UAAP Collegiate Football recap for December 13-14

Co-leaders Ateneo and FEU went their separate ways this past weekend, with contrasting results during the UAAP Season 77 men's football matches.

Defending champions FEU stumbled at the Moro Lorenzo Field on Sunday afternoon, bowing to upstart National University, 3-1, at the opening game of the doubleheader at the field inside the campus of Ateneo de Manila University.

The Tamaraws got themselves into trouble early on, as skipper Paolo Salenga needed just a couple of minutes to put the Bulldogs in front. Although Audie Menzi leveled things in the 39th minute, NU did not take long to retake the lead, with Patrick Valenzuela making it 2-1 two minutes before the break.

A foul on Josh Mulero inside the penalty box led to the final goal of the match, with Salenga collecting his second goal of the game.

Kim Chul Su had to deal with a shorthanded lineup, as winger Nicolas Ferrer and defender Reymart Cubon sat out the match due to suspension via yellow card accumulation.

In contrast, Ateneo held on to a 1-0 victory over last season's losing finalists UP at the artificial turf of FEU-Diliman.

To the consternation of Feb Baya and the UP crowd attending the match, the referee called a foul that took place inside the box. As a result, Carlo Liay converted the spot kick in the 28th minute for the lone goal of the match.

Liay's penalty could have been the second goal of the game, but Maroon keeper Ace Villanueva blocked Mikko Mabanag's penalty attempt that resulted off of a 20th minute handball.

UP head coach Anto Gonzales tried to find a spark in the second half that would lead to an equalizer, among those was the insertion of Daniel Gadia for Jinggoy Valmayor to kick off the period. Their best chance for scoring took place in the dying minutes, with substitute Alfonso Ancheta providing the chances for his teammates with his free kick chances. However, the back line, led by defender Jeremiah Rocha and netminder JP Oracion, ensured that the Blue Booters will have a clean sheet at the end of the day.

The win allows Ateneo to take solo leadership in the men's football standings with 10 points. It also ended the brief tenure of rivals La Salle atop the league. The Green Booters held the lead for one night, after defeating UE 5-1 on Saturday to reach eight points.

Gelo Diamante scored twice in the win, with his brother Gio adding another one. Jose Montelibano and Nathan Alquiros completed the goal tally, which allows them to have a one-point lead over a three-way tie between FEU, NU, and UP.

In solo sixth place is UST, after securing their first points of the season against Adamson. A 2-1 victory over the winless Falcons ensures the Golden Booters have the advantage of a better goal difference over UE.

On the women's side, Ateneo defeated La Salle, 2-0 on Sunday to join the logjam behind idle UP. Aina Martin gave the Lady Booters the lead after 24 minutes, scoring the first goal off a cross from Mia Catedrilla. Camille Rodriguez would double the lead six minutes later.

The other women's match took place on Saturday afternoon, with defending champion FEU defeating UST, 2-1 in a rematch of last season's finals.

FEU, Ateneo, UST and La Salle each have three points, but that is the current order given tiebreakers.

The final collegiate matches of the calendar year will take place on Thursday afternoon at FEU-Diliman, as Adamson and UP tangle in the opening match at 1pm, followed by UE vs UST at 3pm.

Bronze medal for the Philippines in ASEAN University Games women's volleyball

Ateneo de Manila University wins the bronze medal in women's volleyball at the 17th ASEAN University Games, representing the Philippines (and the UAAP). Photo c/o Ateneo Volleyball Management.

The Philippines captured the bronze medal in women's volleyball at the 17th ASEAN University Games over the weekend at Palembang, Indonesia.

Represented by the UAAP Season 76 champions Ateneo de Manila, the Lady Eagles defeated Malaysia for the second time in the competition, 25-11, 25-11 and 25-16, to net the country its first international women's volleyball medal since the 2005 SEA Games.

Alyssa Valdez led the charge with sixteen hits, while Ella de Jesus adding fourteen points. Michelle Morente and rookie Bea de Leon each contributed nine markers, as the defending UAAP titleholders needed just over an hour to dispatch their Malay opponents.

Ateneo would finish their campaign with a 3-2 slate.

The Philippines is currently ranked fifth in the medal tally with four gold medals, four silver medals, and five bronze medals.

Marin Cilic looking to contribute for the UAE Royals in the IPTL

Marin Cilic of the UAE Royals

Croatian tennis star Marin Cilic looks forward to participating in the inaugural season of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League.

The 9th-ranked Croat will join forces with men's world #1 Novak Djokovic, Eugenie Bouchard, Caroline Wozniacki, Goran Ivanisevic, Nenad Zimonjic and Malek Jaziri for the UAE Royals, and he believes that they as a team will be "difficult to beat."

For Marin, his decision to be a part of this tournament is about the chance for fans in untapped markets to see their favorite netters.

"For me a big part of the decision came because in the countries where we’ll play, people can’t see players too often. It’s a really nice opportunity to interact with them and try to play in cities I have never played in before."

With the competition to be played in four Asian cities, three of which he has never been to before (Manila, Singapore, and New Delhi), he is looking forward to playing in those venues, with the hope that he could take the time to go sight-seeing.

Marin also says that the competition's unique format, adhering to its mantra of "Breaking the Code," intrigued him the most, as well as the opportunity to see many great tennis stars playing. Matches for him would be "extremely interesting, quicker, and different," which would bring more excitement to the court.

He adds that the team aspect is very different, vis-a-vis when you play in individual tournaments. In spite of the difference, his approach remains the same, "to play my game and to try to win every match I am playing," Marin says.

The 6'6" Croat had a career year this season: achieving his best ranking ever (8th) last October, while winning four titles, including the 2014 US Open. He feels that he improved in virtually all aspects of his game, which for him provides confidence for the upcoming season.

The IPTL will be played first in Manila on November 28-30, then Singapore on December 2-4, New Delhi on December 6-8, before finishing in Dubai on December 11-13.

For the Manila leg, the Royals will be the opening round opponent of the Manila Mavericks on November 28. They would then face the Singapore Slammers on November 29, and close things out against the Micromax Indian Aces on November 30.

Suzuki Cup almost set

 Although the official roster of players will not be revealed until the day before their game against Laos, the Philippine Football Federation has revealed that 21 players will be making the trip to Hanoi for the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Here are the 21 names.

1. Robert James GIER
2. Juan Luis GUIRADO
3. James Joseph YOUNGHUSBAND
4. Manuel OTT
5. Misagh BAHADORAN
6. Philip James YOUNGHUSBAND
7. Daisuke SATO
8. Amani Manuel AGUINALDO
9. Patrick Phillip DEYTO
10. Christopher Robert GREATWICH
11. Martin Markus STEUBLE
12. Paul MULDERS
13. Simone ROTA
14. Simon Clive GREATWICH
15. Mark Andrew HARTMANN
16. Tomas Angel TRIGO
17. Curt-Jordan DIZON
18. Patrick REICHELT
19. Kenshiro Michael DANIELS
20. Jerry Ruben LUCENA
21. Dennis VILLANUEVA

A couple of missing names stand out:

First, Roland Muller. The Servette goalkeeper will be unavailable until the knockout rounds. In fact, if he will be playing, it will only be in the second leg, as the Swiss side's final match in 2014 won't be until December 7. The Suzuki Cup semis are tabled to take place on  December 6/7 and December 10/11.

Second, Alvaro Silva. The Al-Qadisya defender at the time that the PFF released this info was still finalizing details with regards to his passport that will clear him to participate. It is expected that he will be able to secure his passport by then.

Teams have until November 21 to finalize their respective lineups for the AFF Suzuki Cup, which will kick off the next day with the Philippines against Laos at My Dinh Stadium in the Vietnamese capital.

UAAP Season 77 High School Basketball schedule

Here is the scheduled set of matches that is to take place this second semester for juniors basketball.

No details yet if this will be televised by ABS-CBN Sports.

Chot Reyes takes himself out of Gilas coaching search

Chot Reyes

One less name to consider for the head coach opening. And it is the incumbent who has given his word.

Chot Reyes has officially withdrawn his name from consideration as the head coach for Gilas Pilipinas. The man who took the job in 2012 released a statement that reflects his decision to not pursue the position.

"I understand the Search Committee is scheduled to meet this week.  In this light, I humbly request that my name would not be considered by the Committee as a candidate for the national team coach of Smart Gilas Pilipinas.  This will allow the Committee to do its work unencumbered, take a broader view of other potential candidates to this national job, and enable the Gilas program to move on unfettered. Indeed, it is time for someone else take over the wheel; it is time for me to hand over that wheel. 

“May I say that I have dedicated the past two (2) years serving the National Team to the best of my ability.  I have personally derived great pride and much satisfaction for the strides the Gilas program has taken – with the collective effort of everyone involved in the effort.

“I would like to thank MVP, the SBP, PBA, TV5, the PLDT group, the Gilas supporters, and most especially my family for those two difficult but wonderful years I was given to serve my country and Philippine basketball. Despite the intense pressure that came with the job and the public scrutiny that goes with being the National Coach, this job has always been a unique privilege – I wouldn't trade it for anything else.  

“Salamat, Gilas.  Salamat, Pilipinas.

“Mabuhay tayong lahat. Laban Pilipinas! PUSO!"

The SBP is expected to have a meeting later today to determine the criteria and parameters for the head coaching position.

Statement from Sheryl Reyes regarding Allen Iverson

This post came from Sheryl Reyes and addresses some matters involving Allen Iverson. Kindly read on.

This is with regards to the criticisms being hurled towards my client, Mr. Allen Iverson, in connection to his ongoing Manila visit.

Mr. Iverson has been dubbed as being unprofessional and a “no show” to his scheduled sitdown interviews and live guestings. He was put in a bad light and some parties did not even bother to get our side regarding some matters.

On Mr. Iverson failing to show up for his scheduled one-on-one interview with Mr. Boy Abunda for his show “Bottomline” on ABS-CBN on the night of his arrival last November 3: Allen tried to stay awake, following more than 30 hours of travel from the United States, but exhaustion caught up with him and slept past his call time on the set. As we, myself, Mr. Iverson, and his managing team from the US, were finally making our way to the studio, I received information that the sitdown interview has already been packed up.

I reached out to Mr. Abunda through his production team, and  Ms. Cesca Litton  who is a common friend of ours so I can immediatley be in contact with him directly, right now all parties are currently finding ways to resolve matters before Mr. Iverson leaves Manila on November 6.

Second, “Unang Hirit” deciding to not continue their onsite broadcast from Solaire Resort and Casino featuring Mr. Iverson and the Ball Up All-Stars. Let me reiterate that Mr. Iverson never intended not to honor his commitment to GMA7’s early morning program. In fact, while the show’s crew were setting up in the ballroom, Mr. Iverson was waiting in the lobby, awaiting his turn to be interviewd by the host, Mr. Ivan Mayrina.

However, the logistics team of PCWorx, the group responsible for Mr. Iverson’s second visit to Manila, failed to put up the set and props needed for the said onsite broadcast ahead of time. When the “Unang Hirit” crew arrived, no one from the PCWorx logistics team were present to oversee the setting up of the set and props. In fact, it was I and 2 other members of Team Reyes were the ones who did the jobs PCWorx’s logistics team were supposed to do.

Upon inspection of the flooring being laid out, I discovered it was not suitable and would put Mr. Iverson’s safety – and those of the Ball Up All-Stars as well, and I made the call not let the players go on with the live guesting. For this, I and Mr. Iverson, who stayed up until 6AM, deeply apologive to the “Unang Hirit” crew and GMA7 for the inconvenience this has caused. We will do whatever we can to make it up to them.

Lastly, I would like to clarify Mr. Iverson not being able to make it to “The Ryzza Mae Show,” also of GMA7, today, November 5.

Mr. Iverson, still battling jetlag, was not feeling well the string of activities he did yesterday, along with the Ball Up All-Stars, Eddy Curry, and DerMarr Johnson, for Gawad Kalinga and membes of the media. I have informed the show’s production team hours before airing that Mr. Iverson opted to rest and get ready for the main event, the “All In” charity game for Gawad Kalinga.

Again, I, Mr. Iverson’s sole agent in the Philippines and his American management arm, Moore Management and Entertainment LLC, appreciate the show of support and love thrown his way and there were just circumstances that were beyond our control. Trust that Mr. Iverson is, was, and always will be professional.

We at Team Reyes and Moore Management have honored our end of our agreement with PCWorx and it is unfortunate that we weren’t accorded the respect and importance rightly due us as Mr. Iverson’s representatives.

Mr. Iverson is very appreciated of his Filipino fans’ hospitality and he hopes this won’t be the last he will be visiting the Philippines.

Thank you and regards,
Sheryl Sanchez Reyes
Sports Network Management (Team Reyes)

Statements from Chot Reyes and Chito Salud re: Gilas Pilipinas and the SBP

In line with the recent news involving the SBP, here are a couple of statements:

From Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes:

“I have been assured by both SBP President Manny V. Pangilinan and SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios that the Gilas Pilipinas program has not been disbanded, and will continue under a regime of broader consultation with the basketball community, which I support. As to whether I will continue to be the Gilas coach or not depends on the SBP Board under whose mandate I have served since being appointed as Head Coach since 2012.”

From PBA commissioner Chito Salud:

On Gilas:

The SBP is not dissolving or discontinuing the Gilas Program. It is a successful program that has the PBA's full support. The formation by the SBP of a Selection Committee to choose a Head Coach for the Gilas National Team, to create a pool of players from which the National Team can draw, and to synchronize the PBA calendar and the Gilas National Team training schedule is proof of a stronger collaborative effort on the part of the SBP and the PBA, its team owners and governors, as well as other stakeholders, to finetune the Gilas basketball program. The objective of the Selection Committee is clear: to consolidate the gains of the existing program and to chart a strategic course to improve current performance. This process will adopt a systematic, methodical and inclusive approach to ensure that Philippine basketball becomes more competitive internationally both in the short and long term.

On the PBA's relationship with the SBP:

The PBA is keen to continue supporting the SBP and its worthy objective of consolidating and improving on the gains the Gilas program has achieved in recent years. The creation of a selection committee will help harness and broaden the support and resources available for SBP within the PBA community and beyond.
We are excited about the creation of this selection committee. It gives key stakeholders a channel to participate in a dynamic manner in the achievement of our goals.

PBA Rosters for the start of the 40th PBA Season

Alaska Aces

Head Coach: Alex Compton
Assistant Coaches: Louie Alas, Topex Robinson, Monch Gavieres, Franco Atienza

Players:

1 - Sam Eman
2 - Chris Banchero
3 - Cyrus Baguio
7 - Sonny Thoss
8 - Calvin Abueva
11 - Rome dela Rosa
17 - Ping Exciminiano
21 - Paolo Bugia
24 - Vic Manuel
27 - Gabby Espinas (on reserve / injured list)
25 - Dondon Hontiveros
30 - Eric Menk
31 - RJ Jazul
35 - Tony dela Cruz
42 - Jvee Casio

Barako Bull Energy

Head Coach: Siot Tanquingcen
Assistant Coaches: Koy Banal, Jigs Mendoza, Art dela Cruz, Paolo Rivero

Players:

1 - RR Garcia
2 - Denok Miranda
5 - Jondan Salvador
6 - Carlo Lastimosa
7 - JC Intal
8 - Nico Salva
9 - Jeric Fortuna
10 - Dave Marcelo
15 - Jake Pascual
21 - Papot Paredes
26 - Chico Lanete
28 - Willie Wilson
88 - Mick Pennisi

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Head Coach: Jeffrey Cariaso
Assistant Coaches: Olsen Racela, Ato Agustin, Jorge Gallent, Allan Caidic, Juno Sauler

Players:

1 - James Forrester
2 - Billy Mamaril
3 - Josh Urbiztondo
5 - LA Tenorio
6 - Emman Monfort (on reserve / injured list. Note: jersey number is from last season. Team left it blank so far this season)
13 - Jay-jay Helterbrand
18 - Joseph Yeo
19 - Jay-R Reyes
20 - Greg Slaughter
25 - Japeth Aguilar
33 - Dylan Ababou
34 - Chris Ellis
45 - Mac Baracael
47 - Mark Caguioa
91 - Rodney Brondial

Blackwater Elite

Head Coach: Leo Isaac
Assistant Coaches: Rodil Sablan, Aris Dimaunahan, Patrick Aquino, Junjie Ablan, Tylon Darjuan, Daniel Olan

Players:

0 - Bryan Faundo
3 - Chris Timberlake
5 - Juami Tiongson
6 - Alex Nuyles
7 - JP Erram
9 - Ogie Menor
11 - Gilbert Bulawan
15 - JR Cawaling
16 - Paul Artadi
18 - Jason Ballesteros
21 - Bambam Gamalinda
25 - Eddie Laure
26 - Brian Heruela (on reserve / injured list)
58 - Bacon Austria
80 - Sunday Salvacion

Globalport Batang Pier

Head Coach: Pido Jarencio
Assistant Coaches: Eric Gonzales, Senen Duenas, Mac Cuan, Alvin Grey, Bonnie Tan, Johnedel Cardel, Oliver Bunyi

3 - Stanley Pringle
7 - Terrence Romeo
8 - Ronjay Buenafe
10 - Alex Cabagnot
11 - Jojo Duncil
12 - Mark Isip
15 - Jewel Ponferrada
23 - Kelly Nabong
26 - Roider Cabrera
27 - Nonoy Baclao
32 - Keith Jensen
95 - Yancy de Ocampo

Kia Sorento

Head Coach: Manny Pacquiao
Assistant Coaches: Glenn Capacio, Louie Gonzales, Rob Wainwright, Chris Gavina, Robert dela Rosa, Aldin Ayo, Mulong Orillosa, Chito Victolero, Marlon Martin

Players:

1 - Hans Thiele
2 - LA Revilla
3 - Kenneth Ighalo
7 - Chad Alonzo
8 - Rudy Lingganay
9 - Eder Saldua
10 - Joshua Webb
11 - Paul Sanga
12 - Alvin Padilla
17 - Manny Pacquiao
24 - Rich Alvarez
26 - Reil Cervantes
33 - Angel Raymundo
63 - Michael Burtscher
?? - Virgil Buensuceso (on reserve / injured list)

Meralco Bolts

Head Coach: Norman Black
Assistant Coaches: Ronnie Magsanoc, Luigi Trillo, Patrick Fran, Xavi Nunag, Gene Afable

Players:

1 - Simon Atkins
3 - Philip Morrison
7 - Cliff Hodge
8 - John Wilson
10 - Sean Anthony
11 - Mike Cortez
13 - Ryan Buenafe
15 - James Sena
17 - Anjo Caram
20 - Jared Dillinger
21 - Reynel Hugnatan
24 - Rey Guevarra
28 - Gary David
80 - Mark Macapagal

NLEX Road Warriors

Head Coach: Boyet Fernandez
Assistant Coaches: Adonis Tierra, Jojo Lastimosa, Sandy Arespacochaga, Raymund Celis, Ford Arao, Gino Manuel, Jay Serrano

Players:

3 - Mark Cardona
6 - Eliud Poligrates
8 - Kevin Alas
11 - Jonas Villanueva
13 - Eric Camson
14 - Enrico Villanueva
15 - John Villarias
16 - Mark Borboran
17 - Aldrech Ramos
18 - Jeck Apinan
19 - Wynne Arboleda
88 - Asi Taulava
?? - Raul Soyud (on reserve / injured list)

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Head Coach: Yeng Guiao
Assistant Coaches: Caloy Garcia, Mike Buendia, Matt Makalintal, Jay Legacion, Ricky Umayam

Players:

1 - Jon Uyloan
3 - Paul Lee
5 - Gabe Norwood
6 - Jireh Ibanes
8 - Jeric Teng
9 - Jericho Cruz
11- Ty Tang
16 - Jeff Chan
17 - Chris Tiu
18 - Ryan Arana
20 - Jervy Cruz
30 - Beau Belga
48 - JR Quinahan
57 - Raymond Almazan

San Mig Coffee Mixers

Head Coach: Tim Cone
Assistant Coaches: Richard del Rosario, Johnny Abarrientos, Jason Webb, Mon Jose

Players:

00 - Yousef Taha (Note: jersey number is from last season. Team left it blank so far this season)
2 - Justin Melton
4 - Rafi Reavis
5 - Isaac Holstein
8 - PJ Simon
10 - Ian Sangalang
11 - Alex Mallari
14 - Mark Barroca
15 - Marc Pingris
18 - James Yap
19 - Jerwin Gaco
22 - Allein Maliksi
33 - Ronnie Matias
38 - Joe DeVance
?? - Lester Alvarez (on reserve / injury list)

San Miguel Beermen

Head Coach: Leo Austria
Assistant Coaches: Peter Martin, Biboy Ravanes, Boycie Zamar, Dayong Mendoza, Riel Banaria
Consultant: Todd Purves

Players:

0 - Sol Mercado
1 - Rico Maierhofer
3 - Chris Lutz
5 - Ronald Pascual
6 - Chris Ross
12 - Paolo Hubalde
13 - Marcio Lassiter
15 - June Mar Fajardo
18 - Doug Kramer
29 - Arwind Santos
41 - Justin Chua
71 - Ronald Tubid

Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Head Coach: Jong Uichico
Assistant Coaches: Nash Racela, Bong Ravena, Josh Reyes
Consultant: Tab Baldwin

Players:

1 - Larry Rodriguez
2 - Jay Washington
3 - Jimmy Alapag (on reserve / injury list)
4 - Harvey Carey
9 - Rob Reyes
10 - Ryan Reyes
12 - Larry Fonacier
17 - Jayson Castro
21 - Kelly Williams
22 - Matt Rosser
23 - Elmer Espiritu
24 - KG Canaleta
33 - Ranidel de Ocampo
42 - Danny Seigle
51 - Aaron Aban

Hoop Dream: Finding Hope.

You remember this classic post-Yolanda photo, right?

Basketball is truly a passion for Filipinos, and yet for one Jason Yu, it is more than just that.

Sarah Burlingham (you can follow her on Twitter @sarahbburls) visited the Philippines back in August, specifically visiting Tacloban. The results of that visit is this 11-minute documentary, entitled Hoop Dream: Finding Hope.

This was shown this past Sunday night on FOX Sports LIVE in the United States. Fortunately for Filipino fans, they put this on their YouTube page.




Makes you stop and think and remember that the hashtag that Nike Philippines has been brandishing as of late, #PlayPinoy, takes a bigger significance.

NCAA Mancom suspends on 21 players and officials for brawl

This took place with just under a half-a-minute remaining left in the game, with Emilio Aguinaldo College on their way to securing the victory over Mapua Institute of Technology.



In the aftermath of the brawl that marred the ending of the game between MIT and EAC, the NCAA Management Committee (ManCom) handed down suspensions to seventeen players from both schools.

John Tayongtong received the stiffest penalty, a five-game suspension after throwing a punch to CJ Isit. Leo Gabo received the harshest penalty for the Cardinals, a four-game suspension for the push on Tayongtong.

The other players receiving suspensions are as follows:

Three games for EAC’s Jan Jamon, Ariel Aguilar, Jack Arquero and Sidney Onwubere, as well as Mapua’s Jomari Tubiano.
Two games for Mapua's Justin Serrano, James Galoso, Exeq Biteng and Andoy Estrella, as well as EAC’s John Santos, Manell Quilanita and Edsel Saludo.
One game for EAC’s Faustine Pascual, as well as Mapua’s Jerome Canaynay, Ronnel Villasenor and Darrel Magsigay.

For the Cardinals, this means that they will only have four guys (CJ Isit, Jesse Saitanan, Jeson Cantos and Joseph Eriobu) available in their September 29th meeting against Letran. They will have seven guys available for their October 3 meeting against JRU. And that is still considering that they still have a postponed matchup against a College of Saint Benilde side.

For the Generals, this means that they also will only have four guys (Jerald Serrano, Chris Mejos, Ai Indin and Jozhua General) available in their September 26th meeting against Perpetual. And they will end the season against San Sebastian on September 29 with just five available players. They are already undermanned coming into the past few games due to the sudden departures of Cedric Noube Happi and Igee King.

Accompanying the announcement is a simple statement from NCAA ManCom's Paul Supan:

The Mancom condemns in the highest level the unfortunate incident that occured in the Mapua-EAC game.
Hooliganism has no place in an established league like the NCAA.
Proper sanctions based on league rules will be imposed accordingly.

The referees who had overseen the game did not escape the attention and wrath of the league. NCAA Commissioner Bai Cristobal handed out an undisclosed fine and indefinite suspensions to Molly de Luna, Menard Ballecer and Cholo Caoile. These suspensions are limited to the NCAA and don't carry over to the UAAP, who also happens to employ the same set of officials.

2014-15 PBA D-League Draft Results

Here are the results from the recently-concluded PBA D-League Draft, an event that garnered a little controversy thanks to the final pick

1st round:

1. Cagayan Valley: Moala Tautuaa
2. Tanduay Light: Chris Newsome
3. Cafe France-CEU: Arnold Van Opstal
4. Cebuana Lhullier: Norbert Torres
5. Jumbo Plastic: Kris Rosales
6. M-Builders-FEU: Anthony Hargrove
7. Wang's Basketball: Robert Hainga
8. Racal-St, Clare: Fabren Redoh
9. Hapee-San Beda: Maverick Ahanmisi
10. AMA: Rizalde Angeles
11. MP Hotel: Hernal Escosio
12. Bread Story-Lyceum: John Azores

2nd round:

1. Tanduay Light: Roi Sumang
2. Cagayan Valley: Jonathan Grey
3. Cafe France-CEU: Bong Galanza
4. Cebuana Lhullier: Bradwyn Guinto
5. Jumbo Plastic: Jerramy King
6. M-Builders-FEU: Achie Inigo
7. Wang's Basketball: Joseph Ambohot
8. Racal-St. Clare: Elmer Managuelod
9. Hapee-San Beda: Chris Javier
10. AMA: Josue Diswe
11. MP Hotel: Rashwan McCarthy
12. Bread Story-Lyceum: Joseph Gabayni

3rd Round:

1. Cagayan Valley: Edzel Mag-isa
2. Tanduay Light: Leo De Vera
3. Cafe France-CEU: Yutien Andrada
4. Cebuana Lhullier: Simon Enciso
5. Jumbo Plastic: Sidney Onwubere
6. M-Builders-FEU: Raymar Jose
7. Wang's Basketball: Steve Camaya
8. Racal-St. Clare: Jan Acebron
9. Hapee-San Beda: Nico Elorde
10. AMA: Miggy Magpantay
11. MP Hotel: Dan Alberto
12. Bread Story-Lyceum: Jeb Bulawan

4th Round:

1. Tanduay Light: Gino Jumao-as
2. Cagayan Valley: Mark Olayon
3. Cafe France-CEU: Jonar Huertas
4. Cebuana Lhullier: Almond Vosotros
5. Jumbo Plastic: Joseph Eriobu
6. M-Builders-FEU: Ron Dennison
7. Wang's Basketball: John Pontejos
8.  Racal-St. Clare: Jon Ortuoste
9. Hapee-San Beda: Jeson Cantos
10. AMA: Jayson Jordan
11. MP Hotel: Jeof Acain
12. Bread Story-Lyceum: Sraj Elmejrab

5th Round:

1. Cagayan Valley: Ivan Hernandez
2. Tanduay Light: Ronnie de Leon
3. Cafe France : Tim Habelito
4. Cebuana Lhullier: Carl Ravanes
5. Jumbo Plastic: Jawhar Purdy
6. M-Builders-FEU: Rey Nambatac
7. Wang's Basketball: Javee Mocon
8. Racal-St. Clare: James Mallari
9. Hapee-San Beda: Hesed Gabo
10. AMA: Jezer Calma
11. MP Hotel: Helino Francisco
12. Bread Story-Lyceum: Tirso Lesmoras

6th Round:

1. Tanduay Light: Kent Lao
2. Cagayan Valley: Gwynne Capacio
3. Cebuana Lhullier: Glenn Ayala
4. M-Builders-FEU: JR Gallarza
5. Wang's Basketball: Kevin Lina
6. Racal-St. Clare: John Ambulodto
7. Hapee-San Beda: Mike DiGregorio
8: AMA: Mike Malones
9: MP Hotel: Jopet Quiro
10. Bread Story-Lyceum: Dexter Zamora

7th Round:

1. Cagayan Valley: John Nepomuceno
2. Tanduay Light: Sandy Cenal
3. Cebuana Lhullier: Reje Cartel
4. Wang's Basketball: Morris Pallares
5. Racal-St. Clare: Jon Ibarra
6. Hapee-San Beda: Ranbill Tongco
7. AMA: Jessmar Sabangan
8. MP Hotel: Emman Calo
9. Bread Story-Lyceum: Wilson Baltazar

8th Round:

1. Tanduay Light: Kyles Lao
2. Cagayan Valley: Dhon Reverente
3. Racal-St. Clare: Darwin Lunor
4. Hapee-San Beda: Geron Lontoc
5. AMA: Carlos Dizon
6. MP Hotel: Meylan Landicho
7. Bread Story-Lyceum: Wilson Taladua

9th Round:

1. Cagayan Valley: Aldrei Blanco
2. Tanduay Light: Oda Tampus
3. Racal-St. Clare: Mark Dulalia
4. AMA: Ian Macaranas
5. MP Hotel: Mark Panerio
6. Bread Story-Lyceum: Mark Malabanan


10th Round:

1. Tanduay Light: Dawn Ochea
2. Cagayan Valley: Aldinar Yusop
3. AMA: Paul Cruz
4. MP Hotel: Elvin Chan
5. Bread Story-Lyceum: Joem Lacastestantos

11th Round:

1. Cagayan Valley: Jumabon Bulac
2. AMA: Ermin Discipulo
3. MP Hotel: Chris Masaglang
4. Bread Story-Lyceum: John Lasa

12th Round:




1. AMA: Philip Torres
2. MP Hotel: Lance Abude
3. Bread Story-Lyceum: Marvin Moraga

13th Round:

1. AMA: Ken Ballesteros

14th Round:

1. AMA: Ken Santiago

15th Round:

1. AMA: Daniel Padilla

The Aspirants' Cup will commence on October 27.

Manila leg IPTL tickets now available for purchase

The International Premier Tennis League has finally made available the tickets for the Manila leg of their tournament.

Since September 1, tennis fans can already purchase tickets to the event, which will now take place at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 28-30.

Due to a quick change of events that freed up the venue on those dates, IPTL COO Eric Gottschalk thought that the MOA Arena "is the right fit to host the event," as one of the finest entertainment venues worldwide.

IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi adds that having the SM Group as a partner "adds a lot of value to our property and validates the potential of our league," thanking the conglomerate for their long-term commitment to the tournament.

SM Tickets will handle the distribution of tickets, which has already made available 3-day passes that encompasses the entirety of the competition (two matches per day, 4pm and 730pm on each day). The prices of which, are as follows:

EARLY BIRD-VIP = Php 49,000.00
EARLY BIRD-PATRON = Php 40,000.00
EARLY BIRD-LOWER BOX = Php 23,000.00
EARLY BIRD-UPPER BOX = Php 11,500.00
EARLY BIRD-GENERAL ADMISSION = Php 2,500.00

The "Early Bird" promotion will last until September 15. No details yet available with the cost of the one-day passes.

This is the first time that the Philippines will be hosting a tennis event of this magnitude, with different marketing and promotional activities to take place, in line to help maintain awareness on the event as it comes closer.

The Philippines will be represented by the Manila Mavericks, led by Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray, joined by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kirsten Flipkens, Daniel Nestor, Carlos Moya, and Treat Huey. They will face the UAE Royals, Singapore Slammers and the Indian Aces for the right to take the winning purse of US $1M.

Some of the tennis stars that will be participating in the competition include recently-crown six-time US Open champion Serena Williams, Eugenie Bouchard, Ana Ivanovic and Daniela Hantuchova.

On the men's side, Tomas Berdych, Lleyton Hewitt, Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet will be taking part, while also making their presence are tennis greats Goran Ivanisevic and Patrick Rafter.

TMZ releases Ray Rice assault video

During this past offseason, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was involved in an incident where he assaulted his then-fiancee (now wife), Janay Palmer. TMZ on Monday released a video on their website detailing what went down inside the elevator.

Ray Rice -- ELEVATOR KNOCKOUT ... Fiancee Takes Crushing Punch [Video] - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

Roger Goodell suspended Rice two games for this incident, with the backlash from this decision eventually leading into the move to adopt a more stringent protocol for domestic violence matters involving NFL players.

Rice observed the first game of that suspension this past Sunday, a 23-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The second game will be this Thursday (Friday morning in Manila) against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hours after TMZ released of the video, the Ravens have terminated their contract with Rice.

The #Ravens have terminated RB Ray Rice's contract this afternoon.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 8, 2014

And the league has placed the Rutgers alum on indefinite suspension.

Roger Goodell has announced that based on new video evidence that became available today he has indefinitely suspended Ray Rice.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) September 8, 2014

As a result, Rice, as of the moment, is now out of football.

Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas statement on the eligibility of Gilas Pilipinas players

SBP STATEMENT
RE: IAGOC query on eligibility of 3 Gilas Pilipinas players

In light of clarifications sought by the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee on the eligibility of Gilas Pilipinas players Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger and Andray Blatche, the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas has forwarded to the Philippine Olympic Committee pertinent documents providing irrefutable proof as to the qualifications of the three.

In a letter to POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr., to whom the IAGOC letter dated Aug. 26 from Mr. Jo Youngha of the Director General of Sports Headquarters was coursed, SBP executive director Renauld Barrios explains:

“Briefly, we say that the Articles 49 and 50 of the OCA do not operate to render our three mentioned players ineligible to play in the 2014 Asian Games.

“Assuming, without conceding, that the three (3) years residency rule in Articles 49 and 50 is applicable to Mr. Norwood and Dillinger, these two are likewise eligible to play in the 2014 Asian Games considering that they have resided in the Philippines for more than three (3) years prior to the 2014 Asian Games. Their old passports are hereunto attached to show that Mr. Norwood and Mr. Dillinger have resided in the Philippines more than three (3) years prior to the 2014 Asian Games."

Mr. Norwood’s old Philippine passport showed it was issued on July 23, 2007 with expiration on July 23, 2012, while Mr. Dillinger’s previous Philippine passport was issued on April 30, 2009 with expiration on April 29, 2014.

PBA operations director Ricardo Santos also issued two certifications dated Aug. 27, the first attesting that “Mr. Gabriel Norwood was drafted by the Rain or Shine Elast Painters in the 2008 PBA Rookie Draft and has been playing with the said team up to the present,” and the second confirming that “Mr. Jared Dillinger was drafted by the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the 2008 PBA Rookie Draft, playing from 2008 to June 13, and was then “trade to the Meralco Bolts on June 10, 2013 and continues to play for the same team up to the present.”

The SBP also submit that the 3 year residency rule of Article 49 and 50 of the OCA Constitution does not apply to Andray Blatche for the following reasons:

MAJOR PREMISE I

OCA Constitution and Rules (attached Articles 49 and 50 – Annex “B”)

We look at Article 49 Eligibility Code as the “mother” provision of the rules on player eligibility – and we quote the FIRST item listed in said Code as follows:

To be eligible for participation in the OCA GAMES, a competitor must:

1. Observe and abide by the Rules of the IOC/ OCA as per Olympic Charter.

• We take note of the specific mention of “... Rules of the IOC/ OCA as per Olympic Charter.”, which means it is of supreme importance that IOC and OCA rules should be consistent with the Olympic Charter.

• We submit that for a basketball player to be eligible to play in the Olympic Games in keeping with the Olympic Charter, a player must necessarily comply with FIBA eligibility rules since these are the basketball player eligibility rules applied for the Olympic Games.

• FIBA player eligibility rules covering “naturalized” players dictate that a “naturalized” player can only play for one (1) country and can NEVER play for any other country forever. There is no “residency” requirement under FIBA eligibility rules.

MAJOR PREMISE II

OLYMPIC CHARTER (attached Bye-Law to Article 40 Par 1, Article 41 and Bye-Law to Article 41 Par 1 and 2 – Annex “C”)

a) Bye- law to Rule 40 Eligibility Code

1. Each IF establishes its sport’s own eligibility criteria in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Such criteria must be submitted to the IOC Executive Board for approval. xx

a) Article 41 Nationality of Competitors

1. Any competitor in the Olympic Games must be a national of the country of the NOC which is entering such competitor.

2. All matters relating to the determination of the country which a competitor may represent in the Olympic Games shall be resolved by the IOC Executive Board. xx

b) Bye- Law to Rule 41

1. A competitor who is a national of two or more countries at the same time may represent either one of them, as he may elect. However, after having represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognised by the relevant IF, he may not represent another country unless he meets the conditions set forth in paragraph 2 below that apply to persons who have changed their nationality or acquired a new nationality.

2. A competitor who has represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognised relevant IF, and who has changed his nationality or acquired a new nationality, may participate in the Olympic Games to represent his new country provided that at least three years have passed since the competitor last represented his former country. This period may be reduced or even cancelled, with the agreement of the NOCs and IF concerned, by the IOC Executive Board, which takes into account the circumstances of each case.

• OCA Rules on three (3) years residence requirement, again, in order to adhere to and make them consistent with the Olympic Charter (see attached Annex “C”), must apply only to those who have played for a FIRST (1st) country and who want to play for a SECOND (2nd) or additional country.
In other words, even if the three (3) year residency rule of the Olympic Charter, for the sake of argument, is applicable to basketball, it shall apply only to the player who opts to play for a 2nd or additional country.

MINOR PREMISE – Re Mr. Andray Blatche

• FIBA has qualified him to be eligible to play for the Philippines as its “naturalized” player for the upcoming 2014 FIBA World Cup and effectively
in all FIBA sanctioned international tournaments, including the Olympic Games (if Philippines qualifies) and Asian Games.

• He has not played for the national team of any other country and is therefore not covered by the 3-year residency requirement under the IOC and/ or OCA eligibility rules, vis –a-vis the Olympic Charter

• Blatche is a current holder of a valid Philippine passport.

• In the Technical Handbook for the Incheon Asian Games for Basketball (Article III Techical Information Section 6 Competition Rules) it states that “general issues” will be covered by OCA rules and that “technical issues” will be covered by IF(FIBA) rules. We further respectfully submit that PLAYER
ELIGIBILITY is a “technical issue” and should therefore follow FIBA PLAYER ELIBILITY rules since IFs have different PLAYER ELIGIBILTY rules from sport to sport – there are no ONE (1) singular PLAYER ELIGIBILITY rules for ALL sports. This is the case for the Olympic Games, in keeping with the Olympic Charter and we trust that OCA rules subscribe to the same policy and position to be consistent with the Olympic Charter, which OCA holds sacred.

Based on the following reasons, the SBP believes Mr. Andray Blatche is eligible to play in the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. This is submitted to IAGOC for illumination and understanding.

2014 Gatorade PBA Draft results

Here are results from the just-concluded PBA Draft.

DRAFTING ORDER (1st Round)

1. GlobalPort - Stanley Pringle
2. Rain or Shine - Kevin Alas
3. San Miguel Beer - Ronald Pascual
4. NLEX - Matthew Ganuelas
5. Alaska - Chris Banchero
6. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel - Rodney Brondial
7. GlobalPort - Anthony Semerad
8. Barako Bull - Jake Pascual
9. Rain or Shine - Jericho Cruz
10. Barako Bull - David Semerad
11. KIA Motors - Manny Pacquiao
12. Blackwater - Juami Tiongson

DRAFTING ORDER (2nd Round)

13. Alaska Aces - Rome Dela Rosa
14. Rain or Shine - Kevin Espinosa
15. Barako Bull - Philip Paredes
16. Alaska Aces - Junjun Alas
17. GlobalPort - Prince Caperal
18. Barako Bull - Philip Morrison
19. GlobalPort - John Pinto
20. Talk ‘N Text - Harold Arboleda
21. Rain or Shine - Michael Gamboa
22. Barako Bull - Gab Banal
23. Blackwater - Frank Golla
24. Kia Motors - Kyle Pascual

DRAFTING ORDER (3rd Round onwards)

25. KIA Motors - Rene Pacquiao
26. Blackwater - Brian Heruela   
27. Blackwater - Maclean Sabellina   
28. KIA Motors - Kenneth Ighalo   
29. KIA Motors - Paolo Taha   
30. Blackwater - Juneric Baloria   
31. Blackwater - Raul Soyud           
32. KIA Motors - Jeremy Bartolo         

33. KIA Motors - Anthony Gavieres           
34. Blackwater - Clark Bautista           
35. Blackwater - Reneford Ruaya           
36. KIA Motors - Richard Cole           
37. KIA Motors - Victor Giorgio Umali           
38. KIA Motors - Jonathan Banal            39. KIA Motors - Michael Acuna           
40. KIA Motors - Mark Romero41.  KIA Motors - Francis Bercede

Latest on Jayson Castro

The long-awaited update from Vitoria made it to Manila, via Instagram. Assistant coach Josh Reyes provided the update.


The caption reads:

For all those who are asking. MRI revealed no structural damage. Whew! Still swelling in his Achilles, though. Jayson's status is day-to-day. Paul lee is the same status. #parasabayan #gilaspilipinas #prayforgoodhealth

Less than ten days left before the FIBA World Cup begins for the Philippines in Seville.

1st NCAA All-Star Game

The NCAA will hold its first-ever All-Star Game this season, with the conference divided into two regions, the East and the West:

The East will be composed of top players from San Beda, Perpetual Help, Arellano University, San Sebastian and JRU.

Baser Amer – G, San Beda
Art dela Cruz – F, San Beda
Kyle Pascual – C, San Beda
Juneric Baloria – G, Perpetual
Earl Thompson – G/F, Perpetual
Harold Arboleda – F, Perpetual
John Pinto – G, Arellano
Prince Caperal – C, Arellano
Isiah Ciriacruz – F, Arellano
CJay Perez – F, San Sebastian
Brad Guinto, -C, San Sebastian
Jovit dela Cruz – G/F, San Sebastian
Phillip Panimogan – G, Jose Rizal
Michael Mabulac – F/C, Jose Rizal
Tey Teodoro – G, Jose Rizal

The West players will come from College of St. Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), Letran, Mapua and Lyceum.

Mark Romero – F, St. Benilde
Paolo Taha – G/F, St. Benilde
Robert Bartolo – C, St. Benilde
John Tayongtong – G, EAC
Jack Arquero – F, EAC
Jan Jamon – G/F, EAC
Mark Cruz – G, Letran
Kevin Racal – F, Letran
Rey Nambatac – G, Letran
Jeson Cantos – F/C, Mapua
Jesse Saitanan – C, Mapua
Andrew Estrella – G, Mapua
Joseph Gabayni – C, Lyceum
Shane Ko – G, Lyceum
Dexter Zamora – G, Lyceum

There are also side-events in the All-Star Game

Post by NCAA.org.ph.

The festivities will take place on August 16 at the Arena in San Juan.

UAAP standings and second round schedule

The second round of collegiate basketball will commence this weekend, with the final games of the first round having been played last Sunday (for the ladies) and this past Wednesday (for the gentlemen).

The men's standings after one round of play are as follows:

Ateneo 6-1
FEU, La Salle, and NU 5-2
UE & UST 3-4
UP 1-6
Adamson 0-7

Do note that FEU has the best quotient amongst the three teams toting a 5-2 record with a 1.1, followed by La Salle with .978 and NU with .914

Also, since UE beat UST, they have the tiebreaker in this case between the two 3-4 teams at fifth and sixth place.

The women's standings after one round of play are as follows:

NU   7-0
La Salle 6-1
UST  4-3
Adamson, FEU, and Ateneo 3-4
UE   2-5
UP   0-7

In this case, Adamson has the best quotient amongst the three teams tied at 3-4 with 1.138. FEU is second with .962, while Ateneo totes a .921.

Here are the combined schedules for the UAAP collegiate basketball games for the second round: (women's games are italicized)

August 16 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am La Salle vs Adamson / 10am NU vs UST / 2pm La Salle vs UP / 4pm UST vs Ateneo

August 17 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am Ateneo vs UP / 10am FEU vs UE / 2pm NU vs Adamson / 4pm UE vs FEU

August 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am Adamson vs NU / 10am UST vs La Salle / 2pm Ateneo vs NU / 4pm FEU vs La Salle

August 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am UST vs UE / 10am Adamson vs UP / 11am UST vs UP / 4pm La Salle vs Ateneo

August 24 at the Blue Eagle Gym (for women) and SMART-Araneta Coliseum (for men):

9am NU vs FEU / 11am La Salle vs Ateneo / 2pm NU vs FEU / 4pm UE vs Adamson

August 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am UP vs FEU / 10am Ateneo vs UE / 2pm Adamson vs UST / 4pm UP vs UE

August 30 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am NU vs Ateneo / 10am UE vs La Salle / 2pm Adamson vs La Salle / 4pm NU vs UST

August 31 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am UP vs UST / 10am FEU vs Adamson / 2pm UP vs FEU / 4pm UE vs Ateneo

September 3 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am La Salle vs UP / 10am UE vs NU / 2pm NU vs UP / 4pm La Salle vs UE

September 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

8am FEU vs UST / 10am Adamson vs Ateneo / 2pm UE vs NU / 4pm UST vs La Salle

September 7 at the Blue Eagle Gym (for women) and the SMART-Araneta Coliseum (for men):

9am NU vs UP / 11am FEU vs La Salle / 2pm Ateneo vs UP / 4pm FEU vs Adamson

September 10 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

8am UE vs Adamson / 10am Ateneo vs UST / 2pm Adamson vs Ateneo / 4pm FEU vs UST

September 13 at the UST Gym (for women) and the SMART-Araneta Coliseum (for men):

9am UP vs UE / 11am Ateneo vs FEU / 1pm UST vs Adamson / 2pm La Salle vs NU / 3pm La Salle vs NU / 4pm Ateneo vs FEU

September 14 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum = UAAP Cheerdance Competition

September 17 at the San Juan Arena (could be subject to change)

2pm UP vs Adamson / 4pm UST vs UE

*Thanks as always to the people behind Imperium for their statistical expertise.

Manila to host International Premier Tennis League opening leg

From L-R: PSC Commissioner Salvador Andrada, IPTL COO Eric M. Gottschalk, PSC Chairman Ricardo Garcia, Philippine Tennis Association President Edwin L. Olivarez, IPTL founder and Indian tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi, and Philippine Tennis Association VP Randy Villanueva

The newest tennis spectacle will be making its way to Manila later this year.

The International Premier Tennis League on Thursday officially announced the participation of the Manila Mavericks in a press conference at the EDSA Shangri-La Garden Ballroom.

To be played at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on November 28-30, the Manila Mavericks will be composed of current world number 10 Andy Murray and world number 15 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 5th ranked doubles player Daniel Nestor, tennis legend Carlos Moya and Filipino doubles specialist Treat Huey.

The ladies contingent is composed of 6th-ranked Maria Sharapova and 47th-ranked Kirsten Flipkens.

Organizers, led by IPTL COO Eric Gottschalk assured fans that Sharapova, Murray and top-ranked Serena Williams (representing Singapore Slammers) will be playing in the Manila leg. He also adds that they are here to promote the sport in Asia, and to bring world-class tennis to Filipinos.

Other than Singapore, the other teams that will participate in the initial season are Dubai (as the UAE Royals) and Delhi (as the Indian Aces), with their legs scheduled to take place in December.

The Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Tennis Assocation were also present at the press conference, with both sides happy with the event.

PSC President Richie Garcia congratulated the IPTL and added that The Big Dome would be the ideal venue to host the opening leg, given its 15,000 seating capacity and its pedigree of hosting major sporting events. He adds that Filipinos have a passion for sports and the IPTL, as a major international tennis competition, adds to their sporting portfolio which includes basketball, boxing and football.

PhilTA President Edwin Olivarez believes that having the IPTL and some of the world's best players, will encourage the development of the sport in the country, as it would encourage more players to take up the sport. The Paranaque mayor is also happy to see Huey's participation, as it allows local fans to finally see him live in action at a home event. The NSA, he adds, "happily extends its full support to the team owners and organizers."

To add, PhilTA VP Randy Villanueva says there will be local activities that will be undertaken to help with the promotion of the event, including an IPTL-style competition between the top colleges and universities.

Tickets for the event will be released in August, with TicketNet handling the distribution. Gottschalk adds that they are looking into making this accessible to as many fans as possible.


The IPTL is the brainchild of Mahesh Bhupathi, who was inspired with the innovations of the Indian Premier League in cricket and sees the tournament as capable of providing something different in tennis.

With the motto, "Break the Code," the IPTL tinkers with the conventional tennis rules, among them being a single-set no-add scoring, as well as the chance for players to call "time outs" during games, the concept of a "power point" and the use of "shoot outs" to determining winners. These innovations allow broadcasters to be able to schedule their telecasts accordingly.

The winner team in the competition will be rewarded with $1M.

Chot Reyes on Larry Fonacier's withdrawal

"It is with deep sadness that we have to accept Larry Fonacier's request to beg off from the Gilas pool for the meantime.

Unknown to many, Larry has been playing through a variety of foot and back injuries that have bothered him the past 2 years; and it is only his great dedication that has prevented him from taking any time off. However, the rigors of playing almost non-stop in the PBA and national team for the past 3 years has taken its toll, leaving Larry with no recourse but to accede to his doctors orders for complete rest & rehabilitation.

We will definitely miss Larry's quiet leadership and unyielding heart."

The TNT swingman averaged 5.3 pts, 1.7 rebs and 1.2 assists at the FIBA-Asia Men's Championships last year, highlighted by his 21-point outburst against Chinese-Taipei.

NBA statement on #GilasLastHomeStand

Under the terms of the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, players are allowed to participate in offseason basketball games or exhibitions when requirements for those events are met, including ensuring that appropriate safeguards be in place, and the promoter seeks the proper exemptions from the NBA and the player’s team. The promoter of this proposed event, East-West Private LLC, was informed of this process several months ago but did not take the required steps. Filipinos are among the most passionate basketball fans in the world and we are committed to bringing them more access to our game and supporting the ongoing Typhoon Haiyan rehabilitation efforts.

PLDT Statement on #GilasLastHomeStand and Refund guidelines

This was posted on PLDT HOME's Facebook page.

PLDT has announced that The Last Home Stand basketball event between Gilas Pilipinas and the Fibr All-Stars scheduled for tomorrow, July 23, is cancelled.

"We wish to apologize to our Filipino basketball fans for the sudden and disappointing turn of events today. We ourselves are extremely disappointed by this unexpected development. All we wanted was to give our Filipino basketball fans a real treat while at the same time, through this benefit event, help our countrymen who are still recovering from Supertyphoon Yolanda and more recently Typhoon Glenda," PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

PLDT Executive Vice President Ariel Fermin assured ticket holders for events today and tomorrow will be refunded in full in an expeditious manner. Fermin said those seeking a refund may send the following information: 1) Full name; 2) ticket number; 3) contact number; and 4) email address either by text message to 0919 614 0865 or email to RefundIGW@gmail.com.

The ten-digit ticket number can be found at left portion of the ticket, below the seat number.

Fermin said that the agreement with the event organizer, IGW -- whose role it was to arrange the participation of the NBA players -- provided for a format involving a basketball clinic followed by a 5-on-5 game between Gilas Pilipinas and the Fibr All-Stars. However, PLDT was informed by IGW a few hours before the event today, July 22, that the 5-on-5 game was, as advised by IGW to PLDT, not allowed by the NBA.

They also provided a hotline that will be used starting tomorrow morning at 9am for inquiries, as tweeted here by ABS-CBN's TJ Manotoc.

#GilasLastHomeStand refund hotline numbers 836-5318, 836-5319, & 836-5890 http://t.co/MPzVtpGixm pic.twitter.com/aN3lYKSBOs
— TJ Manotoc (@tjmanotoc) July 22, 2014

The Last HOME Stand is coming today and tomorrow.

Five of the Fibr All-Stars with Chot Reyes and PLDT EVP and head of HOME business Ariel Fermin
The five All-Stars (L-R): Kawhi Leonard, Brandon Jennings, Terrence Ross, Kyle Lowry & DeMar DeRozan

Serving a two-pronged thrust, twelve NBA players make their way to Manila for the Last HOME Stand on July 22 & 23.

One objective is to help with the national team's preparations for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. The other is to raise funds for charity, specifically, the Philippine Disaster Recovery Fund, Caritas Manila and the MVP Sports Foundation.

Seven of the twelve players were present in the press conference held on Monday afternoon, the five players on the photo above, Damian Lillard, and James Harden. Still to arrive are Blake Griffin, Ed Davis, Tyson Chandler, Paul George and Nick Johnson. Also at the press conference was John Lucas.

Chot Reyes says that the Gilas Pilipinas is honored to play alongside the Fibr All-Stars, and that they are excited and challenged by what they can learn from playing against them.

Sports-related announcements re: #GlendaPH

Typhoon Rammasun, known locally as Glenda, is expected to make landfall on Tuesday afternoon, and will leave the PAR by late Thursday.

Local sporting events are going to be affected by the presence of Glenda. It has already resulted in the postponement of one sporting event.

The Philippine Superliga matches scheduled at the Cuneta Astrodome on Wednesday afternoon has been postponed by the league, which highlights the semifinals matchup of Generika-Army & AirAsia.

The league will adjust its schedule, but maintains its championship will take place on July 26.

Meanwhile, the collegiate sporting leagues have both announced that any decision regarding match postponements for men's basketball, women's basketball (for UAAP) and juniors' basketball (for NCAA) will be made tomorrow morning. The NCAA, specifically, gave themselves an 8am time frame to make the call. The UAAP will make their call early tomorrow.

We will share the announcements when it is made available.

UAAP Season 77 schedule for women's basketball in the first round

Here is the Season 77 schedule for collegiate women's basketball. All games will be played at the Blue Eagle Gym.

July 13:

9am - FEU vs UE
11am - NU vs Adamson
1pm - UP vs Ateneo
3pm - La Salle vs UST

July 16:

9am - UP vs NU
11am - La Salle vs FEU
1pm - UST vs UE
3pm - Ateneo vs Adamson

July 19:

9am - Adamson vs La Salle
11am - UE vs UP
1pm - NU vs UST
3pm - FEU vs Ateneo

July 24:

9am - UE vs NU
11am - Ateneo vs UST
1pm - UP vs La Salle
3pm - Adamson vs FEU

July 27:

9am - UST vs FEU
11am - NU vs Ateneo
1pm - La Salle vs UE
3pm - UP vs Adamson

August 3:

9am - Adamson vs UE
11am - UP vs UST
1pm - Ateneo vs La Salle
3pm - FEU vs NU

August 10:

9am - FEU vs UP
11am - UST vs Adamson
1pm - NU vs La Salle
3pm - UE vs Ateneo

Simplifying the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final

Here is a handy infographic from the Agence France Presse on the FIFA World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina, which will take place early Monday morning, Manila time.

UAAP Season 77 schedule for men's basketball in the first round

July 12 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

12nn - Opening Ceremonies
2pm - UE vs UP
4pm - La Salle vs FEU

July 13 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

2pm - Ateneo vs Adamson
4pm - NU vs UST

July 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

2pm - UST vs UE
4pm - Adamson vs FEU

July 19 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

2pm - NU vs UP
4pm - Adamson vs UE

July 20 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

11am - La Salle vs Ateneo
4pm - UST vs FEU

July 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena

2pm - Ateneo vs UP
4pm - NU vs La Salle

July 26 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

2pm - UST vs Adamson
4pm - Ateneo vs NU

July 27 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

2pm - UP vs FEU
4pm - UE vs La Salle

July 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena:

2pm - FEU vs UE
4pm - Adamson vs NU

August 2 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

2pm - UP vs UST
4pm - La Salle vs Adamson

August 3 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

2pm - NU vs UE
4pm - FEU vs Ateneo

August 6 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum:

2pm - UP vs La Salle
4pm - Ateneo vs UST

August 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena

2pm - Adamson vs UP
4pm - NU vs FEU

August 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena

2pm - UE vs Ateneo
4pm - La Salle vs UST

Philippine schedule in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup

First Round schedule:

Philippines vs Chinese-Taipei: July 12, 2:45pm
Philippines vs Singapore: July 14, 2:45pm
Jordan vs Philippines: July 15, 5:15pm

With the withdrawal of Uzbekistan from the competition, all four teams in Group B will advance into the quarterfinals, which will take place on July 17 (either at 12:30pm, 2:45pm, 5:15pm and 7:30pm).

The winners will play in the semifinals, which will take place on July 18 (either at 5:15pm and 7:30pm). The winners in that one will play in the finals, which will take place at 7:30pm on July 19.

Do note that Sports5 will be showing the Gilas Pilipinas games.

Whoever comes out on the top of the FIBA Asia Cup will have an automatic slot in the next FIBA-Asia Championship. Although, for the Philippines, Iran, and South Korea, this is a chance to work on things in time for their FIBA World Cup campaign.

Floyd Mayweather's next fight

By the simplicity of an app, Floyd Mayweather has officially revealed his next opponent. This is what he posted.



We'll have to wait for a while for that PacMan-Floyd slugfest.

Statement from Globalport re: Draft Lottery

We are happy that the issue regarding the draft lottery has been put to rest together with a bright promise for improvements and changes in its process.

We would like to thank the PBA Board of Governors for the early resolution of this incident, and acknowledge the efforts of the Rain or Shine franchise to be one with the Board in solidifying the integrity of the league.

We are very excited for this coming 2014 Draft which boasts of the country’s best and brightest talents and future basketball superstars.

The GlobalPort franchise has the honor of choosing this year’s number one pick, we vow to choose wisely, not only to make our team better but to provide you, our fans, PBA fans, the best that professional basketball has to offer.

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas training schedule

Thanks to Richard Dy of SPIN,  we have an idea on how SMART-Gilas Pilipinas will be preparing for the 2014 FIBA World Cup, which starts on August 30.

Based from that report, it can be simplified into something like this:

1. FIBA Asia Cup. Wuhan, China. July 11-19. Already slotted to play against Chinese-Taipei (7/12 1230pm), Uzbekistan (7/13 245pm), Singapore (7/14 245pm) and Jordan (7/15 515pm). QFs on 7/17. SFs on 7/18. Finals on 7/19.

2. The Last HOME Stand. SMART-Araneta Coliseum. July 22/23. It started with this tweet:

Happy to announce that PLDT HOME will bring in the biggest basketball charity event ever! Blake, Damien, Truth, Demar in #GilasLastHOMEStand
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) June 25, 2014

These are the exhibition charity fund-raising games involving Blake Griffin, Damian Lillard, Paul Pierce and DeMar DeRozan. Details on that will be based from this site.

3. Miami training camp from July 25 - August 4.

4. Vittoria tuneups vs Angola (August 8) and an ACB (a.k.a Spanish League) Select team (August 10)

5. French invitational tournament. Antibes, France. August 15-17. Slotted to play against France (8/15), Australia (8/16) and Ukraine (8/17).

6. Vittoria tuneups vs Euskadi (August 20) and Angola (August 21).

7. Guadalajara tuneups vs Dominican Republic (August 24) and Egypt (August 25).

The schedule for the FIBA World Cup campaign of the Philippines can be read here.

Donald Sterling's Statement to Pursue NBA lawsuit

Donald Sterling issued a statement Tuesday, describing why he's committed to fight with the NBA.

Here is the statement in full:

WHY I AM FIGHTING THE NBA? THE NBA WANTS TO TAKE AWAY OUR PRIVACY RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH

I was brought up in America and educated to believe that every citizen has a right to privacy and right to freedom of speech. As a lawyer and citizen, I am shocked (but not surprised) that the NBA wants to take away those fundamental rights.

I feel that every American has to protect those rights and that the NBA should not be allowed to take away those rights. I have apologized for my mistakes. My apology is sincere. I want every American to know that I will not give up fighting for those rights.

I also feel that the leadership of the NBA is incompetent, inexperienced and angry. It is clear that they took this opportunity to settle the personal grievances they have harbored against me for years.

The NBA has a history of discriminatory practices which is supported by the numerous lawsuits filed by NBA employees claiming gender based discrimination. Adam Silver has worked for the NBA since 1992. He must know about the discriminatory practices of the NBA which are all matters of public record. The reason Adam Silver is focused on the sale, instead the larger social issue, is because doing so would require him to examine the NBA’s own discriminatory practices, including those that occurred under his many years in leadership. If the NBA is sincere about their approach, Adam Silver needs to publicly examine the NBA’s own conduct and the conduct of each and every Owner.

For now, it seems Adam Silver is content with focusing his energy on violating my rights, attempting to take my property, and signing autographs for TMZ. Maybe once the dust settles, he will have some time to focus on the NBA’s Own transgressions.

The NBA Continues to thrive and exact its reign of terror in large part from the money it receives from the Fans. The NBA is a band of hypocrites and bullies. They will not stop until someone stands up. They have taken the liberty to desecrate my privacy rights and my right to own property.

I have no doubt that they will continue to find new ways to violate my rights and the rights of any other person in order to draw attention away from their own discriminatory and repulsive conduct.

We have to fight for the rights of all Americans. We have to fight these despicable monsters. THIS IS THE REASON I WILL NOT SELL MY TEAM.

Donald T. Sterling

3rd CLEAR Dream Match to take place tonight

The University of Makati will once again play host to the sibling rivalry between Phil and James Younghusband, with the 3rd edition of the CLEAR Dream Match tipped to kick off later tonight.

The brothers each have a win over the other, with Phil securing his first, before James snagging his last year.

To settle the score, CLEAR snapped up a couple of Manchester United legends to participate in the fight.

Joining Team Phil is Paul Scholes. The English midfielder best known for his crunching tackles made over 700 appearances for the Red Devils, and is known to be among the best to play his position amongst his generation. He noted that he is excited to visit the Philippines and it is a "great experience" to visit a country where football is a growing sport.

Meanwhile, Andy Cole will be joining Team James. The striker with the second-most goals scored in the history of the English Premier League will be tasked to do just that for his squad. In fact, James believes that he is a huge asset to the squad.

The first ever Clear Dream Match saw Phil Younghusband win over his older brother with a dominant 5-1 victory. The following year, James Younghusband exacted his revenge, defeating Team Phil 4 - 1. With the brothers now tied at 1 - 1, the game is taken further with the addition of two Manchester United Legends, Paul Scholes and Andy Cole.

Fans of both Phil and James also joined in on the Legends decision making by scoring points for their respective teams online. The captain with the most active and digitally engaged fans would get the first Legend pick. It was Phil who won the final online points tally, and chose Scholes to be part of the Team Phil contingent.

Cole adds that he is looking forward to meeting the many Manchester United followers here in the Philippines.

2014 NBA Finals schedule

NBA Finals viewing party at the NBA Cafe

Excited for the NBA Finals? Make sure to make yourself available on those dates above to check out the action between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs.

We all know what happened last year. Where were you when this happened?



The Spurs bounced back from that to take the league's best record, netting Pop a Coach of the Year and RC Buford the Executive of the Year nods.

Meanwhile, the defending champions easily dispatched their rivals on their way to their fourth straight finals appearance. The feat was only done previously by the fabled franchises in Boston (who did it twice) and Los Angeles.





So, who you got in the finals.

Pacers provide update on Paul George

c/o ESPN's Twitter

The Indiana Pacers lost Game 2 of their Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, 87-83, but the bigger loss could possibly be Paul George, after suffering this:



The team released a statement on Wednesday, providing an update on the situation.

Tuesday night, Indiana Pacers forward Paul George took a knee to the back of his head during the fourth quarter of the Eastern Conference Finals game against Miami. Immediately after the play, George exhibited no symptoms of a concussion and, in response to questions from the Pacers’ medical staff, he denied dizziness, nausea, and issues with his vision. He was also active and aware of his surroundings. As a result, the Indiana medical staff did not suspect a concussion.

Following the game, George stated for the first time that he “blacked out” on the play. As a result of this statement, the team conducted the NBA-mandated concussion assessment, which did not reveal any active symptoms of concussion.

Because of the statement and Indiana’s ongoing evaluation and management of potential concussions, George underwent further testing and evaluation Wednesday morning. He has been diagnosed by the team’s consulting neurologist with a concussion, based on his post-game reporting that he had briefly lost consciousness during the game. He will begin the NBA-mandated protocol for return-to-participation after a diagnosed concussion.

Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, Director of the NBA Concussion Program, has been in contact with the team medical staff and stated, “The Indiana Pacers medical team followed the NBA concussion protocol and there was no indication of concussion during the game. This case illustrates that concussion evaluation is an ongoing process and manifestations of the injury may not always present immediately.”

Game 3 is slated Sunday morning (Manila time) at Miami.

NBA starts proceedings to strip Sterling of Clippers' ownership

The latest update regarding the movement to oust Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling took place earlier on Monday, with the NBA laying the charges for the termination of ownership.

The full statement of the league can be read in full here:

The NBA initiated a charge Monday seeking to terminate the ownership of Donald Sterling in the Los Angeles Clippers. If the NBA Board of Governors sustains the charge by a 3/4 vote, all ownership interests in the Clippers will be terminated and the team will be sold to new owners.

The NBA Constitution provides Mr. Sterling with the opportunity to respond to the charge by May 27, as well as the right to appear and make a presentation at a special meeting of the Board of Governors. This hearing, which is planned for June 3, will be presided over by NBA Board of Governors Chairman Glen Taylor, the controlling Governor of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The charge asserts that Mr. Sterling engaged in conduct that has damaged and continues to damage the NBA and its teams. Among other things, Mr. Sterling disparaged African-Americans and "minorities"; directed a female acquaintance not to associate publicly with African-Americans or to bring African-Americans to Clippers games; and criticized African-Americans for not supporting their communities.

Mr. Sterling's actions and positions significantly undermine the NBA's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion; damage the NBA's relationship with its fans; harm NBA owners, players and Clippers team personnel; and impair the NBA's relationship with marketing and merchandising partners, as well as with government and community leaders. Mr. Sterling engaged in other misconduct as well, including issuing a false and misleading press statement about this matter.

All of these acts provide grounds for termination under several provisions of the NBA Constitution and related agreements.

It all started when a recording of Sterling with V. Stiviano was posted on TMZ that among other things, were not flattering of African-Americans.

2014 FIBA World Cup schedule for the Philippines revealed

The Philippines has been given the honor and privilege to be one of the opening matches of the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Gilas Pilipinas will open Group B play in Seville against Croatia at 1230pm local time (630pm in Manila) on Saturday, August 30.

Their next match will be against Greece to close out Day 2 (August 31, a Sunday), at 8pm local time (2am Monday morning in Manila).

Match number 3 will be on Monday, the first day of September, against Argentina at 530pm local time (1130pm Monday night in Manila).

After their rest day on September 2, the Philippines will have two more matches, against Puerto Rico at 130pm local time (730pm Manila time) on Wednesday, September 3, and a 2pm clash on September 4, Thursday, against Senegal (8pm in Manila).

The top four teams in the division will advance to the knockout portion of the tournament. 

Complete details on the schedule can be read here. In the meantime, adjust your schedules accordingly.

Meanwhile, let's relive how we got to Spain. YouTube clip c/o Aimee Grace Tapeceria:

Phil Jackson takes over the New York Knicks

The rumor is now official. Phil Jackson is coming back home to New York to take over the basketball operations of the Knicks.

James Dolan ceded control of that aspect to Phil, who assumes the position of President with a five-year deal. The latter will work with current GM Steve Mills to determine what needs to be done to fix the Knicks, who has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the new millennium.



Many recognize him as a coach, but as a player, he was an integral part of the New York's 1970 & 1973 championships, although he sat out the first title due to an injury. Coming in the same rookie class as Clyde Frazier and Bill Bradley, Phil played in 732 games for the Knickerbockers, which is fifth most in franchise history. He counts his mentor Red Holzman as one of his major influences in coaching, which led him to win eleven titles with the Bulls and Lakers.

Kobe Bryant will not play for the rest of the 2013-14 season

After examinations by Los Angeles Lakers team physician Dr. Steve Lombardo, it has been determined that Kobe Bryant's fractured lateral tibial plateau has not healed yet, and as such, the team has officially declared him sidelined for the rest of the season.

Here is what Athletic Trainer Gary Vitti said about the injury:

“With Kobe’s injury still not healed, the amount of time he’d need to rehab and be ready to play, and the amount of time remaining in the season, we’ve simply run out of time for him to return. However, Kobe will have the entire offseason to heal, rehab and prepare, and we look forward to him being 100% for the start of next season.”

As for the superstar guard, this is what he had to say:

“Obviously this has been a frustrating and disappointing season, but I appreciate all the support I’ve received from the Lakers and the fans, and look forward to being back and ready for the start of training camp.” 

He also tweeted a couple of things.

“@mcten: New blog post: Kobe finally proving to be human http://t.co/p8StSRk4gj”. #thankyou
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 12, 2014

Thank you for all the support. 7months to get back And answer this challenge #healthy #training #nutrition #bodyarmor
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) March 12, 2014

Kobe played just six games this season, averaging 13.8 points (42.5% from the field, 18.8% from 3pt range, & 85.7% from the charity stripe), 4.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.17 steals in 29.5 minutes.

The Lakers are tied with Sacramento and Utah in toting the worst record in the Western Conference with a 22-42 record.