Bleachers' Brew #246 Thanks, Olsen!

This appears in the Monday February 7, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

Thanks, Olsen.

by rick olivares

I had mixed emotions with regards to this PBA Philippine Cup series. I have been rooting for San Miguel Beer for quite some time now. That was because I was and will always will be an Olsen Racela fan. No offense, Coach Chot Reyes. I like Talk 'N Text  too but I'm sure you understand. 

As good a player Jay Washington and Alex Cabagnot both are, I thought that San Miguel got back into the series because of Olsen's leadership.

But the Tropang Texters --- well, you have to hand it to Coach Chot -- they were prepared to play the next 96 minutes (Game 5 and Game 6 combined barring any overtime).

I also saw Olsen's last game in an Ateneo Blue Eagle uniform. I am never going to forget that. It was at the Loyola Center (Blue Eagle Gym to Gen X and the iPod Generation). How many people were watching that game? Fifty? Sixty? Ateneo was up against mighty Adamson University with its fearsome troika of Kenneth Duremdes, Edward Joseph Fiehl, and Marlou Aquino. During the round robin, Olsen was mad dunking that ball. He never did that before. I would know. I saw all of Ateneo’s games. Richie Ticzon was there as was current Blue Eagle assistant coach Gabby Severino. That was one heck of a game. Richie fired a bunch of treys. Then Gabby laid the ball in front of EJ then stared him down as if to say, "Ano height mo?"

But Adamson was plenty tough. Marlou slammed the rock home with a couple of guys on him for an emphatic and-one while Kenneth was simply unstoppable. Ye good old Blue and White lost by 16. With about two minutes left, then Blue Eagles head coach Chot Reyes pulled out Olsen so the crowd could give him an ovation. He received high fives from his teammates and he waved to the faithful at Loyola. The Falcons applauded as well while we – the few, the brave, and the die-hards -- yelled our hearts out. Oh, yes we did. Win or lose, I am sure you appreciate that.

Ironically, 20 years later, both Reyes and Racela were on the court in one last series for the PBA Season 36 Philippine Cup albeit this time, they were on opposite sides. Talk 'N Text really wanted the game bad. Right from the get-go they took it to SMB. The Beermen took a brief lead in the third quarter but the Texters seized it right back. And Jay Washington, the Best Player of the Conference, who at the beginning of the series said that he had a lot left for his old team, ran out of steam despite scoring 29 points and pulling down 18 boards. It was a great effort but not enough. I thought that when Olsen re-entered the fray that this was it. That comeback that would be talked about for years. Only TNT never allowed SMB to get their bearings.

Congratulations to TNT. What subplots! Ryan Reyes buried his brother who passed away after a tragic car accident then came back in time to bury SMB with heads up play. Larry Fonacier won back-to-back titles (he was with Alaska for last year's Fiesta Conference championship and with Talk ‘N Text for this one). I'd like to deviate by saying that I love Larry's evolution as a hoopster and as talented as he is, I chatted with Charlie Dy who said that TNT has their good luck charm in the way Chris Bolado was. Like Chris, the former National University Bulldog, Larry has won with every club he's been with be it with Red Bull, Alaska, and now Talk 'N Text. Manny Pangilinan repeated his personal three-peat as Ateneo, San Beda, and Talk 'N Text all won titles in one year (that also happened in 2008) while Chot Reyes won his sixth PBA championship.

Olsen, on the other hand, fell short in his 20th title series. Not the way anyone would want to go out but how many get to play for a title series one last time? TNT spitfire Jimmy Alapag made sure to give him sincerest appreciation of San Miguel’s captain right after the final buzzer sounded. And furthermore, his #17 will never be worn again by any Beerman. How many have the honor of having their jersey number retired? 

I remember when he was a part of SMB's renaissance. The Grand Slam core was scattered to the four winds. All of a sudden, they had the "no name" players. How can you not love those SMB teams of Freddie Abuda, Mike Mustre, Nelson Asaytono, Matt Makalintal, Art dela Cruz, and Olsen. Then there were the Dannys. Eventually the titles came with Olsen at the helm. Pure hustle, baby. Hustle.

I remember watching the 2000 NU Rock Awards and when Rivermaya took the stage, frontman Rico Blanco wore Racela’s 1987 jersey from Ateneo’s UAAP title-winning team (the two were a batch a part in school and were teammates in the Intramurals Athletic Council). Outside the basketball cognoscenti, who knew him? Quite a few fans wondered about the name that was stenciled on the back. I figure they all know him by now.

When they were printing replica SMB jerseys years ago, Accel only had two Beermen -- Danny Ildefonso (a good friend at that) and Danny Seigle. I would always ask why was there no Olsen Racela jersey. The sales people would shrug not knowing what to say. I wanted to have one made except I am obsessive compulsive about owning original versions.

Then right before the start of the championship series, Olsen gave me a red SMB jersey with his name on the back. Giddy fan. Lucky dude. Yet I'll say it is one of the best gifts I've ever received. 

You may have not won a title in your last conference in the PBA, Olsen, but you'll always be a winner and one of the best. Thanks and One Big Fight.

And the team captain receives the runner-up trophy from Commish Chito Salud.

Great Expectations

Great Expectations

By Ryan Fenix

When Philippines Men’s National Football Team Captain Alexander Charles Luis Borromeo leads the team out to the pitch on the evening of February 9, 2011 in Panaad, Bacolod, he will feel an unprecedented roar and support never before heard of for Philippine football.

The thunderous roar and applause he and the other members of the starting eleven will hear, will be ones usually reserved in these shores for boxing heroes, billiards players, and with alarming infrequency nowadays, basketball stars. Accustomed to the jeering boos and taunts of opponents’ fans and the indifference of majority of our countrymen, these cheers from the appreciative crowd will indeed be music to the Azkals ears.

The birth of Philippine football was in the year 1907, but it might have well been reborn the night of December 2, 2010 in Hanoi, Vietnam when Chris Greatwich scored the equalizer against Singapore. With a penchant for the dramatic, both on and off the pitch, he described that the game against The Lions “..could be a watershed moment for Philippine football.” Well, it turned out to be the understatement of the year.

After nearly one and a half months of no on-field football action, we arrive at the threshold of the next Azkal game, where we will finally have home field advantage. The one home game we so craved and were deprived of last December.

This time the mighty Mongolia awaits. Ranked 182 by FIFA (Philippines is ranked 153), on paper this should be an easy game. Toughened very recently by 2 Bung Karnos, 2 My Dinhs, 1 Thien Truong, 3 Kaohsiungs and countless UMaks, we should be fine. The core of the team is back. The spine of the side is still intact, coming back, and raring to go. From Neil Etheridge between the sticks to Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario and Rob Gier at the back to James Younghusband, Chieffy Caligdong and Jason de Jong at midfield, to our two strikers, Phil Younghusband and Ian Araneta. Further good news : Young blood is being infused, a more experienced coach is at the helm.

But make no mistake about it, we should not treat this as a walk in the Panaad Park, if you may.

The loss of our top scorer in the 2010 Suzuki Cup and experienced international Chris Greatwich is a blow. His influence and experience on and off the pitch leaves a void in the middle of the park and in the dressing room. The arrival of a new coach barely 1 month before the game doesn’t exactly give him a very long time to prepare. More so because he has yet to even see in his very own eyes how our foreign based players play. Even more so because he wants to change the team to a more attacking side.

The need to have more attacking options is pointedly very obvious. We have not scored in the last 3 games, spanning 270 minutes of football. Having a solid defence, keeping it tight and midfield and hitting teams on the counter may work, but it has its own limitations, especially when we are chasing the game . As can be seen in the games against Indonesia, we cannot just dump the ball to the right wing for Phil Younghusband to take on 3 defenders. Lionel Messi, he is not. At least, not yet. Relying on Anton del Rosario’s long throw- ins to the box will only get us so far.

But exactly how you transform Greece in December to become Brazil in February is no mean feat.

The desire to play like Arsenal, as suggested by some, while admirably noble in its intention, forebodes defeat of catastrophic proportions if not done right. If every team played like Arsenal and Barcelona, we will have entertaining football all right, with fantastic results.

If unprepared though, opposing teams with discipline will expose cracks at the back and hit back at us with impunity. It takes time to build a successful attacking side. Especially for a team which built its success on being a successful defensive side. And February 9 may be a time too soon for us.

That said, whatever the team tactics and strategy, it is absolutely imperative that we win in Panaad. And hopefully, win comfortably. We cannot take a very slim advantage (or heaven forbid, a defeat) and risk capitulation against Mongolia in Ulan Bator. Set in an unfamiliar setting, and in an unfamiliar climate, our dog skin might not be thick enough to withstand the cold of the Mongolian winter and the heat of the Mongolian team’s pressure. We cannot risk it. We cannot afford to look at their ranking at be complacent. Remember that we were ranked even worse than that (189) as recently as May 2008.

Another factor to consider is that we are no longer an unknown entity, the anonymous team making up the numbers. The Azkals cannot rely on the surprise factor anymore. For good or bad, gone are the days when no one would give us a second look while doing their scouting reports.

The fact of the matter is, we have not won a game when the opponent did not take us for granted. As a matter of fact, we have even not scored a goal against opponents who scouted us, and took a very close look at our azkal scalp.

After getting results against Singapore and Vietnam, we may be considered unlucky not to have scored against Myanmar. However, the game against Indonesia proved that it would indeed take more than luck for us to have scored there. We were found out by the Indonesians, and we had no answer.

The last two aforementioned teams prepared against us and did not underestimate us, which, considering the attention Philippine football has been getting, is something we should grow more and more accustomed to from here on in.

Meantime, for the expectant azkal fan, destiny awaits. Be it the diehard football fan or the new convert, everyone is waiting with bated breath for  February 9. Airline Tickets have been booked, hotel rooms have been blocked off, and leaves have been filed.

The checklist will have been ticked off one by one :

Vuvuzela? Check.

Replica Home Jersey? Check.

Scarves? Check.

Face Paint? Check.

Philippine flag draped over my shoulders? Check.

Are the fans ready for the game against Mongolia? You bet.

Are the team and the coaching staff ready? They better be.

The Philippines, nay, the World is waiting.

Let’s go, Azkals!

Go get ‘em!

Robert Rodriguez' The Black Mamba

The Black Mamba, staring Kobe, Kanye West, Bruce Willis, Danny Trejo, is a Nike Basketball production, directed by Robert Rodriguez.  The film brings Kobe’s alter ego, the Black Mamba to life in a way that’s never been seen before. As the trailer shows, The Black Mamba highlights Kobe’s everyday determination and "fight to the finish" spirit.  The film also showcases Kobe as one of the best basketball players in the world, featuring him as a "protector" of basketball as he fights off those wishing to destroy and attack the game.

Beyond the Baseline Part 2: The Shot

Beyond the Baseline

Part 2 The Shot

By Vince Velasco

If you ask someone to name at least one great basketball game that happened in the Philippines that person will probably cite a match that was played in Araneta Coliseum, Cuneta Astrodome, or the Phil Sports Arena.

And they are probably right. But has anyone considered the likes of a match that was played at the gyms of Arellano University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, or San Beda College? They are gyms precisely and not made-for-television venues but players and coaches just the same, play with the same amount of intensity, passion and devotion if not more.

There are games that are sadly not recorded. And I am here to tell of one such game. One that I was fortunate enough to watch and be a part of. It is one that should definitely be shared, because with one resounding shot, our season was altered.

The gym of Arellano University along Legarda Street in Manila is where most of the Fr. Martin Cup games are played. Many former Blue Eagles have played in this tournament including as Jason “Jumbo” Escueta, Carlo Balmaceda, Yuri Escueta, Mike Baldos, and Tonino Gonzaga to name a few. You’d be astonished at how this small gym could fit so many people watching and the cheering during the game. The ironic thing is they aren’t even from any of the schools playing!

The team normally meets up at the dorm or LRT station before taking the train to Legarda. Not only is it faster but it’s way more convenient. We alight at the Legarda Station and walk the short distance to Arellano, La Consolacion or San Beda where other matches are also played.

On this particular day, we were up against San Sebastian College, a veteran team known for its physical play and experience. In the huddle right before tip off, Coach Sandy (Arespacochaga) gave us a few last minute reminders and concluded by saying, “This it guys. Remember you can’t win this game alone.”

We said a quick prayer then Paul Siarot went to the center circle for the jump ball.

Enzo “Red” Katipunan, a former Blue Eaglet, got us going with basket after basket as he came off screens set for him. He was literally nailing threes and jumpers like there was no tomorrow. There was one sequence where he pump faked two defenders one after the other before he buried a triple. It was an incredible play! Coach Sandy recognized Enzo was in a zone and he kept setting up plays for him. But like he said at the beginning we couldn’t win it alone.

Enter BJ Cipriano, the Jose Rizal University Light Bomber’s main man during his time. BJ gave us the lift we needed to keep us in the game during our dry spurts. This guy is an offensive machine and he proved so during that game. The first half was tight as San Sebastian kept it physical and led most of the way. However we had an excellent combination of youth and experience which would be provided by Paul Siarot, a 6’6’ center from Xavier School Cagayan De Oro and a force on both ends of the court, Joma Adornado son of PBA Legend and former 2 time MVP Bogs Adornado, and our captain Alec Rivera, a former Blue Eaglet and steadfast point guard.

In the 4^th quarter, it seemed that San Sebastian would pull away. But Adornado sank several clutch baskets including one fantastic tear drop right down the middle of the baseline against two defenders. Now we were tied. But in the game’s dying seconds, a crucial error threatened to derail our efforts.

As Rivera attacked the basket, his defender swiped the ball from him and he high-tailed it to the opposite end for what seemed like an easy layup.

Suddenly, Alec sprinted after him. Anyone who knows Alec will say that he is fast but this was the fastest we’ve ever seen him get back on defense. As the Stag was about to lay the ball in, Alec jumped and swatted the ball out of the player’s hands. The crowd was howling.

San Sebastian had ball possession… but not for long. Adornado stole the ball and was able to heave the ball for a Hail Mary shot. But the shot was offline so we were headed into overtime.

With our hearts pumping furiously, we got ready for the extra five-minute period. Once the game continued, San Sebastian did not back down. They pounded the ball inside and when we double-teamed them, they found their perimeter shooters who hurt us.

But we countered with a Joma-thon. Joma showed how much he was worthy of his father’s name as he carried the scoring cudgels by hitting baskets from everywhere humanly possible. And he continued fireworks into a second overtime. Yes, we went into a second overtime.

As the final seconds game down Coach Sandy called an isolation play for Joma. With the game clock winding down, Adornado, who was about 25-feet away from the basket crossed to his right with his defender trailing. He then drove to the top of the key before he pulled up for a shot to tie the game. As the shot sank in we started rejoicing on the bench.

But there was a little over two seconds left. As we got back on defense we were careful not to foul. As the inbound came was received by the Stags’ number 15 (they didn’t have names behind their jerseys), he took two dribbles and with BJ in front of him and Joma in the air on his right, he threw up a shot from beyond halfcourt. 

As the ball hurtled towards the basket, the boisterous gym fell quiet and in those next two seconds you could practically hear our bench thinking “its short, its short.” But right at the buzzer there would be a deafening swish of the ball going through the net, and that was our season.

You may wonder why I am writing about a game that we lost. We all know basketball is about winning, but it’s also about those moments, when someone does something unexpected, something spectacular, or when you see something. For me the most defining moment wasn’t that half court shot, or Joma doing it all. It was that play when Alec ran like heck across the floor far behind and literally jumped forward to save our season. In that game I saw unity and passion. No one on our bench was mumbling and complaining about playing time or getting upset at one another. It was pure desire and support. It showed how capable our team was of going the distance and doing it together. It proved what Coach Sandy told us all the time “you are never just Team B. It doesn’t stop there.” A lot of us seem to forget all this.

My time as an athlete has taught me one important thing, that passion and dedication for your sport, for your team, has no limits. Regardless of place and time passion and dedication will rise above anything. People seem to get caught up in the glamour these days with endorsements and contracts flying all over the place. Growing up and playing the game in a small school and now on team b has kept me humble and shown what athletes, especially my teammates would give for their goals and for their team.

It is an honour to be playing alongside these coaches and players.

And the Ateneo Lady Booters get two goals across

I missed the match even if I was nearby (thesis defense while serving as a reader) then helping out a student with his film script. Fellow scribe TJ Jurado texted me what was going on and as much as I wanted to hightail it over to the football field I couldn't. But good job to the Ateneo Women's Team for beating DLSU 2-nil. If they won that match last weekend vs UP then they'd be on good footing. But a win is a win. Thanks to Brosi Gonzales for the shots.

PFF to meet JFA amidst wellspring of support

This appears in the Friday February 4, 2010 edition of the Business Mirror.

PFF to meet JFA amidst wellspring of support

by rick olivares

The pace of life in the Philippine Football Federation nowadays resembles the frenetic pace of the beautiful game. There’s a method to the madness and craziness of these days. But to PFF President Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

It is always better to be busy than not at all,” he smiled behind his desk at the PFF office.

This Saturday, Araneta along with the PFF’s General Secretary Chito Manuel, and Grassroots Development head Richard Montayre of Cebu will meet with Joel Lopa of Tao Chemicals and Tsuyoshi Kitazawa of the Japan Football Federation to discuss the JFA’s participation in the grassroots development of the Philippines.

In Kitazawa’s 14-year career, he scored 55 goals while playing for Honda, Yomiuri, Verdy Kawasaki, and Tokyo Verdy 1969. He also notched 58 international caps while scoring thrice. The JFA pledged US $20,000 to help organize the PFF’s grassroots program.

“We saw how Japan recently won in the Asian Cup,” said Manuel. “Malayo na rin ang narating nila sa international competitions. In a recently friendly match with Japan’s Under-16 team and the Philippines, their players ran rings around us. Iba yung skill level. So they are doing something right with their football program and we are only glad for their assistance.”

The Land of the Rising Sun isn’t the only country helping out. Araneta also confirmed that Bahrain has offered the use of its facilities for football camps for the national team use.

Aside from the upcoming February 9 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup match with Mongolia in Panaad, Bacolod, and the PFF leadership are looking to get started on that field that will be put up Tambo, Paranaque on 4.5-hectare area that will be leased for 25 years to the PFF by Mike Velarde of the El Shaddai Movement. “It is a very generous offer considering it is rent free,” beamed Araneta.

The field, which is an initiative of the FIFA Goal Project that already provided the PFF House of Football in Oranbo, Pasig City, also provides for the construction of a technical facility that is on par with international football standards. The field will make use of artificial turf while the grounds will house an office space as well as a dormitory for players.

“A facility like that will be of big help for our national teams. We are also looking to expand the Panaad pitch with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission,” revealed Araneta on the subject of the proposed football stadium. “Of course we are also at the Manila facilities such as the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium which can be fully renovated for international standards. There’s a lot of work and there are costs. Fortunately for us, it is a good time for football as there is money pouring in. Before we had all these projects but not enough money to implement them. Now, we have a chance to significantly improve the quality of our game and international standing in FIFA as well as the region.”

The PFF President also disclosed the Smart Communications-sponsored National Club Championship where teams from all over the country will battle it out for the eight slots (two each from Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao-National Capital Region) in tournament finals. “This should begin after the college football season and the finals will also be televised on ABC 5,” added Araneta who himself was a former national player. “There will also be the Under 16, Under-19, and Under-23 competitions. The latter is important because we will be forming a team to compete in the Southeast Asian Games later this year in Indonesia.”

The Ateneo Football League (AFL) kicks off this April 2011

This has been a long time coming. Something I have been working on for the past three years but could never get off the ground, but now we’re ready to kick off.

This summer 2011, the Ateneo Football League (AFL) will make its debut.

Event organizers are Rely San Agustin and myself and by April 2011, the games will begin. In the next week or so, we will make a detailed announcement on the tournament and its format. But the matches will be on weekends.

But right now we can already tell you that there will be two competitions for the AFL – one that is all-Ateneo (grade school, high school, college, law school, graduate school/masters) and the other is an open tournament where in a team can include two non-Ateneo alums in the team. YOU NEED NOT BE A FORMER VARSITY PLAYER TO PARTICIPATE! AND WE WILL NOT YOU PUT YOU IN THAT DIVISION FOR THE MATTER.

The AFL is working with the NCRFA (Atty. Rolly Tulay), UAO (Ricky Palou), the Ateneo Alumni Association, and the different Ateneo schools on this. And a portion of the proceeds of this tournament will go to scholarships.

We will have a proper launch and announcement for this tournament.

A few facts about the Ateneo Football League here:

Was this an offshoot of the success of the Philippine NT?

Nope. Not at all. This was something I had in mind even as far back as three years ago but worked with the wrong people. Honestly, I thought this would have kicked off last summer of 2010 but some things didn’t fall into place.

It will not just be a simple tournament. We have a side event that we will reveal in a few days’ time. But we can tell you that we will have men's and women's divisions.

Suarez strikes

Luis Suarez entered in the second half as a substitute during Liverpool's home match against Stoke City and 16 minutes into his debut, he scored to add to Raul Meireles' strike for a 2-nil win. Talk about debuts. Here's hoping to a real renaissance in red. And while we're at it, thanks to Ryan Babel for the three and a half years in Anfield. Best of luck in Hoffenheim. Thanks to liverpoolfc.tv for the pics.

UP, DLSU, UST kick off UAAP Football 2nd round with big wins

This appears in the Thursday February 3, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

Going thataway! UP midfielder Ayi Aryee sends the through ball for another attack.

UP, DLSU, UST kick off UAAP Football 2^nd round with big wins

by rick olivares with pics by brosi gonzales

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons got back on the winning track with a 2-nil win over Ateneo de Manila yesterday at the start of second round action of the UAAP Season 73 Men’s Football Tournament.

The Fighting Maroons’ rookie sensation Jinggoy Valmayor eluded one defender just outside the Ateneo box and as he turned, he unleashed a wicked shot to beat keeper Joel Faustino for the match’s first score in the 55^th minute. It was Valmayor’s fifth goal in six matches.

In the 90^th minute, UP tallied its second goal when Jed Rances’ thunderous volley from 25 yards out found the back of the net. The irony of the goal was not lost on UP head coach Anto Gonzales whose squad fell prey to a La Salle score with 30 seconds left in injury time for a 1-1 draw.

UP’s victory over its Katipunan neighbor gave them 16 points in six games.

In the main matches of the day, De La Salle stayed right on UP’s heels with a 4-1 demolition over slumping defending champion FEU. Green Booter Arturo Enriquez scored the tournament’s first hat trick this season that gave the Hans Smit mentored eleven 12 points in six games.

Enriquez struck in the 20^th minute with a header off a well-placed corner kick by teammate Nazer Talento. He struck again in the 52^nd minute when a through ball beat FEU’s defenders. Enriquez slotted in past a diving Tamaraws keeper Leoben Wayco for the second score. He once more scored in the 59^th minute when he headed in wing play. In the 68^th minute, Talento tallied in La Salle’s fourth goal when he collared a rebound and chipped it over Wayco.

FEU pulled back one goal when Jhonie Lopez struck in the 89^th minute against reserve DLSU keeper Joshua Cruz. “As I said at the start of the season, I am excited about this team,” gushed Smit. “They have overdone myself. Of all my strikers, it is only Enriquez who has not scored. I am glad that he decided to join the party.”

The Green Archers have shown a lot of scoring depth this tournament as eight players have scored: Al Bustamante, Derrico Diamante, Junpei Ogawa, Federico Rabaya, Nikko Villa, Mateo Yuhico, Enriquez, and Talento for a league leading 13 goals. UST has 11 total goals to it’s tally.

"I was hoping for one chance to be able to contribute," said Enriquez after the game. "Positive thinking lang. Now I can breathe a little easier. But hopefully, it's just the start because we have a chance to play for a championship."

The Tamaraws have suffered greatly from the graduation of the core of their champion squad of 2008 and 2010 in Jason Cordova, Glester Sobremisana, Raymond Buensuceso, Jake Hugo, and Bricks Caballero among many others. But the young squad of coach Adolfo Alicante gamely took the fight to La Salle and clearly had more scoring opportunities. The Tamaraws didn’t miss a beat despite missing midfielder Dexter Chio out with a two-match suspension after he was thrown out of FEU’s previous match against UST where he kicked Tigers defender Joel Bones.

In the third match of the day’s triple-header, UST’s Louie Rodriguez scored to give the Tigers a 1-nil win over UE to stay in third place with 11 points in six matches.

____________

Pic below: Arturo Enriquez heads DLSU's first goal of a 4-1 thrashing of FEU.

PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 5 Missing Persons lead TNT to Game 5 blowout

Missing Persons lead TNT to Game 5 blowout

by rick olivares pic by nonoy lacza

February 2, 2011

Araneta Coliseum

There’s no need for Chot Reyes to follow up on that missing persons report. His Talk ‘n Text Tropang Texters showed up in the face of a searing challenge by mighty San Miguel Beer to fashion out a demonstrative 99-77 win in Game 5 of the PBA Season 36 Philippine Cup Finals last Wednesday.

Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo led the onslaught as TNT overcame an early 23-14 first quarter deficit to take the half and the rest of the game.

“We were ready to play 96 minutes of great basketball,” said Reyes in reference to Game 5 and 6 where Talk ‘N Text hopes to close out its more experienced and resilient foe in this best-of-seven-game series.

De Ocampo conjured up images of his dominant self with his 20-point and 7-rebound effort as he made up for the continued struggles of Harvey Carey in the title series. But it was Ryan Reyes’ defense and Larry Fonacier’s timely three-point explosion that turned the nail-biter into a rout.

With the score at 84-68, Fonacier swished two consecutive triples ignited a 15-2 bomb that took the fight out of San Miguel.

“I just felt confident shooting them,” said Fonacier of his daggers. “They were in the flow of the game and as soon as I released them it felt good.”

Jason Castro compiled 17 points and eight assists while Alapag was equally brilliant in his playmaking en route to 16 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.

TNT out-assisted SMB 28-17 and had far fewer turnovers as thy only had eight all match long while the Beermen coughed it up 19 times. “They got 18 turnover points,” said SMB coach Ato Agustin who remained optimistic of his wards’ chances of forging a Game 7. “All is not lost. We have shown in this series na kaya naming mag-comeback. If we cannot get the job done then Talk ‘N Text will win this. Hindi namin na-match yung energy and intensity nila all game long.”

Arwind Santos and Jay Washington paced their club with 18 points each but they only had minimal help as it was only Dondon Hontiveros who was in double figures with 14 points.

Team captain Olsen Racela, who is retiring after the end of the championship series, was taken out of the game by TNT after the veteran guard played a crucial role for San Miguel in their Game 3 and 4 wins. Racela finished with no points, two rebounds, and one turnover.

“He was inspirational for them in their wins,” said Alapag. “We were fortunate to stop Olsen because he doesn’t need to score a bunch of points anymore to help his team out. He does so much for them. Our defense on him was just as instrumental.”

Talk ‘N Text 99 - De Ocampo 20, Castro 17, Alapag 16, Reyes 10, Dillinger 9, Fonacier 9, Peek 9, Williams 6, Carey 3, Yee 0, Aban 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0

San Miguel 77 - Santos 18, Washington 18, Hontiveros 14, Ildefonso 7, Miranda 5, Pena 4, Yeo 3, Salvacion 3,Cabagnot 2, Pennisi 2, Artadi 1, Racela 0

UAAP Women's Volleyball standings 2/2/11

Ricky Dandan is back at State U

A few months ago, we announced that Ricky Dandan was named head coach of the University of the Philippines' men's basketball team. He's been working with the team since but it was only in the last few days that State U officially sent out their press release on the appointment.

Dandan, a Joe Lipa protege, played for UP from 1981 to 1985 also under the man they call "Da Nose", is counted on to turn around the team’s ill fortune more so after going 0-14 twice in the last four years. The Fighting Maroons have a training pool of 18 players and expected to make the UAAP Season 74 line-up are Nigerian Alingco Emba and West Negros transferee Raul Suyod.

Prior to his appointment, Dandan was the basketball program director for Ateneo de Manila University, where he was also assistant coach to Lipa for three seasons.  He was also previously head coach of University of St. La Salle in Bacolod for six seasons.  In the pro loop, Dandan worked as an assistant with Air21/Fedex and is currently an assistant with the Powerade Tigers. 


Good luck, coach! 

Andy Carroll's a Red!

The 22-year old striker from Newcastle United will be wearing the #9 shirt (he also wore that number with the Magpies which was the same number worn by the great Alan Shearer) that was vacated by Fernando Torres when he left for Chelsea. Carroll's a strong player and is dangerous off crosses and corners as he uses his 6'3" frame to the fullest. I've seen him play and at times -- I think of Alan Shearer as well. But if he is more resolute in his strikes and attacks he could be a Drogba-like player. So far he's scored 36 goals since his debut in 2006. Here's hoping that the new blood does wonders for Liverpool. 

On another note, I began to watch England when they had Shearer, Steve McManaman, and Gazza on board. It was a great time for English football with Robbie Fowler (another LFC legend) and Michael Owen.

Red no longer... Fernando Torres is now singing the Blues.

Figuring out El Niño (or let Fernando Torres sweat it out).

Figuring out El Niño

Fernando Torres wants out? Make him sweat it.

by rick olivares

When news broke out that Fernando Torres wanted out of Liverpool (to perhaps move to Chelsea), my immediate reaction was, “I am not surprised.”

Modern sports and free agency has seen club loyalty go the way of the dinosaur. Does loyalty still count today?

Sure it does. I can think of a couple – AC Milan’s Paolo Maldini who only played for AC Milan and those who come up from Barcelona’s La Masia.

Ah, Barcelona. Forever raging against the Spanish crown for independence. One of the club’s patriarchs once told those who went up through La Masia, the club’s youth academy… “Other players play for money but you play for the Catalan nation!”

Whilst in conversation with a fellow Liverpool fan in the summer of 2007 when Fernando Torres signed with the Reds, that friend said, “He will not play well in Anfield.”

I rebutted him. “He isn’t any Fernando Morientes (the Real Madrid striker who didn’t impress in his one year with Liverpool). I am sure of that.”

I knew El Niño, as Torres is nicknamed, would play well. And he did. But I also knew that he would not stay long.

Torres is from Fuenlabrada, Madrid. He went through the Atletico Madrid youth program and eventually their first team. Yet as Atletico floundered, he wanted to leave. And incredibly, while still in the colors of Los Rojiblancos (the Red and Whites) in a May 2007 match against Real Sociedad, Torres’ captain’s armband fell off and it was revealed that he wore a patch with the acronym of Liverpool’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone” anthem – YNWA – in reverse!

Treachery!

I can only feel bad for Atletico because Torres’ departure mirrored the defection of Raul to leave for Real Madrid about a decade earlier. Of course, Raul’s was more painful for the Rojiblancos faithful because he moved to the crosstown rival.

And now on to Liverpool.

Spanish red is no longer the flavor of the club since the departure of Rafa Benitez. And Torres wants out.

I am not sure of what to think. To let Torres walk just because he wanted would send the wrong signal because pretty soon after that, any disgruntled player will want out. I say, finish the season and see what happens after that.

I am reminded of David Beckham’s final year with Real Madrid as he was tethered in Fabio Capello’s doghouse. Yet incredibly, in one final push against Ronaldinho’s Barcelona, Becks was a huge part in knocking the two-time champs from their perch. Then the following season, Goldenballs was in LA.

Liverpool is now in seventh place in the English Premier League with 32 points from 24 games. There are 14 matches left to play and if they do right and I do mean do bloody right by winning and garnering the three full points, who knows where they might place? And with Luis Suarez on board, he just might make an excellent strike partner alongside El Niño. Think Bayern Munich’s Gerd Muller and Uli Hoeness.

There was a time when Liverpool fans used to mock Chelsea with derisive jeers of “you have no history.” Since King Kenny Dalglish abdicated his Anfield throne in the early 1990s, the Reds have most known disappointment. There were the shining moments of the Treble and Istanbul but Manchester United has become the class and toast of English football. And even more galling is the fact that they can win title #19 and surpass Liverpool’s domestic total this year.

I do feel a little bad that Torres wants out. He said the right things in his introductory press conference about looking forward to join the club with all its history of excellence. But then again, every footballer and every athlete who pursues free agency says that. It makes for good soundbytes and it keeps the corporate sponsors happy. And so that skipper’s armband where he wore “AWNY” in 2007 was an act. He doesn’t want to be a part of any rebuilding. He only cares about winning (and that is well within his right).

And that is perhaps why Torres isn’t skipper as that belongs to Anfield icon Steven Gerrard. Maybe John Henry might want to check what’s written in El Niño’s undershirt. It could be verily be “Chelski”.

Who did I feel bad about when they left? There’s Sami Hyypia, Danny Murphy, John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell, Michael Owen. At least Robbie Fowler came back to end his career in a Reds kit.

Nevertheless it might not be such a bad thing to unload the Spanish international. In this year of near ruin where the club teetered with relegation, it might not be such a bad idea to reload big time.

New corporate sponsor. New owner. New manager. New home field. New team. Time to complete the cycle.


YNWA!


------------------


One day after I wrote this, it's become official that Fernando Torres can now speak to Chelsea. And to replace him up front -- Luis Suarez (who will be wearing #7) and Andy Carroll (from Newcastle United) will be joining Liverpool.

#7 -- that's long line from Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Steve McManaman and is there any one else I missed out? Oh, how could I have forgotten - Peter Beardsley!!! Others who didn't fare well in it -- (one of me faves) Harry Kewell and Robbie Keane.