Statement from Jordan Clarkson

Clarkson with Sonny Barrios

On Thursday, two statements from two members of the Clarkson family came out, both pertaining to Jordan's participation with the Philippine national team.

The first one came in the morning, from Jordan's father, Mike, via an e-mail:

“As you know in professional sports, timing is of the essence especially when managing a player's career. Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse as he [Jordan] prepares for rigors of the upcoming 2015-2016 NBA season and heightened performance expectations.”

The second came in the afternoon, from Jordan himself, via the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas:


"MY FATHER, MIKE, HAS ALWAYS LOOKED OUT FOR MY WELFARE AND IS ONLY GENUINELY CONCERNED FOR MY CAREER, MY FUTURE AND MY WELLBEING - HIS THOUGHTS ARE THAT OF A VERY LOVING DAD.

I JUST CALLED HIM AND WE AGREED WE WILL TALK ABOUT MY PLAYING FOR GILAS WHEN I GET BACK. NOTHING IS CAST IN STONE. BUT I WANT TO ASSURE MY FILIPINO BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT, IF GIVEN THE CHANCE AND EVERYTHING CAN BE WORKED OUT, I SINCERELY WISH TO PLAY FOR GILAS AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOTAL TEAM EFFORT FOR FLAG AND COUNTRY - THIS IS THE REASON WHY I AM OBSERVING AND FAMILIARIZING MYSELF WITH THE TEAM WHILE HERE AND WILL EVEN FOLLOW THEM IN TAIPEI FOR THE JONES CUP SO I CAN SEE THEM COMPETE CLOSE UP AND BENEFIT FROM THE LEARNINGS FROM SAID EXPERIENCE. LABAN PILIPINAS! PUSO!"

The Lakers guard had been included in the 24-man preliminary pool the SBP sent to FIBA earlier this week. That pool will be the basis from which 12-man squad for the FIBA-Asia tourney will be plucked from.

NBA 3X Philippines set this weekend

The 3x3 phenomenon in basketball reaches another level with the fifth edition of NBA 3X Philippines this weekend at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Gracing this year's edition of the three-on-three tournament are Kenneth Faried and Danny Green, while providing the authentic NBA experience for the fans at the venue are the Golden State Warriors Dance Team and Sixers mascot Franklin.

Among the activities that fans can participate in are the Globe Tattoo Slam Dunk Contest and the KFC Bucket 3-Point Shootout.

For more details on the festivities, check out www.nba3x.com/philippines.

Opening Ceremonies will take place on Friday afternoon, while the games are slated for Saturday and Sunday. There are different categories for men and women, including a by-invitation Celebrity category.

Official Partners: adidas, Globe, Globe Tattoo, KFC, Phoenix Petroleum
Supporting Partners: SM Mall of Asia, Spalding, Mang Tomas
Official Broadcasters: ABS-CBN Sports and Action, BTV, NBA Premium TV.

Philippines vs Maldives finalized

The Philippines only plays one World Cup / Asian Cup Qualifier in this FIFA international window, so the Philippine Football Federation tried to plug that hole with a friendly.

It took them a while, but they finally managed to find an opponent willing to come here and play, in the guise of the Maldives.

The fixture will be played on September 3, and Rizal Memorial has been selected to be the venue.

Tickets will be made available starting today via TicketWorld.

Prices are at PhP 125.40, PhP 331.40, and PhP 531.80

Pia Cayetano on UAAP Board ruling

The office of Senator Pia Cayetano released this statement Tuesday, in light of the decision released by the UAAP Board on Monday. The Board had decided to keep Hubert Cani ineligble for the upcoming season.

The UAAP Board has once more displayed its arrogance and immaturity by invoking its unjust two-year residency rule against a high school student-athlete who has transferred to a different school in college. This is the very same UAAP rule that an RTC court struck down two years ago in favor of swimmer Mikee Bartolome. In the case of basketball player Hubert Cani, he has even served ONE YEAR of RESIDENCE already and was hoping to play this season.

It is irrelevant that the Student-Athletes Protection Bill has not been signed by the President YET. The UAAP must respect a student-athlete's right to study and play for the school of his choice. The UAAP is not a commercial but an amateur league. The UAAP Board should stop treating student-athletes like commodities.

The Rise Legacy Night

The House of Rise will have something special slated for August 15, as it will host the "Rise Legacy Night."

One thing you notice when you enter the House of Rise is that on one side of the hallway heading into the court, you can see a mural illustrating the history of basketball in the Philippines. The Rise Legacy Night aims to pay homage to that history and tradition, through an exhibition basketball game involving past, present, and future basketball stars, superstars, and legends, with a sprinkling of celebrity ballers.

This match aims to be a celebration of the rich history of Philippine basketball, especially when you look at who are participating.

There are 32 players who are expected to participate in the Rise Legacy Night, split into two 16-man squads.

On one side is Team Legacy. Led by the Captain, Alvin Patrimonio, this squad represents the past and present of Philippine basketball. On the other side is Team Destiny. Led by the Phenom, Kiefer Ravena, this squad represents the present and future of Philippine basketball.

No details yet if this will be televised.

How to be a "Witness" to Lebron James' Rise Beyond Belief Tour on August 20

LeBron James will be here in the country next week, and on August 20, much like his previous encounter in 2013, the Mall of Asia Arena will be hosting one of his activities.

Also like last time, fans will have the opportunity to be in the same venue as the King. It's relatively simple.

1. Head to http://gonike.me/LebronJamesRiseTour from 9am to 1159pm on August 14.
2. Once there, follow the instructions upon registration
3. A successful registration would result in a confirmation e-mail. Print that and bring it with a valid ID on the designated date and time in Nike stores (August 15-18) to pick up your tickets.

Gates open at 6pm.

Relive the FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters

Don't you want to relive last weekend's FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters? FIBA produced this 3+ minute video.



Up next is Prague.

FIBA to choose between #PUSO2019 or China today for 2019 World Cup

The faces of the #PUSO2019 delegation in Tokyo for the FIBA World Cup hosting rights.

China or the Philippines. The final showdown of the two delegations in the quest to secure the hosting rights for the 2019 FIBA World Cup will take place this afternoon at the Prince Park Tower Hotel in Tokyo.

Both nations will have a 20-minute audiovisual presentation, which will then be followed by a closed-door, question-and-answer session. It is only then that the FIBA Central Board deliberates and then votes on which proposal meets their favorable response, which is expected to be revealed this evening. Although Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas head Manny V. Pangilinan is part of the Central Board, he has opted to not witness the deliberation and voting as a gesture of statesmanship.

The #PUSO2019 delegation's presentation will open with MVP's welcome remarks, with Sports5 head Chot Reyes and FIBA Players Commission member Jimmy Alapag having speaking segments. Closing out the presentation is actor Lou Diamond Phillips, in which a promise will be made that the 2019 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines "will change the sport forever." Phillips is a late addition to the delegation, as it would have been Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra who would be speaking had the presentation been conducted back in June at Geneva.

Slated to be in the Filipino panel for the Q&A session are Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Octagon Asia-Pacific President Sean Nicholls.

50 Filipino delegates have been accredited to attend the presentations, including Mahindra Enforcers head coach / Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao. Other government delegates include Manny's fellow congressmen Robbie Puno and Rey Umali, as well as Tourism Promotions Board CEO Domingo Enerio. The PBA contingent is led by Chairman Patrick Gregorio, President/CEO Chito Salud, Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial, and Blackwater Elite Alternate Governor Wilbert Loa.

Before making the trip to Tokyo, Jimenez met with President Noynoy Aquino, alongside Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget and Management Secretary Butch Abad, and Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras on Wednesday to explain the details of #PUSO2019's bid, as well as provide a four-year projection on how the Philippines will benefit from staging the FIBA World Cup.

MVP says that the bid has Noynoy's endorsement with a government guarantee, adding that "the presence of government officials [in Tokyo] is a clear message that the public and private sectors are united in supporting our bid." He adds that he is "prepared to accept FIBA's decision," if the rights go China's way.

Alapag likened the preparations for the presentation to that of a basketball game, and expressed excitement and honor on being a part of it. According to him, "this means so much to us Filipinos," and that "there's no country in the world that even comes close to how much we love basketball."

Pacquiao joins #PUSO2019

The #PUSO2019 delegation received a boost with the addition of Manny Pacquiao as part of the team in its attempt to secure the hosting rights for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

The playing head coach of the Mahindra Enforcers in the PBA is firmly behind the Philippines when it presents its case to FIBA later this afternoon. Pacquiao declared that "we are the one country that can give basketball the worldwide attention it deserves and can help take the sport to the next level."

The Sarangani congressman believes that having the Philippines host the FIBA World Cup is not only just right for the Philippines, but also just right for basketball on a global scale.

For Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas head Manny V. Pangilinan welcomes Pacquiao's contributions into the Philippine delegation, noting that his passion for basketball is something that all Filipinos share. His presence augments an already exceptional delegation of government officials and business leaders.

The #PUSO2019 delegation aims to showcase the Philippines' plans in making the FIBA World Cup a truly worldwide media experience while taking the sport of basketball to new heights. Both MVP and Chot Reyes view the boxing legend as a key factor in winning over FIBA.

#PUSO2019 aims to secure FIBA World Cup hosting rights for the Philippines

The quest to secure the hosting rights for the 2019 FIBA World Cup heads into its homestretch, with the Filipino delegation given a send-off party this past Monday afternoon.

Leading the delegation are Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manuel V. Pangilinan, former Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Philips will also be part of the delegation, as revealed during the send-off.

According to Pangilinan, the strength of the Filipino bid lies with the nation's passion for the sport, and combining that with the savvy of being the "social media" capital of the world would lead to worldwide recognition of the "extraordinary national pride" with having the honor of hosting the event. He adds that having the FIBA World Cup is a "unique opportunity to capture the hearts and minds" of future generations of basketball fans worldwide, "igniting their passion and sharing it through a common language." The combination of a committed government and a supportive private sector, with the existence of effective transportation and modern arenas would lead to a successful hosting of a truly transformational FIBA World Cup.

The SBP is confident it can deliver on providing a memorable and shareable FIBA World Cup, given its partnership with the national government, as well as a diverse group in the private sector. Chot Reyes says that a four-year plan is already in place once the hosting rights have been secured, with international event management consultants and major event specialists retained to support the united effort from both the public and private sector. Reyes adds that the Philippines is held in high regard by the broader basketball community

To complement the SBP's presentation, the public is encouraged to do its share and help FIBA makes its mind with the hosting bid. Using #PUSO2019, fans can express their support via social media for the Philippine bid.

Only China stands in the way of the Philippines for the right to host the FIBA World Cup.

5th edition NBA 3X Philippines set to take place: Faried and Green to visit

The 2014 edition of NBA 3x Philippines, with Wesley Johnson and DeMar DeRozan, Slamson, and the Raptors Dance Pak

In the aftermath of the Manila Masters this past weekend, another tournament for 3x3 competition is set to bookend the month of August.

The NBA announced on Monday that they are now taking in entries for registration at the fifth edition of NBA 3X Philippines, set to take place at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall (with the PICC serving as a secondary venue) on August 28-30.

For NBA Asia's Country Manager Carlos Singson, NBA 3X Philippines represents a continuation of their "goal of providing our loyal fans with a platform to interact with NBA talent and to showcase their on-court skills.” He adds that this event is another means for families to partake of the authentic NBA experience, joining the likes of NBA FIT Week and Jr. NBA/WNBA.

Fans can go to www.nba3x.com/philippines or on www.facebook.com/nba3xasia to check out more details on how to join the competition. Participants can join for the U-13, U-16, U-18, and Open in the boys' division, while there is a Under-16, and Open for the girls' division. There also exists a by-invitation only Celebrity Division, in which the reigning champions are aching to defend their crown.

Excited to defend our crown #NBA3x Thanks Boss @SingsonCarlo 👍🏻 @DeMar_DeRozan @luisalandy @ervic_vijandre pic.twitter.com/ppOwS2LlSv

— Marco Alcaraz (@MarcoAlcaraz) August 3, 2015

As the norm with the past editions of NBA 3X Philippines, there will be familiar faces dropping by the festivities. Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried and San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green will be coming over to interact with fans and conduct clinics.

“I’m excited to visit the Philippines for the first time to experience the culture and be part of the NBA 3X festivities,” said Faried.  “Filipinos are incredibly passionate about the game, and this will be a weekend of great basketball as the players get the opportunity to showcase their skills.”

“I look forward to meeting the fans and showing my support for the best Filipino basketball talents competing for pride and recognition on the big stage,” said Green.

Complementing the basketball action will be the in-venue entertainment, among which is the 3-point shootout and the slam dunk competition. Helping out with that are the Golden State Warriors dance team and Philadelphia 76ers mascot Franklin.

Making NBA 3X Philippines possible are the following:

Official Partners: Adidas, Globe Telecom, Globe Tattoo, KFC, Phoenix Petroleum
Supporting Partners: SM Mall of Asia, Spalding, Mang Tomas
Official Broadcast Partners: ABS-CBN Sports+Action, BTV, NBA Premium