Philippines vs Nepal AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Details

The Philippines is set to kick off its quest to nab its first AFC Asian Cup finals appearance against Nepal tonight at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Tonight marks the final night the Azkals are slated to have the Asian Cup Qualifiers at the hallowed facility, with the Philippine Football Federation having decided to have the other two home matches for the 2019 edition take place at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

The game is not televised locally, but the PFF has opted to conduct live streaming of the event. Philippine Daily Inquirer's Cedelf Tupas and Interaksyon's Ryan Fenix will be taking care of announcing and analyst duties for tonight.


The Azkals are 3-0 against the Gorkhalis in its recent history, owning two 3-0 victories in 2014 and a 4-0 win  2011.

Nepal will be fielding this lineup under the direction of Gyotoku Koji:

Bikesh Kuthu
Kiran Kumar Limbu
Bishal Shrestha
Rabin Shrestha
Biraj Maharjan
Ananta Tamang
Aditya Chaudhary
Kamal Shrestha
Ranjit Dhimal
Jitendra Karki
Rohit Chand
Bishal Rai
Heman Gurung
Bikram Lana
Anjan Bista
Sujal Shreshtha
Bimal Gharti Magar
Ranjan Bista
Bharat Khawas
Karna Limbu

As for the Azkals, Thomas Dooley has enlisted Anton Ugarte to replace Misagh Bahadoran and Kevin Ingreso. Both players are sidelined due to injury.

SLAM Philippines and Gatorade tie up for 2017 SLAM Rising Stars Classic

The 2017 SLAM Rising Stars Classic participants, powered by Gatorade

Gatorade is tying up with the SLAM Philippines for the SLAM Rising Stars Classic, considered as the premier high school All-Star basketball game that showcases 24 of the best young ballers in the country.

The SLAM Rising Stars Classic since its establishment in 2014 seeks to cultivate and elevate the level of play in the Philippines, doing so by providing promising athletes with exclusive access to elite training sessions as well as exposure to top sports industry professionals. Having Gatorade in this partnership allows these athletes to strengthen this foundation through reinforcement of basics, as well as highlighting the value of hydration in order for them to dominate in the sport.

Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde says, "Putting the world’s number 1 sports drink together with the country’s premier showcase of basketball’s stars of tomorrow is always a perfect match. Exposing these young players to high level coaching and, more importantly, the crucial role that proper hydration will play in their basketball careers, will pave the way for them to reach new heights. We look forward to fueling their basketball journeys through the Slam Rising Stars Classic and beyond."

Tony dela Cruz, who is coaching Team Hype in this matchup, adds, "We’re honored to have Gatorade on our team. When you’ve got the best sports drink in the world backing you up, you know these rising stars are definitely in good hands."

The 2017 edition of the SLAM Rising Stars Classic is set for March 26 at the Gatorade Hoops Center, and on the road to that matchup, the 24 selected participants undergo tests, training, and pre-game preparations. Check out Gatorade Philippines' official Facebook (facebook.com/GatoradePH) and Instagram (@gatoradeph) accounts for the updates on the SLAM Rising Stars Classic.

SLAM Rising Stars 2017 Team Hype

Team Hype

Team Hype will be bannered by Carlo Abadeza (AU), Rhayyan Amsali (NU), Lj Gonzales (FEU), Winderlich Coyoca (NU), Juan Gomez de Liano (UPIS), Will Gozum (MIT), Rom Junsay (MIT), Germy Mahinay (SBC), Robert Minerva (CKSC), Martin Romero (DLSZ), Joshua Tagala (SBC) and Jonas Tibayan (CKSC).

Coaching Team Hype is Tony dela Cruz and assisted by Joe Silva of Ateneo.

SLAM Rising Stars 2017 Team Punks

Team Punks

Team Punks will be composed of Sam Abu Hijleh (SBC), John Lloyd Clemente (NU), Guilmer dela Torre (AU), Aaron Fermin (AU), Dave Ildefonso (ADMU), Troy Mallillin (LSGH), Unique Naboa (LSGH), Miguel Oczon (CKSC), Harvey Pagsanjan (HCHS), Karl Penano (NU), Kenji Roman (FEU) and Jasper Salenga (MIT).

Coaching Team Punks is Willie Miller and assisted Gian Nazario of La Salle-Zobel.

4th SLAM Rising Classic set for Sunday

SLAM Philippines is set to bring together 24 of the best high school standouts for the fourth edition of the SLAM Rising Stars Classic.

Fueled by Gatorade, outfitted by Adidas, supported by Titan, with SMART as its official telecommunications partner and Resorts World Manila as its venue partner, the SLAM Rising Stars Classic is scheduled to take place on March 26 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, with LIVE televised coverage on S+A at 6pm or immediately after the UAAP volleyball action.

SLAM PH's Executive Editor Nikko Ramos says, "The SLAM Rising Stars Classic gives us hoop heads a cheat code, an advanced screening, a quick peek into what the future holds. With RSC alumni now becoming some of the biggest names in college basketball, we at SLAM take pride in being there for them early: providing for them a unique opportunity to play with and against the best competition, on the biggest stage, in front of scouts, coaches and the rest of the country." He adds, "As we go on another year featuring the brightest stars on the come-up, SLAM is proud to be able to say: “We was there with them when they was shooting at the gym.""

Notable SLAM Rising Stars Classic alums include the Rivero brothers and Aljun Melecio of La Salle, as well as the Nieto twins and Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo, as well as the likes of Diego Dario of UP, Rev Diputado of NU, and Radge Tongco of San Beda.

Last year's edition saw Melecio lead Team Punks to a 103-98 win over Team Hype, finishing with twelve points, four rebounds, and two assists as the MVP.

Batch 2017 of the SLAM Rising Stars

Coaching Team Punks is Willie Miller and assisted Gian Nazario of La Salle-Zobel, while coaching Team Hype is Tony dela Cruz and assisted by Joe Silva of Ateneo.

Conducting the combine and practices for both teams in International Skills Trainer Drew Dunlop.

Team Punks will be composed of Sam Abu Hijleh (SBC), John Lloyd Clemente (NU), Guilmer dela Torre (AU), Aaron Fermin (AU), Dave Ildefonso (ADMU), Troy Mallillin (LSGH), Unique Naboa (LSGH), Miguel Oczon (CKSC), Harvey Pagsanjan (HCHS), Karl Penano (NU), Kenji Roman (FEU) and Jasper Salenga (MIT).

Team Hype will be bannered by Carlo Abadeza (AU), Rhayyan Amsali (NU), Lj Gonzales (FEU), Winderlich Coyoca (NU), Juan Gomez de Liano (UPIS), Will Gozum (MIT), Rom Junsay (MIT), Germy Mahinay (SBC), Robert Minerva (CKSC), Martin Romero (DLSZ), Joshua Tagala (SBC) and Jonas Tibayan (CKSC).

For more information, log on to www.slamonlineph.com, or follow SLAM PHILIPPINES on Facebook, @slamonlineph on Twitter and Instagram. #SLAMRisingStars

Philippines vs Malaysia FIFA friendly details

The Philippines is set to have its friendly against Malaysia tonight. There is no local television broadcast, but the Philippine Football Federation has a set up a streaming link, which we have embedded here on the site.



Here are the Azkals who were called up for this friendly.

Amani Aguinaldo (Global-Cebu)
Fitch Arboleda (Stallion)
Misagh Bahadoran (Global-Cebu)
Jeff Christiaens (Ceres-Negros)
Kenshiro Daniels (Kaya FC-Makati)
Carlie de Murga (Ceres-Negros)
Patrick Deyto (Global-Cebu)
Neil Etheridge (Walsall)
Kevin Ingreso (Ceres-Negros)
Hikaru Minegeshi (Global-Cebu)
Roland Mueller (Ceres-Negros) Withdrew from national team consideration, replaced by Nick O'Donnell (Global-Cebu)
Junior Munoz (Ceres-Negros)
Manny Ott (Ceres-Negros)
Mike Ott (Angthong United)
Javier Patino (Henan Jianye)
OJ Porteria (Ceres-Negros)
Iain Ramsay (Ceres-Negros)
Daisuke Sato (CS Iasi)
Martin Steuble (Ceres-Negros)
Dennis Villanueva (Global-Cebu)
Luke Woodland (Ceres-Negros)
James Younghusband (Meralco-Taguig)
Phil Younghusband (Meralco-Taguig)

Cebu Regional Selection Camp yields 14 Jr. NBA All-Star candidates

The outstanding Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Star candidates out of the Cebu Regional Selection Camp

The Don Bosco Technical Center last March 11-12 hosted the Cebu Regional Selection Camp for the 2017 edition of the Jr. NBA Philippines, presented by Alaska. And out of the campers from Visayas and Mindanao, seven boys and seven girls were chosen to represent the region at the National Training Camp this coming May.

The first day of the RSC featured fundamental skills challenges, with the outstanding athletes getting the invite to join the second day, which involved advanced basketball drills and challenges. The fourteen were selected by an evaluation committee led by Jr. NBA coaches Chris Sumner and Jeffrey Cariaso based from their overall basketball skills as well as the ability to embody the STAR values of the program (Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude, and Respect).

The outstanding Jr. NBA representatives are as follows:

Rolando Jesus Abad (St. Anthony High School)
Joshua Benedict Baldonado (St. John's Institute, Bacolod)
Nicael Dominie Cabanero (Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu)
Jericho Deloria (Cebu Eastern College)
Jessrey Enriquez (University of San Carlos - South Campus)
Reinhard Jumamoy (University of San Carlos - North Campus)
Zhan Paolo Moreno (Xavier University)

The outstanding Jr. WNBA representatives are as follows:

Ynnia Juanne Abella (Sotero B. Cabahog Forum for Literacy)
Princess Jeira Delig (Abellana National School)
Chinnsai Denana (University of Visayas)
Maybelle Retubado (Bulacao Community High School)
Tara Ramz Sabalones (Montessori Academy of Southern Cebu)
Aishe Mae Solis (Marymount Academy)
Mecaellah Frenzie Shane Tagalog (University of Southern Philippines Foundation)

They will be going up against their Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA compatriots from the other Regional Selection camps, as well as the Alaska Power Camp in the National Training Camp this coming May 12-14. It is from the NTC that the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars will be named.

Among the attendees of the Regional Selection Camp is the Cebuano Hotshot Dondon Hontiveros, who lent his support to his fellow Cebuanos and also shared his basketball knowledge with the different players. He says, "We never experienced this kind of event during our time. Now, I look into the eyes of the Jr. NBA campers and see the joy in playing basketball. They have found new friends and are learning new things from their coaches while having fun. The Jr. NBA is refreshing, encouraging, and inspiring for both boys and girls."

The final Regional Selection Camp will take place at the Don Bosco Technical Center this coming April 1-2. Interested participants can check out www.jrnba.asia/philippines for further details.

NBA Filipino Heritage Week set next week

To help commemorate the first-ever Filipino Heritage Week, the NBA unveiled specially-designed shirts to celebrate Philippine culture with the millions of Filipino fans worldwide.

The shirt, which comes in five different colors (white, gray, red, blue, and black), features the iconic jeepney silhouette that pays homage to the Filipino culture and passion for basketball. Incorporated onto the silhouette are a combination of basketball and local design elements, including the Larry O'Brien trophy as the jeepney headlights, as well as the sun's rays patterned after the Philippine flag on top of the "Pilipinas" front signage. One can cop these starting March 16 at the NBA Stores here in the country, as well as the Titan stores in the Fort and Conrad, as well at their webstore. In addition, these shirts can be procured at the team stores at both American Airlines Arena and Oracle Arena, as well as the NBA online store.

The Miami Heat, alongside its Dance Team and Burnie the mascot, will be sporting these special shirts during pre-game warm-ups and other on-court performances when they host their Filipino Heritage Nights. Miami will also have a post-game press conference with Erik Spoelstra for the Philippine media.

Also set to have their Filipino Heritage Night is the Golden State Warriors, which will have the award-winning singer-songwriter Martin Nievera and the LIKHA Pilipino Folk Ensemble to take care of the national anthem and the halftime performance, respectively.

Both teams will have in-arena Philippine-themed activations to mark the occasion, including musical performances and giveaways.

Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Cebu Regional Selection Camp set this weekend

The quest to find the next great young basketball stars continue this weekend, as the 2017 edition of the Jr NBA and Jr WNBA program in the Philippines heads to the Queen City of the South.

Presented by Alaska, the sixth edition of the Cebu Regional Selection Camp will take place from March 11-12 at the Don Bosco Technology Center, inside Pleasant Homes Subdivision at Buhisan Road. This is the final provincial RSC for this year, with the last one taking place in Manila on April 1-2.

Starting at 9am on March 11, interested participants will undergo vitals and skills tests and drills, with the outstanding performers being invited onto the next day's activities on March 12, where they will be taking part in more intense drills, team activities, and scrimmages. It will be from this group where the Jr NBA coaches like Chris Sumner and Jeffrey Cariaso are to make their final selection to comprise the regional finalists that will make the trip to Manila for the National Training Camp this coming May 12-14.

The NTC will form the basis of the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars. These eight boys and eight girls will be rewarded with a unique NBA experience later this year, alongside the chance to play with their fellow ASEAN counterparts.

Interested participants can register for the Regional Selection Camps for free through this website. Make sure that they are born between 2003-2007.

Santiago, Bagunas leading statistical race after first round

A couple of NU volleyball players are leading the way in the prospective MVP race for UAAP Season 79, based from the latest statistical data after the first round.

Jaja Santiago and Bryan Bagunas are leading the league in key departments for their respective divisions.

With her 128 points broken down into 87 spikes, 25 blocks, and 16 aces, Jaja is leading the league in scoring. She is also leading the league in blocking at an average of .93 per set, and second in spiking at 40.09 percent.

Meanwhile, Bryan is also the top scorer with 121 points and leads the league in serving. Completing the top five are Edward Camposano and Jerome Sarmiento, who are each tied at 119, Marck Espejo at 107 for fourth, and Arjay Onia at 101 for fifth.

Just behind Santiago is Far Eastern University's Bernadeth Pons. The Lady Tamaraw has 118 points, with 106 coming in spikes, with seven aces and five blocks. Diana Carlos of UP is third in scoring at 105, while Ateneo's Michelle Morente has 97 markers. Completing the top five is UST's Ennajie Laure at 94.

Ateneo is lording over in spiking, with Morente and three-time MVP Espejo leading the way. As for blocking, La Salle has plenty of representation behind Santiago, led by Aduke Ogunsanya at .74 per set.

Unsurprisingly, the rivalry between Jia Morado and Kim Fajardo for the right to be the best setter in the league continues, with Jia just ahead of Kim this season so far, 13.32 to 13.13. Jia is also leading the league in serving at .76.

Another rivalry brewing is between liberos Kat Arado and Dawn Macandili. They are the top two in both digs and receptions, with the UE Lady Warrior topping the former at 6.63 and the Lady Spiker topping the latter at 49.15 percent.

Meanwhile, second round action kicks off today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Santiago and the Lady Bulldogs seek to build on their win against the UP Lady Maroons to end the first by facing winless Adamson at 2pm, while at 4pm, the defending champions pick up the pieces from losing against rivals Ateneo by facing a team also smarting from losing to their rivals in FEU. As for the men, defending champions Ateneo faces FEU in the late morning matchup at 10am, while UP faces La Salle in the first game of the day at 8am.

ABS-CBN to cover the 10th SM-NBTC National High School Championships

ABS-CBN Integrated Sports' Dino Laurena and NBTC Program Director Eric Altamirano

The biggest high school basketball tournament in the country is about to reach its exciting conclusion, with ABS-CBN in tow.

Celebrating its tenth season, the National Basketball Training Center is an official grassroots program of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and one of its major projects has been the National High School Championships, basically putting together the best high schools all across the country to determine the champion.

The 2016-17 edition featured just under 800 schools, in which the field was whittled down to 20 through the city and then the regional championships presented by Freego.

Joining them are four overseas-based squads from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. The field will then be subdivided into Div I and Div II brackets in determining which teams will be crowned the champions, with this portion of the festivities taking place from March 13-16 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This is where ABS-CBN's partnership with the SM-NBTC comes in. Formally agreed upon publicly recently in a press conference, ABS-CBN will broadcast this portion of the competition, as well as the All-Star Game for both Div I and Div II, on its top-rated sports channel, S+A. This is the second straight year ABS-CBN is taking care of the telecast of the tourney.

The Finals of the Div I and Div II SM-NBTC HS Championships will be shown on March 16 at 6pm and 8pm, respectively, while the All-Star Games will be shown on March 17, starting at 2pm.

Here is what Laurena and Altamirano had to say about the partnership.

Laurena: “Even from the first time we had a discussion with the NBTC, we felt it was necessary to provide a platform where you will see the best of the best high school basketball players in the country. We want to help see them grow and develop as well as to showcase the fact there is a program that develops grassroots basketball. We felt that this wasn’t a one-year thing. We know it provides an invaluable benefit to our audience out there. And we know we are partnering with the best organization in terms of youth basketball development.”

Altamirano: “NBTC is on our 10th year and we are very excited to partner with ABS-CBN. We believe that ABS-CBN will help us reach out and create awareness for the program."