Beermen a lot of credit. They got the job done and we didn’t.”

The Alaska locker room was like a scene from a wake after the team left the floor during Game 7. “I have been on both sides of the court, winning a championship and losing but I have never seen a sadder one that our locker room that night,” described first assistant Louie Alas. “The tears really flowed. Not much was said. What do you say? There was nothing to say. Everything has been said.”

In their first practice last Tuesday, February 9, Compton chose his words well. “Embrace the pain,” he told his wards. “But we have to move forward. We have to do this not only for ourselves and management but also for the fans to show that we are worthy of their support. It won’t be easy but nothing is ever easy. So we have to embrace the pain and use it.”

“I for one, couldn’t wait to get back to practice and for the games to start,” added Jazul. “When you’re at home resting and not doing anything, you think about it and you feel sad all over again. Over the days, you find things to smile about which is good, but we need for our Commissioner’s Cup to begin so we focus on our games. Winning and getting back will ease that pain. At least I think so.”

When preparations for the 2015-16 PBA season got underway, Compton sat down with us and pointed out that he didn’t make any changes to the team that concluded the 40th season of the pro league where they booked two finals seats but came away first runner-up each time. “I want some continuity; to further build chemistry. I wanted to go with my guys who have worked hard to get here.”

One conference later, one more finals loss, Compton is still sticking with his team. Rob Dozier is back in harness for a third time. Like some of his Alaska teammates and coaches, he’s been there too. He won a championship during his first stint with the team (the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup). He returned the following season but his team was knocked out in the early goings. He was here to witness the finals debacle. “It’s easy to say something but I’d rather not,” Dozier would later say. “I’ll just let my game do the talking."

On the day of the Aces’ return to training, Compton reiterated, “Like I said during the post-match press conference, there’s no other team I’d like to coach or be with than these guys. We just have to get over the hump.”

During the Friday practice, Jazul, Chris Banchero, and Josh Vanlandingham arrive before 12 noon at the Gatorade Hoops Center. The latter two engage in a game of horse. There’s some laughter and friendly banter. 

A few minutes later, Casio arrived, shook hands with his teammates and began stretching. 

Jazul is going from end to end, dribbling the basketball. The laughter echoes. “Now there’s something we haven’t heard in a while,” noted Jazul. “That’s a good start."

Being Liverpool: A Liverpudian’s discourse about the city, the club, and the walkout

This appears in the Monday, February 15, 2015 edition of the Business Mirror.


Being Liverpool: A Liverpudian’s discourse about the city, the club, and the walkout

by rick olivares picture from this is anfield

When Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the owners of Liverpool Football Club, announced the ticketing price scheme for next season, it was met with vociferous cries of protest. In the wake of a massive television deal that ensured that no club would not go uncompensated generously on top of other corporate endorsements, the club’s supporters felt they were being unjustly fleeced.

What followed was an unprecedented walkout by some 10,000 fans at Anfield during Liverpool's match against Sunderland. Before the walkout, the Reds led the Black Cats, 2-nil, and three points looked within grasp. Coincidentally, after the walkout, Liverpool’s play inexplicably dropped and Sunderland salvaged a 2-2 draw that felt like a terrible loss given the situation. The protests grew louder with English football legend Alan Shearer taking the side of the fans. Supporters of other Premier League sides also threw in their support. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was one of those who joined the walkout while current manager Jurgen Klopp issued a message of concern and stating that this should be rectified soon unless it undo the work being done in Anfield. 

The week of crushing news for this proud club didn’t end there as a few days later, Liverpool was ousted by a West Ham side in FA Cup play. 

Then FSG issued a heartfelt statement of apology and imposed not only a moratorium on ticket price hikes for two years while offering better ticket packages for fans.

I spoke with native Liverpudian and long-time LFC supporter Jeff Goulding whose passionate cry of protest on fan site, This Is Anfield, galvanized the fan base to make their voices heard as well as to walk out.

What followed was an eloquent and passionate discourse into ‘Being Liverpool’ (my play on the short-lived reality television series during the tenure of former manager Brendan Rogers' 2012-13 season).

Mr. Jeff Goulding (right)

"This issue of ‘Scouseness’ is very important to locals who follow Liverpool FC,” opened Goulding. "We are defined by the culture of the city. There is a radical tradition in Liverpool, not only politically, but in terms of art and other forms of expression. Liverpudlians hate cliché and reject the generic moronic football culture prevalent at so many grounds up and down the country."

"We prefer originality and that’s why our songs are so unique and our banners witty and creative. People singing 'who are ya!' in the direction of opposing teams are frowned upon, because there’s no ingenuity to that. It’s not authentic, it’s mindless." 

"The average Scouser looks down their noses at things like ‘half and half scarves’ and jester hats because they are an expression of the mass market culture and commercialisation of our sport."

"Conversely, songs like 'Scouser Tommy' and 'Fields of Anfield Road' have been adopted and then adapted by supporters to express their emotions and love for the club. They are sung with pride and are a millions miles removed from the ‘Sky Sports’ and ‘Soccer AM’ style seal chants, that attempt to subvert football culture and monetise it."

"Perhaps, the city’s ‘bolshy’ and creative nature is encapsulated in the music that came out of the city in the 60’s and to a lesser extent the 80’s. You couldn’t find anything more Scouse than the Beatles. Irreverent, anti-establishment, wonderfully unique and innovative."

"The people of Liverpool are fiercely proud and have a deep sense of justice and fairness. Of course things like Hillsborough and the Thatcher Government have strengthened this, but it was already there." 

"Growing up, it was drummed into me that I should always speak up for what I believe in. Just because someone may be wealthy or in a position of power, they don’t have an automatic right to respect. They have to earn it, just like everyone else."

"Above all, it’s important to understand the sense of ‘otherness' felt by Liverpudlians. The banners that read 'We’re not English we are Scouse' speak to a sense that really Liverpool isn’t part of England. At least it doesn’t feel that way a lot of the time."

"Many Scousers don’t follow the national team and feel more akin to the Scots and the Irish, than they do to people from Manchester or London."

"Why am I telling you all of this? I think that in order to understand how local fans react to the ownership question, ‘out of town’ support and ticket pricing, you need to understand the psyche of the city. That's not to say that fans from outside the city don't feel the same, but I can only speak from my own perspective."

"Liverpool’s collectivist and socialist (with a small “s”) ethos is completely at odds with the commercialization of football. Shankly spoke of everyone working hard for the common cause and everybody sharing in the rewards at the end of the day. He was completely in tune with the heartbeat of the city and the people. To a degree, so too is (Liverpool FC manager Jurgen) Klopp, I sense."

"However, this approach is at odds with the ethos of investment groups like FSG. To them the object is of course success, but I don’t sense there is a commitment to everyone sharing in the spoils of victory. Rather the supporters are seen as just another means to an end; another revenue stream."

"This is why a lot of local fans are inherently sceptical of the motives of these ‘businessmen’ running our club. Some, not all, fear that the drive towards globalising the ‘brand’ and bringing in more ‘tourists’ to Anfield will further dilute the club’s culture (of which they are fiercely proud) and marginalise local supporters."

"Most of us can see that having such a global fan base is positive, Actually the city its self is built by people from all over the globe, so I don’t believe this a parochial or racist thing. It genuinely stems from a fear that the traditions and history of the club are being ignored."

Rick: I spoke with some friends of mine from Boston about the price increases at Fenway Park (for the Red Sox, the other team owned by FSG) and this was the general response: "With a small stadium and a high payroll, ticket prices needed to rise. It's just the cost of doing business. It's a competitive league and you have to keep spending just to keep up with the competition. From an economics perspective, with Fenway always sold out, you can actually argue that ticket prices can still be raised higher because there is still demand. But, that's not an argument that will be too popular around the streets of Boston."

Jeff: This is at the heart of the issue, Rick. What we have here are two completely different approaches to the sport and the running of the club. Of course in a literal sense your friends in Boston are quite correct. At Anfield there is sufficient demand to justify a higher ‘market price’ for seats.

If every Scouser stopped going to the game, because they couldn’t or wouldn’t pay these prices there would be many more who would. According to the business model described above that would be perfectly fine. However that is at odds with the way I and many others view Liverpool Football Club.

To us it is not a business. Let me clarify that. We understand the club has to make money and the more money it makes the better its chances of competing are. However, there is a need for balance here. We feel that we are a part of the club. In fact we could argue that the club is really ours and FSG simply hold it in trust.

Local supporters view LFC as a community asset. We identify with Shankly, when he said “at Liverpool there is a holy trinity of supporters, players and the manager. Directors don’t come into it, they just write the cheques. In fact we write them, they just sign them”. This is exactly how Liverpudlians still view the club.

We understand the club must maximise revenue, but not at the expense of a key part of that “holy trinity”. If you price us out of the game, then the club ceases to be a community asset and becomes just another business. We may as well be selling cereal or some other mundane product. It will mean little to the community it serves. That may be fine for Ian Ayre and FSG, but it’s an anathema to us.

Rick: Personally, I do not like the expensive prices. Having lived in NYC, the prices to the 

Giants, Knicks, and Yankees were murder on my finances. Some folks say that the price increases will help the club compete with the bigger clubs and get better players. Is that true to a degree or can they get their money elsewhere such as TV deals?

Jeff: I think when you view the proposed price rises in the context of the £8 billion TV rights deal; it really is hard to justify them at all. As I said earlier, the club needs revenue to compete. That’s not at issue. Really, it’s a question of where the burden should fall?

Is it really fare that the club raise prices, when they are about to receive such an unprecedented windfall? Shouldn’t they be seizing the opportunity to actually freeze, or even reduce prices? Imagine if the passion showed in opposition to the price rises could be harnessed in the stands. That will only happen when supporters are treated fairly and made to feel like they are more than a ‘cash cow’.

The club currently earns £35 million from match day revenue. If they froze prices that would increase to £37 million (due to the Main Stand expansion). By increasing prices they will generate £39 million. Surely, an extra £2 or even £4 million is immaterial to a club the size of 

Liverpool.

What would that buy in terms of players? Surely the goodwill and pride generated by a fair pricing structure would be worth far more to the club. Instead, we have a fan base becoming deeply skeptical about the club they once loved and that’s bound to translate into a poorer atmosphere at the game. It already is.

I’m sure FSG will find it much harder to market such a poor match day atmosphere and experience.

Rick: As a long time fan of the club, did it hurt to walk out on a game like that? 

Jeff: It broke my heart, truly. I never leave early. I’m there to support the team and the manager. I give everything until the final whistle and I expect no less from the players. So for me to leave early was really difficult. Others around me felt exactly the same, but we knew we had to do it and hopefully the club has listened to the message we have sent them. If they don't there will be more protests.

Rick: I am surprised with the venom towards FSG. Forgive me if I am not knowledgable of all the issues. But surely, ticket pricing aside (and I do not like the price increase too), FSG must have done some good, right? Have they? 

Jeff: I think my earlier comments will go some way to explaining the attitude of some, not all, Liverpool fans towards FSG and the previous ownership.

The first thing to say is that this protest is not against the ownership (at least not at the moment) it is primarily against unreasonable prices. The greed fans sing about is related to a feeling that they are taking more from us than they need, in view of television and other revenue.

I acknowledge that the club was in a precarious position before FSG came in and the takeover spared us potential administration. We also need to accept that they are a business and can’t possibly feel the same affinity to the club as we do. 

They have also invested in the new Main Stand and spent a lot of money (gross) in the transfer market. Although a lot of Liverpool fans will feel that the money hasn’t been wisely invested.

Having acknowledged the good things they have done, I still feel there is a real disconnect between them and us. They seem to running the operation from the States and that sense of community is being further diluted.

We have non-football people making footballing decisions. I grew up knowing that the people making decisions about transfers, were steeped in football and what they didn’t know about the sport wasn’t worth knowing. That’s not the case now and the suspicion is that non-football consideration play a much greater part in transfer decisions than they should.

Rick: I am also shocked also to read comments at TIA about those who sit at the hospitality boxes/seats. I sat there as a guest of Standard Chartered. I sang the songs but also took the time to take photos and videos since I am not there all the time. I planned for over a decade to go to Anfield and it finally materialized at great cost since aside from Liverpool, I traveled around the UK. While at Anfield, I chatted with the locals and hung outside to talk to fans and take pictures. I hope people understand that there aren't many tourists who go to Anfield and for first timers/second timers like me, sometimes, I just stand and sit in awe because I can't believe I am there.

Jeff: Again see my earlier comments for context here. I don’t want an ‘all Scouse’ support. I want people like you to love the club and be able to get to a game. I actually believe that the passion displayed by fans in places like Manila and the the rest of Asia is incredible. I watch the pre-season tours in awe of the support on show. The flares, the banners and how those supporters know all of our songs.

In a very real sense those fans are every bit as “Scouse” as I am. This is not about excluding our global fan-base. However, it is about preserving the history, culture and tradition of the club. To do that we have to ensure that local supporters have a fair chance of getting to the game. These price rises will jeopardise that.

Liverpool is a growing city. It’s a great place to live and visit, but it has some of the poorest neighbourhoods in the country. The average wage is much lower than the national average. 

If you are visiting Anfield two or three times a year, you may not object too much to a £20-30 increase in your match ticket. But if you are going 19 times a season, that becomes unsustainable. If you want to take your children it becomes impossible. 

Add to that the cost of buying a replica shirt and travelling to away games, you can see how very quickly the local demographic is priced out.

Ultimately though this campaign is about making going to Anfield affordable for everyone, including our overseas supporters.

The anger fostered by this can sometimes be channeled in the wrong direction. This may explain the comments you read on TIA. However, I want to be clear you are not the problem. Overseas supporters and tourists are not the problem. In fact, entertaining corporate guests isn’t the problem either really, within reason.

What is the problem is a business model based on bleeding the supporters dry. I believe most local supporters appreciate that and wouldn’t support the types of comments you see on internet forums. Liverpool is a friendly and welcoming place and I love the fact that so many people from all over the world come to our city and long may that continue. 

I hope you are here again soon and would love to have a chat with you and show you around.

Rick: FSG did a turn-around, apologized, and announced a moratorium on price hikes while offering more suitable packages to fans. What are your thoughts about this?

Jeff: Yes, FSG deserve credit for acting swiftly and decisively in response to the protest. However, I feel we now need to learn the lessons from this sorry event.

We still have issues to resolve but there is at least evidence the club is ready to listen in a meaningful way. Even with the freeze, tickets are still too expensive and we need further dialogue around reducing burden on supporters.

The freeze does however buy us time and goes some way to rebuilding trust and dialogue. But I keep coming back to the fundamental problem, which is one of disenfranchisement. Does the club take into account the views of supporters and do fans feel they can influence decisions made that affect them?

I feel that what we need is meaningful supporter involvement at board level. There needs to be a supporter rep with voting rights on the club board in my view. 

This would be groundbreaking and would hopefully prevent a repeat of damaging protests and disengagement of supporters.