NCAA Season 99 Juniors semifinals to commence Sunday

c/o NCAA

High School basketball action gets raised a notch with the semifinals of the NCAA Juniors Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

Defending champions Letran finished with a 7-2 record, good enough for second place, behind the efforts of the Perpetual and their 8-1 mark. These two teams have secured the twice-to-beat advantage, in the process.

Completing the postseason field are San Sebastian and Mapua, who both tote 6-3 records.

Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso shares, "As the NCAA Season 99 Junior Basketball action continues, we continue to witness our young heroes level up their games — starting off with 10 highly competent teams battling it out on the court to the semi-finals round, which will start this March 10.  As we further inch closer to the Finals, Kapuso sports enthusiasts should not miss out as there will definitely be more fun, exciting, and action-packed games to look forward to."

He adds, "To our junior athletes, especially the Perpetual Junior Altas, Letran Squires, SSC-R Staglets, and Mapua Red Robins, continue being an inspiration to the youth. May you reap the fruits of your hard work, discipline, and determination."

The first semifinal matchup features the top-ranked NCAA HS player of the NBTC 24 in Amiel Acido leading the Junior Altas against Lawrence Mangubat and the Red Robins at noon. That match will be followed by the duel between Titing Manalili and the Squires against Ruvic Danag and the Staglets at 230pm.

If either Mapua or San Sebastian win their matchups on Sunday, the do-or-die decider will take place on Wednesday, March 13.

The finals is set to start on March 16 at 930am, with Game 2 on March 20 at 230pm and if necessary, Game 3 is at 930am on March 23. These games will be televised LIVE on GTV.

PUMA reveals Suede XL in the Philippines

Puma Suede XL

German footwear giant PUMA tweaks its classic kicks to reflect the sign of the current times.

The Suede has been an iconic brand for decades, whether spotted on the Olympic podium or on the dancefloor. Named after its signature material, it has risen to prominence alongside the graffiti writers and B-boy crews who have grown affectionate to it.

With the current trend of "bigger is better" taking over the streetwear scene, the Suede adopts that mindset with its latest iteration, the Suede XL.

Available in its classic colorways like red, blue, and black, the Suede XL blows its original form out of proportion with plush padding on the tongue and Formstrip, plus extra-thick laces to ride with the chunky sneaker wave.

Fans will be able to purchase PUMA Suede XL for PhP 5,900 at either physical PUMA stores nationwide as well as through its online outlets.

UE bolsters staff with Kurashiki Ablaze elements

Hideo Suzuki, Dr. Obet Vital, Jerry Yee, Shota Sato

With Jerry Yee being suspended for the remainder of the women's volleyball tournament for UAAP Season 86, the University of the East has tapped a couple of recent Manila visitors to bolster its current staff.

Kurashiki Ablaze assistant coach Shota Sato and opposite spiker Asaka Tamaru have been added onto the staff.

In making the announcement, team manager Jared Lao says, "We're thrilled to welcome Head Consultant Shota Sato and Assistant Coach Asaka Tamaru to UE. Witnessing their prowess in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference has us eager to absorb their knowledge."

He adds, "With Coach Jerry temporarily away, they take the reins, and the players are excited. As the saying goes, 'It ain't over 'til it's over,' and under their leadership, we're ready for the journey ahead."

Sato served as an assistant under Hideo Suzuki when the Ablaze claimed the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference, and will be handed the title of Head Consultant.

In the same campaign, Tamaru had been honored as the Best Opposite Spiker, and for this one will take the title of Assistant Coach.

The duo, who arrived this past Thursday, will complement the incumbent staff, comprised of Dr. Obet Vital, Stephanie Cholico, Allan Mendoza, Ludio Dulce, Gregory Ericta, John Paul Martires, and the redshirting Jelai Gajero.

The new coaching set-up will make its debut this Sunday, March 10, when the Lady Warriors face National University at the Mall of Asia Arena, as they try to move up the standings from their current 1-4 record.

FEU rides strong second half to upend Ateneo

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 86 Men's Football Standings

Ateneo 7 pts. (+3 GD)
DLSU 7 (+1)
UST 6 (+4)
FEU 6 (+2)
UP 6 (+1)
UE 3 (-8)
AdU 2 (-3)

Far Eastern University secured a 4-2 victory over Ateneo de Manila in the second game of the Thursday doubleheader at the UP Football Stadium inside the Diliman campus.

The defending champions took over in the second half after both sides battled to a 1-1 deadlock into the break.

Karl Absalon pounced on the rebound to give FEU the lead for good in the 49th minute, with Artuz Cezar unable to gather the ball off his header after a nice cross from Sherwin Basindanan.

The roles were reversed at the 69th minute, with Absalon sending a through pass for Basindanan to finish, making it 3-1, on the latter's first goal of the season.

FEU would have a chance to make it 4-1 in the 85th minute, but Viejay Frigillano skied the penalty attempt after a Blue Eagle fouled a Tamaraw inside the area.

Ateneo would pounce on that, with Kofi Agyei forcing a giveaway and scoring his fifth goal of the season from 35 yards with the FEU keeper off his line in the 86th minute.

The Ghanaian striker could have equalized the game had he converted the low cross from Leo Maquiling a couple of minutes later, but Jerick Fabrigas was ready for the strike to preserve the lead.

A couple of second half substitutes capped off the win for the titleholders, with Khent Valenzuela finding McJay Neniel in stoppage time to restore the two-goal cushion.

After the match, coach Albert Besa had this to say, "We are very proud kase Ateneo, kahit dati pa naman mahirap kalaban yung Ateneo, mga magagaling tsaka yung pride and passion nila sa game nakita naman natin sa game kahit nagso-score kami bumabawi sila pero siguro sa game na to napakita namin na mas gusto  namin manalo."

He adds, "For the past two games marami kaming lapses especially sa ball possesion namin attacking and defending siguro yung preparation more on sa team hindi sa play ng Ateneo so nag-adjust kami sa game namin."

With the win, FEU moves level into third place, joining idle sides UST and UP. Ateneo remains level on points alongside La Salle with the defeat, snapping a three-match undefeated streak.

KAI 1 set for Sunday Philippines launch

KAI 1 this Sunday

To mark the historic launch Kyrie Irving's first signature line of basketball footwear with ANTA, the brand is set to have a special launch in the Philippines this Sunday.

Called the KAI Space - Manila, it will occupy the area beside the ANTA branch of SM Megamall, which is located at the Megamall Atrium. Fans checking out the activation will see an immersive KAI 1 LED tunnel installation, games, a pop-up exhibit of Kyrie-inspired art from Marclen Ricafort-Chulani, exclusive product customization, and live DJ sets from Merms Dabu and Lucio Pua.

The SM Megamall branch is the only location in the country where the KAI 1 will be sold, and certain guidelines have been established.

Only sizes 8-13 are available for purchase at PhP 7995, with a one pair-per-customer purchase policy. Queueing starts at 10am, with purchases to start one hour later.

The much-anticipated KAI 1 looks to showcase the brand's commitment to uplifting talent and narratives within the sneaker world, highlighting its investment towards diversity and progressive representation. Curated by Jared Subawon, it emphasizes the power of inclusive storytelling through design, in this case being the "Enlightened Warrior" ethos.

The silhouette's aerodynamic contours echo Kyrie’s slick, gravity-defying transitions and crossovers. ANTA designers tapped into the capabilities of virtual reality technology, redefining the limits of imagination and functionality. In this manner, it allowed for a more intuitive design process, giving life to the sneaker through a virtual, three-dimensional space, enabling the designers to explore and refine every curve and contour with unparalleled precision and creativity.

At the same time, the hieroglyphic-esque code on the upper brings a narrative punch, essentially KAI’s code, grounding the sneaker in ancestral strength.

Senior Graphic Designer Astin Davis crafted the symbols to represent inspiration and encouragement, using ancient hieroglyphics and ciphers as a base. The graphics on the shoe tie harken to Kyrie's Native American roots, giving him the capabilities of supernatural strength, agility, focus, and speed.

In addition,  ANTA is spelled out in KAI’s code on the laces. “The Journey is the reward” is engraved into the midsole tooling. Kai’s code spells out Kyrie Irving across the strap on the heel pull tab.

Meanwhile, the presence of a forefoot lockdown strap provides for protection.

The rubber threading is derived from Kyrie's tribal roots, complementing his unorthodox maneuvers. The carbon fiber midfoot plate provides substantial torsional rigidity, ensuring seamless transitions from heel to toe. The rubber compound on the shoe excels in providing optimal traction for effective banking and smooth transitions. Additionally, the TPU lateral sidewall enhances stability and offers protection, facilitating confident movement on and off the court.

This sneaker is kitted with a TPU-integrated ANTA logo that transitions seamlessly into the design, reflecting Kyrie’s fluid playstyle and adding an element of finesse to the wearer’s game. The midsole packs a lightweight punch, providing responsive cushioning that lets hoopers cut, sprint, and jump without feeling weighed down, giving them the liberty to express their full potential on the court.

As for the color scheme, Kyrie and ANTA Color Design Director Shaneika Warden drew inspiration from the beliefs of Native peoples, integrating the symbolism of the four directions with the psychological and physical impacts that colors exert on the body and mind

Each color corresponds to a distinct discipline: Strength, Agility, Focus, and Speed.

Strength is embodied in a combination of silver armor with explosive reds and oranges, symbolizing endurance, resilience, and divine guidance to correct misguided paths.

Agility is represented by analogous layers of digital purples, reds, and blue, with an accent of green, making a Pan-African statement emphasizing nobility, magic, and mystery.

Focus is encapsulated in a rich teal, grounding the body and mind while sparked by hot orange, symbolizing imagination and visualization.

Speed is conveyed through yellow, the quickest color for the human eye to perceive. This choice focuses on light, enlightenment, and mental stimulation, elevating energy levels for all creation.

Warden shares, "The ANTA KAI 1 color is rooted in cultural symbolism, color psychology, and fashion trends. It is meant to celebrate the greatest gifts one can possess within the physical and metaphysical form, for not just one being, but all beings."

In releasing this shoe, Irving says, "As Chief Creative Officer and a player, I've woven the essence of my heritage and my heart for basketball into the design of ANTA KAI 1. This is more than a shoe; it embodies our ancestors' strength and the future we're building. Every detail, from the hieroglyphics to the aerodynamic shape, tells the story of where we've been and where we're going. Join me in stepping into this new chapter."

UAAP set for inaugural Junior High School Basketball

Ziv Espinas set to be part of the inaugural UAAP JHS competition

Games on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Gym

9 a.m. - UST vs FEU-D

11 a.m. - NUNS vs ADU

1 p.m. - UE vs DLSZ

In continuation of a "season of firsts," the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is set to kick off its inaugural Junior High School Basketball Tournament, with the opener set for Sunday at the Quadricentennial Pavillion inside the University of Santo Tomas campus.

UAAP Season 86 president Rodrigo Roque of the University of the East, shares about the decision to add this event, "We recognize the need for nurturing our young talents at the high school level. Introducing a dedicated division for Junior High School student-athletes is a crucial step, ensuring equal exposure that becomes the bedrock for their development in higher competitions. This move not only hones their skills early but also readies them for the road ahead."

Seven of the eight member institutions are earmarked for participation in this under-16 demonstration event, with only the University of the Philippines not involved. Each school has been earmarked to host a playdate, with UST, Adamson, and FEU-Diliman set to host the first three playdates before the league takes a break to commemorate Holy Week.

Serving as the opener in the inaugural tripleheader are the Tiger Cubs hosting the Baby Tamaraws at 9am, with the much-anticipated matchup between the Baby Falcons and the Bullpups at 11.

Although both teams will be fielding new players for this competition, it is a rematch of teams who faced off in the finals of the just-concluded high school boys tournament, which Adamson claimed for the first time since 1993.

Capping off the day is the matchup between the University of the East and La Salle-Zobel at 1pm.

Idle for this week, Ziv Espinas and Ateneo will make their tourney debut on March 16 against Zobel at 11am.

After the eliminations, the top four teams will advance to the knockout semifinals slated to take place on April 27, with the winners facing off in a one-game championship.

The UAAP views the Juniors High School Basketball Tournament as a way forward for the league to pursue down the line with other events.

Roque adds, "In envisioning the future of UAAP, the Junior High School Basketball Tournament serves as a testing ground, a 'test event' that we hope will evolve into a staple for the seasons to come. Our long-term goal transcends basketball, as we aim to broaden this initiative to encompass other high school events in seasons to come."

SportsPlus PH picks Kylie Verzosa as brand ambassador

SportsPlus PH's newest brand ambassadress: 2016 MIss International Kylie Verzosa

In a stylish ceremony this week, SportsPlus PH revealed Kylie Verzosa as their brand ambassador.

The 2016 Miss International shares in joining up with the PAGCOR-accredited sports betting platform, "I love how SportsPlus PH offers Filipinos a convenient way to stay updated on the most exciting sports events. With its hassle-free access to live games and real-time updates, it’s a platform that brings the thrill of sports right to your fingertips."

In making the announcement, SportsPlus PH Marketing Manager James Velasquez says, "Kylie perfectly embodies the athleticism and personal style that SportsPlus PH champions in its campaigns. She knows what it takes to represent the country on a global stage and flourish even when all eyes are on you. We’re looking forward to working with Kylie to take SportsPlus PH to greater heights."

He adds, "Our vision for this year is clear. We want to further increase payment options, streamline access across devices, and more importantly, bolster support for local sports by hosting more leagues on SportsPlus PH."

With over a million total users since being launched in 2022, the IDGC-owned firm is considered as the premier sports betting company in the country. Users can bet on over 30,000 events over a variety of leagues, including the NBA, the PBA, and the English Premier League.

SportsPlus PH expanded and optimized its reach in the past year with its integration onto GCash via GLife, enabling additional payment options and the ability to live-stream games within the app.

The platform back in February also introduced a sports and entertainment program called SP+ Nation, which is broadcast on their Facebook page every MWF and is hosted by MJ Fox and Neil Martin.

Those who want to join the fun can simply head to sportsplus.ph and sign up. Do note that this is for individuals over 21 years of age and highlight the importance of gaming responsibly.