LiveScores PH: January 2014

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Pido Jarencio's statement to the UST Community

c/o PhilStar

As Pido Jarencio departs from mentoring and motivating his alma mater in the UAAP to take his first head coaching stab with GlobalPort, the former Glowing Goldie left a message to the Growling Tiger faithful. It goes something like this:

c/o TeamUST Twitter account

The time has come for me to move on with my career as coach. It is with a heavy heart that I relinquish my position as Head Coach of the UST Growling Tigers to try my luck in the professional league. One of the greatest blessings in my basketball career is the chance to give-back to the University. The past years with you, my fellow Thomasians, together with the Tigers, whom I have regarded as my extended family, have given me pride and fulfillment for which I am most grateful.

I shall not say goodbye, for I remain a true-blooded Tomasino at heart. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude together with my family, for your unfailing support for me and the Growling Tigers. God bless us all.

Jarencio leaves UST with a championship in 2006 and back-to-back finals appearances in the last two seasons.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

USA Basketball names 28-man pool for 2014-16

USA Basketball named its initial pool of talent from which it is to draw its roster for the 2014 FIBA World Cup and possibly the 2016 Rio Olympics.

A group of 28 NBA players were named to the initial pool, most of which have had experience in either the Olympics or in the World Championships (which the World Cup replaces).

Included in that list are eleven players from the team that won the gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics (Kobe Bryant is the lone non-participant from that group). Also included are seven players from the team that won the 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championships in Istanbul.

USA Basketball Chairman and National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo referred to the announcement as "the first step of building the USA Basketball National Team pool of players for 2014-16." He adds that the pool is "extremely talented, deep and versatile," and noting the 11 out of 12 factoid, highlighted the recognition and importance that the players have made in representing the United States.

Colangelo cited the continuity and familiarity that has been set up in the squad, noting that all 28 players named have had previous involvement with the program. He also says he has the option to add players onto the pool as he sees fit, in case of any injuries or other kinds of circumstances that might take place.

Returning to the pool are three-time Olympians LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, two-time Olympians Chris Paul and Deron Williams and one-time Olympians Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Dwight Howard.

Also called up into the pool are Stephen Curry and Derrick Rose, who were with Chandler, Durant, Iguodala, Love, and Westbrook in the 2010 title-winning team in Turkey.

Blake Griffin, who was originally in the 2012 Olympic roster before being sidelined due to injury, highlights the newcomers, which are composed of LaMarcus Aldridge, Bradley Beal, DeMarcus Cousins, Andre Drummond, Kenneth Faried, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Korver, David Lee, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson.

Returning to coach the team is Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski, with Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim, Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams as his assistants.

Kevin Durant's torrid scoring stretch

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

Kevin Durant has scored 30 points or more in eight straight games, the longest in his career. The latest was a 46-point outburst against division rivals Portland, where he scored 11 of Oklahoma City's final 15 points.

He made 17/25 shots, of which 6/7 came from beyond the arc. His shooting prowess as of late has allowed him move past LeBron James atop the efficiency rankings, and is once again approaching the fabled 50/40/90 threshold.

How red-hot is KD? Look at this chart:

Thursday, January 16, 2014

JR Quinahan beats the buzzer and the Meralco Bolts

c/o Mico Halili's Twitter account

Gary David tied the game at 86 with the long three with under 9 seconds left. On the next possession, Paul Lee missed his corner jumper and the ball went out of bounds. Fortunately for the Tondo native, possession was still with Rain or Shine, albeit with 0.7 left. Yeng Guiao then asks for a timeout.

The play was simple, considering the time remaining. Gabe Norwood is the man tasked to inbound the ball. The other four guys on the court were Lee, Jeff Chan, and the Extra Rice, Inc. Only thing they can do is a catch-and-shoot. If Derek Fisher can do it with 0.4 left, one can definitely do it with 0.7 left.

The Elastopainters were misfiring on their jumpers late in the game, especially from three-point distance, but at least they had the chance to win knowing they still had OT in their back pocket. However, they didn't need to go into a five-minute extension, as Gabe found Quinahan open, and the winning streak is now a franchise-best six games.

Here is how the Rain or Shine - Meralco game ended (c/o Sports5)

Boston, Golden State and Miami agree to 4-player trade

c/o ESPN

A 4-player, three team trade was approved on Wednesday involving the defending champions Miami Heat, along with the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. This was first confirmed by Y!'s Woj.

The Warriors, in their search for an upgrade on their backcourt depth, acquired Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks from the Celtics. With the recent acquisition of Jerryd Bayless and the impending return of Rondo, who happened to be sent down to Maine for a couple of hours to get some practice work before being recalled, Crawford became a tradeable asset. Brooks is a throw-in to make salaries work and would complement the team's backcourt depth.

In exchange, the Warriors sent Toney Douglas to the Miami Heat. With Mario Chalmers suffering from an Achilles strain, the defending champions would like have some additional cover if in any case Chalmers, or Dwyane Wade, were to miss games. Although they have LeBron James as a more than capable ball-handler, as well as Wade, the only other point guard on the roster is Norris Cole.

The Heat then sent Joel Anthony, their 2016 second round pick, and a conditional first round pick from the 76ers that Miami acquired when they traded Arnett Moultrie, to the Celtics. Boston also received cash from the deal. Anthony gives them size, championship experience, and a trade chip that they can use in swinging a deal later on. The picks also serve as a possible trade asset. The cash is in play just to make the trade work, cap wise.

Jordan averaged 13.7 points, a career-high 5.7 assists (which led the Celtics) and 3.1 rebounds in 39 games. He started 35 times and was named as the Eastern Conference Player of the Week last month.

MarShon averaged 3.1 points and 1.9 rebounds this season, playing a total of 73 minutes in ten games in Boston. His production has dwindled since his rookie year, when he was named 2nd Team All-Rookie.

A free agent signing this past offseason, Toney averaged 3.7 points and a rebound in 24 games for the Warriors.

Joel was a part of the Miami title runs the past couple of seasons, albeit in a limited capacity. He has appeared in just 12 games for the Heat this season, and has recorded a total of six points, seven rebounds and four blocks in 37 minutes of action.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

PBA gives its verdict re: Dillinger, Abueva

Here is the complete statement from PBA Commissioner Chito Salud on the incident that took place during the Meralco-Alaska game on January 10:

Upon review of the incident and hearing the testimonies of Calvin Abueva, Jared Dillinger and Gary David, hereunder is this Office’s ruling:

During the fourth quarter of the game Jared Dillinger was going strong to the basket. As he was going for a layup, Calvin Abueva cleanly blocked his shot. After the block, Abueva’s right hand landed on the face of Dillinger. While unintentional, the impact of that contact caused a bruise on the left eye of Dillinger. Dillinger then pulled the jersey of Abueva to prevent a hard fall, at which time Abueva’s forearm landed diagonally on Dillinger’s neck and face with such force causing Dillinger’s nose to bleed. Dillinger thereafter regained¬ his balance and grabbed Abueva. Dillinger testified that he grabbed Abueva initially by the jersey. While Dillinger denied that he choked Abueva, it was clear in the video that he had his hands around the neck area of Abueva for the purpose of physically restraining him. While Abueva categorically confirmed that he was not choked by Dillinger, he stated that pressure was exerted on his collar bone. It can be gleaned from the video that Dillinger grabbed Abueva by the neck and while on a strangle/chokehold-like gesture was yelling and screaming at Abueva. Dillinger asserted that he was telling Abueva “to espect me and respect the game,” repeatedly. At this point the referees were able to separate the two players. Gary David, who was not involved in the play at all, was seen raising his right arm with a closed fist toward the direction of the fallen Abueva.

David testified that he was merely reminding Abueva that the latter’s antics were already hurtful to other players. He admitted that he did raise his arm with a closed fist at Abueva out of frustration.

Considering the foregoing factual and testimonial evidence, this Office is hereby upgrading the Technical Foul for taunting called on Jared Dillinger to Flagrant/Unsportsmanlike conduct, as his act of physically restraining Calvin Abueva by grappling him by the neck, along with the taunting and trash-talking, is clearly unnecessary. A fine of ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000.00) is hereby meted out to Dillinger.

This Office is likewise upgrading Calvin Abueva’s Technical Foul for 2nd motion to Flagrant/Unsportsmanlike conduct for the hard blows, inadvertent as they may seem, he landed on Jared Dillinger causing the latter’s face to bleed and bruise. A fine of ten thousand pesos (Php 10,000.00) is hereby meted out to Calvin Abueva. Additionally, this office has reviewed Abueva’s proclivity to exaggerate fouls against him and other forms of physical contact in which he is involved. In accordance with this office’s memo on flopping dated July 26, 2013, Abueva is being fined an additional three thousand pesos (Php 3,000.00).

As for Gary David, he had no reason to intervene in the incident in question. He was clearly seen, not in the act of pacifying the parties involved, but instead was shown to have taken a fighting stance that could have exacerbated the incident. For this unsportsmanlike conduct, David is being fined the amount of five thousand pesos (Php 5,000.00).

Reviews of incidents such as these are conducted by my Office as a matter of course, motu proprio. I again remind our players and teams that the highest tenets of sportsmanship should never be secondary to their passion for the game.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Monday, January 13, 2014

PFF ENDS COACHING CONTRACT OF WEISS

The Philippine Football Federation discontinued the services of Michael Weiss as head coach of the Men’s National Team effective 15 January 2014. The coaching staff will be reformed in time for the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 Finals in May 2014.

PFF made a year-end evaluation with team management and determined that a re-organization of the coaching staff is best for the team.

PFF officials thanked Coach Weiss for his contributions to the national team.

Friday, January 10, 2014

The Calvin Abueva - Jared Dillinger tussle

Meralco has now won back-to-back games since Danny Ildefonso joined the team, winning 74-65 over Alaska. However, this video below caught everyone's attention.

This sequence ended with just double technicals on Calvin Abueva and Jared Dillinger.

Quotes:

From Interaksyon:

Jared Dillinger: “We’re two men with high emotions going after the ball. No hard feelings between me and Calvin. He works hard, he’s intense. We just knew the importance of this game is high so both teams were really working their butts off tonight. It’s just two guys going after the ball playing with intensity.”

Luigi Trillo: “Both teams wanting to win and it’s part of it. It’s basketball. We need to be better.”

Also from Interaksyon:

Fred Uytengsu: “Here, Dillinger was clearly seen choking Calvin. The last time there was strangulation in the league, (Renaldo) Balkman was banned in the league and that was against his own teammate. Watch closely, Dillinger realized he lost control of the situation so he backed off. You can see it in his eyes that he made a mistake. You call a double technical, I think double technical is fine. But if you did like that on a player, read the rule book, that should be an ejection. They said they will review it. I said what’s to review? It’s pretty obvious.”

From Spin:

Ryan Gregorio: “I respect the game of Abueva. I think he brings in a lot of positives in the game. However, his (Abueva) extra curricular activities seem to hurt other players. Probably, inadvertently, but still, I thought some were overreactions. The bloodied nose of JD (Dillinger) was a prime example. Damage was done. But I leave it to the league. The PBA has a strict anti-flopping policy. They know better. We don’t like flopping in the league. It’s hard enough for the referees to call the legitimate calls and legitimate non-calls. Now if you fake it, wow, it’s gonna be harder for them (referees to make the right call)."

Also from Spin:

Dillinger: “Well, Calvin is known a little bit of a flopper here and there, but that’s part of his game,” “The rift between me and Calvin, I fully understand. That’s two men going after the ball with emotions flying,” “The game is on the line, but i have nothing against him (Abueva). I know he was going hard. I’m going hard, but sometimes, emotions overflow a little bit. Both teams knew the importance of this game, so both teams played it like it was a playoff game,”

Calvin Abueva: “Wala naman akong sinabi eh, siya (Dillinger) ang napikon. Kailangan lang namin ibalik yung laro namin na nagpapanalo kami,”

Also from Spin:

Uytengsu: "I don't think the fine could do anything. I think the player should be kicked out (of the game) and (that) may change the complexion of the game. At this point I think the league can't fix the mistake they've made, hopefully they just do something about it but honestly it's just very disappointing. The league should do the right thing. If you are now telling other players it's okay to strangle another player, I mean, we're supposed to be the professional league, we're supposed to be setting the example. So, I don't know what example we are sending to college players, to the youth. That that's okay? Yes, I think players lose control at some point and I think it's the league's responsibility to step in and punish the players - whether it's an Alaska player, a Meralco player, or any player in the league."

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Cavs trade Bynum for Deng

The Cleveland Cavaliers have figured out what they would do with the Andrew Bynum liability.

The Cavs trade him to the Chicago Bulls, along with draft picks in exchange for Luol Deng.

RealGM's Shams Charania first reported this deal, which was seconded by ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

The picks concerned are a protected first round pick from the Sacramento Kings that had been acquired via trade back in 2011 for JJ Hickson and Portland's second round picks in 2015 and 2016 that had been acquired in exchange for rookie Allen Crabbe. In addition, the Bulls can opt to swap picks with the Cavs in the 2015 Draft, if Cleveland is picking from 15-30th.

In making the deal, Cavs GM Chris Grant says, "We are very excited for Luol to join the Cavaliers organization. We have worked to acquire and maintain flexibility in order to capitalize on opportunities such as this. Luol reflects all that we are striving for in building our team. He’s a tremendous defensive player that can impact the game on both ends of the court with a team first mentality and is a high character leader.”

Bulls GM Gar Forman adds, "We have great respect for Luol Deng, as a player and a person. He has been an incredible contributor to our team on the court, and he has also done great things in the community. On behalf of the entire Bulls organization, I want to thank Luol for his years in Chicago." He also said that, “The moves made today will put us in a better position to make the entire roster stronger for the future and to compete for a championship.”

Deng has played 23 games this season for the Bulls, averaging a career-best 19.0 points on .452 shooting, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steal in 37.4 minutes per game.

He has spent his entire nine-year career with the Bulls after being acquired in a draft-day deal with Phoenix, who picked them 7th overall in 2004. He owns career averages of 16.1 points on .460 shooting, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steal in 35.9 minutes over 637 games (591 starts), complemented by his averages of 16.7 points on .452 shooting, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 40.3 minutes per game in 48 playoff games, something that the Cavs want to accomplish this season.

Deng has been an NBA All-Star in each of the past two seasons (2012 and 2013) and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2012. He also received the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 2007 and All-Rookie First Team honors in 2005.

The Bulls are expected to waive Bynum before the deadline on Tuesday that will guarantee his contract for the rest of the season. In addition, Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski shared that Deng declined the three-year, $30 million extension offer last week.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Teaser for 2014's Biggest Global Sporting Event

There may be a lot of events taking place around the world, but there is nothing like World Cup, and with the World Cup being in Brazil this year, ESPN (who has the American rights) released this trailer to get fans even more hyped up for this one.

This is a reminder that in the Philippines, the official broadcasting arm for the 2014 FIFA World Cup is Balls Channel.