Smart, FIBA formalize four-year global partnership

 

New collab.

As announced, Smart Communications, Inc. confirmed its global partnership with FIBA for the next four years.

The partnership sees FIBA grant exclusive rights to SMART for the telecommunications worldwide. It also enables key commercial rights across all FIBA competitions, including the upcoming Qualifying Tournaments for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the various Continental Cups and Youth Cups, as well as the two biggest national team competitions in the FIBA World Cup for women in 2022 and the men in 2023.

Speaking of the FIBA World Cup, which the Philippines is co-hosting alongside Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10, SMART is looking to tap into its experience using 5G technology it first utilized during the Philippine Basketball Association's All-Filipino Cup that took place at the bubble inside Clark.

The aforementioned bubbled showcased TV cameras equipped with 5G to help capture the on-court action efficiently. A 94-foot-wide LED screen beside the court allows the players to see spectators, which has been temporarily not allowed to be present in-person due to the pandemic. Smart has also pioneered the use of wireless 360 cameras powered by 5G in the PBA bubble.

Both FIBA and SMART are expected to work together to create a wide array of exciting experiences both athletes and fans can partake worldwide in the run-up as well as in the competition proper.

SMART will also support FIBA's latest campaign, the "Don't Miss A Beat Challenge." Athletes from Gilas Pilipinas, as well as from recent PBA AFC finalists TNT Tropang Giga, the NLEX Road Warriors, NCAA Season 95 runners-up San Beda, and UAAP Season 82 champions Ateneo de Manila University will participate in the challenge, with celebrities also getting involved.

PLDT Chairman and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan shares, "I hope all of us will take pride and joy in not only seeing the World Cup logo but in hosting the World Cup. With Christmas just around the corner, and the pandemic still looming over us, it's great to have good news that will lift our spirits."

PLDT Chief Revenue Officer, SMART President and CEO, and newly-minted Philippine Olympic Committee First Vice President Alfredo S. Panlilio adds, "This is a huge step in bringing our athletes closer to the world stage. PLDT and Smart have always been at the forefront when it comes to supporting Filipino athletes and their journey to greatness."

FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis had this to say about the partnership: "We are extremely pleased to welcome Smart Communications Inc. as a FIBA Global Partner. Joining forces with a leading telecommunications company such as Smart will bring unrivalled opportunities in the lead up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Giving our fans the best ever experience, whether at home or in arenas, is a crucial aspect of any FIBA event, and even more so for this showcase competition. We are looking forward to working with Smart to harness their state-of-the-art technologies and 5G capabilities to deliver the most connected and engaging FIBA Basketball World Cup to date."

Over 100 international players headline Opening Night rosters in NBA

Basketball continues to be a global game, and that is very much apparent in the National Basketball Association.

The NBA revealed that the Opening Night rosters from its thirty teams in the league number towards 107 international players from 41 countries, including seventeen from Canada and fourteen from Africa.

It's the seventh straight season the NBA has broken the century mark with its international players, with every single team having an international player on its roster. The high-water remains 113 players in the 2016-17 season and 42 nations in the 2017-18 season.

An addition ten more international players from eight countries are on two-way contracts, which could allow them to play up to fifty NBA regular season fixtures.

Aside from Canada, the nation with the most number of players from outside the United States is France, which has nine. That group includes Killian Hayes, who made history as the highest-drafted French native at seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Australia has eight players, with Serbia and Germany each having six.

The Washington Wizards can be considered as the most diverse team in the NBA with their seven international players, which includes Deni Avdija. As the ninth overall pick in the recent NBA Draft, he is the highest-drafted Israeli ever.

The Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets each have six players, with both teams riding on their international superstars: Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis for the former, and Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray for the latter.

Three teams have five international players: the New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Toronto Raptors.

A record 34 players on these rosters are alums of the Basketball Without Borders program, which is the global basketball development and community outreach program run by both the NBA and FIBA. Since 2001, 76 BWB alums have been either drafted into the league or signed as free agents. Outstanding players who have BWB roots include Joel Embiid (BWB Africa 2011), Murray (BWB Global 2015), and Pascal Siakam (BWB Africa 2012).

Aside from these players, there are also American players who have roots overseas. The most prominent example is Jordan Clarkson, who has represented the Philippines in the SEA Games when it took place in Indonesia. Others with a similar international lineage include Victor Oladipo (Nigeria), Matisse Thybulle (Australia and Haiti), and Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic). Thirty American players have at least one parent from Africa. Nine of those are connected to Nigeria, including recent draft selections Precious Achiuwa and Udoka Azubuike.

International players are seeking to raise their success from last season, with six players named to All-NBA teams (First Team: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doncic, Second Team: Jokic and Siakam, Third Team: Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons).

Fourteen internationals have been named to the All-Star team at least once: Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Goran Dragic, Embiid, Marc Gasol, Gobert, Al Horford, Kyrie Irving, Jokic, Porzingis, Domantas Sabonis, Siakam, Simmons, and Nikola Vucevic.

The recently released GM Survey for the upcoming season showed that Giannis and Luka were the top two players likely to be named as the Most Valuable Player. They are also tied as the player whom they want to start a franchise with. The same survey indicated that Jokic is considered as the best center of the league.

UAAP formalizes new partnership with Cignal TV and SMART, set forth plans for future growth

The deal is signed. UAAP, Cignal TV, and SMART now partners for the next five years.

A new era for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

The league on Thursday formally entered into a partnership with the country's top Pay TV provider in Cignal TV, as well as with the country's leading mobile services provider SMART Communications, with the goal of shining the spotlight on the numerous student-athletes that participate in its numerous events.

To celebrate this upcoming multi-year partnership, a memorandum of agreement signing took place at the PLDT headquarters in Makati.

Representing the UAAP are Board of Trustees Chairman Bro. Raymundo Suplico, FSC, Season 83 President Emmanuel Calanog, Vice President Fr. Aldrin Suan, Treasurer and Chairman of the Negotiating Panel Edwin Reyes, and Executive Director Rebo Saguisag, with members of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors also in attendance.

Representing Cignal TV and SMART are PLDT Chairman and President Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT Group Chief Revenue Officer and SMART Communications President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio, SMART Communications SVP and Consumer Business - Wireless Head Jane J. Basas, and Cignal TV and TV5 President and CEO Robert P. Galang.

The UAAP's broadcast rights had been with ABS-CBN for the last couple of decades, before the embattled company made the decision not to pursue a new deal earlier this year. It was during this tenure that the league rose to prominence in the current sports landscape.

As the league's official Philippine broadcast partner, Cignal TV will broadcast the games live via its free-to-air channel One Sports. For SMART, they will be streaming the games live through an exclusive platform available for its pre- and post-paid subscribers, an approach that was similarly used when they broadcast the NBA games inside the Disney campus earlier this year.

Galang shares, "Our joint venture with the UAAP goes beyond being an official broadcast partner. Together with providing a superior viewing experience for all sports fans nationwide, we have put in place plans to help further grow the league and its athletes — giving more depth to our partnership." He also adds, "We are confident that this undertaking will inspire and revitalize our countrymen who have such a deep affinity for sports. From the Cignal team, and the rest of the MVP group, it is with great pleasure that we welcome the UAAP, and we are extremely excited to begin our partnership."

Panlilio says, "Our partnership with UAAP opens a lot of groundbreaking opportunities to further expand the digital footprint of the country's biggest collegiate league while we leverage on the strength of our Smart LTE and 5G networks to give viewers an amazing mobile streaming experience. Through the power of digital technology, we hope to inspire more Filipino youth to discover and cultivate their passion for sports and strive for excellence."

Aside from securing broadcast rights, both Cignal TV and SMART have committed to continuously grow the popularity of the UAAP and its student-athletes through various activities within the league's member schools, allowing it to extend such an engagement to the students.

Bro. Suplico had this to say about their partnership: "The partnership with Cignal TV and Smart will continue to bring the UAAP closer to the students and alumni of the member schools as well as the general public. We are grateful for this opportunity to showcase and highlight UAAP’s values, especially, promoting amateur sportsmanship and the well-rounded development of our student athletes, through the various platforms of Cignal TV and Smart."

The league had recently announced that it is shelving its 83rd season due to the pandemic, allowing all parties to better focus on their preparations for the 84th season this coming September 2021. In spite of the cancellation, all three parties remain committed in bringing the top high school and collegiate league back at the earliest possible time.

FIBA enters into exclusive partnership with SMART

FIBA on Thursday announced an exclusive global partnership with Smart, one that will last until the end of 2023.

The partnership was revealed through a virtual press conference between both parties and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which is one of the co-hosts of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The deal assures SMART of key commercial rights across all FIBA competitions throughout its deal, which includes the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, the different FIBA Continental Cups, the FIBA Youth World Cups, and both Basketball World Cups (women in 2022, men in 2023).

With the use of SMART's 5G in the recent All-Filipino Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association, the Philippines' leading mobile services provider will lend their technological know-how to FIBA as well in the lead up to, and during the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Their cooperation is also expected to provide a wide array of exciting experiences for the athletes and the fans worldwide.

Representing FIBA in the announcement is its Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis, while wearing both hats in the press conference are Manuel V. Pangilinan (PLDT Chairman, SBP Chairman Emeritus, FIBA Central Board Member) and Alfredo S. Panlilio (SMART President and CEO, SBP President).

MVP shares, "Our partnership with FIBA is a milestone for the whole nation, just as it is for our company. Through Smart's mobile innovations, we look forward to introducing immersive digital experiences that will bring hardcourt action to the fingertips of basketball fans around the world and connect us all in our love for the sport."

Panlilio adds, "This is a huge step in bringing our athletes closer to the world stage. Smart has always been at the forefront when it comes to supporting Filipino athletes and their journey to greatness."

Zagklis shares, "We are extremely pleased to welcome Smart Communications as a FIBA Global Partner. Joining forces with a leading telecommunications company such as Smart will bring unrivalled opportunities in the lead up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Giving our fans the best ever experience, whether at home or in arenas, is a crucial aspect of any FIBA event, and even more so for this flagship competition. We are looking forward to working with Smart to harness their state-of-the-art technologies and 5G capabilities to deliver the most connected and engaging FIBA Basketball World Cup to date."

Five Filipino fighters seen for potential inclusion in upcoming BRAVE CF Russia card

Stephen Loman with Khabib Nurmagomedov

The Bahrain-based BRAVE Combat Federation has made strides into becoming one of the more known combat sports promotions since its establishment back in late 2016.

With almost fifty live events under its belt and holding them across twenty different countries, including the Philippines, BRAVE CF is considered as one of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts outfits.

Come next year, they will continue to make more milestones, as they are set to hold their first-ever event in Russia.

Set to take place in January 16 at Sochi, the fight card may potentially include a Filipino to mark that special occasion.

According to BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid, "The Philippines has been a focus for BRAVE Combat Federation from the very beginning. From time to time, warriors from the Philippines prove that they have not only the skill to compete at the international level but also the heart that matters when it comes to combat sports."

Although no official announcement has been made, there are five potential Pinoy fighters who may have a shot at landing a spot on that Sochi card.

Stephen Loman. At 14-2, the Team Lakay standout is probably the one that has the best profile amongst the potential fighters. Loman has been the headliner of three of BRAVE CF's cards, including their first fight event in the Philippines back in March 2019.

The 25-year-old is the first BRAVE CF Bantamweight world champion and its longest-reigning titleholder. However, he has yet to fight since a unanimous decision victory over Louie Sanoudakis at BRAVE CF 30 last November 2019.

According to Shahid, "I really believe that he (Loman) will take the sport of MMA to another level in the Philippines. He keeps on proving that he is a deserving champion. He is the biggest combat athlete in the Philippine along with Manny Pacquiao. I said it before and I'll say it again."

He adds, "People say we gave him the opportunity, but it's actually the opposite. He gave us the honor of fighting in our organization. I was sad that not a lot of Filipinos knew him, but now I'm the happiest man because the country found a new hero, a fighter who proudly represents the country."

Rolando Dy. The second-generation combat star has been a fixture in the mixed martial arts scene of the Philippines for almost a decade. The son of boxing legend Rolando Navarrete, he is best remembered by BRAVE CF aficionados for his knockout victory over Mehmosh Raza on BRAVE CF 22, where his left hook-right straight combination in the first round sent the Pakistani's mouthguard flying.

Dy is fresh from improving his record to 14-9 after a unanimous decision win over John Brewin in a lightweight title eliminator last November 5 during BRAVE CF 44. The victory earned him a title shot against Amin Ayoub, and both guys are expected to eventually face off for the belt.

Jeremy Pacatiw. Another standout from Team Lakay, The 24-year-old owns the record for most fights under the BRAVE CF banner. His ten victories include wins against Thiago Dela Coleta, Keith Lee, Uloomi Karim, and Mark Alcoba, with his latest being a first-round thwarting of former title contender Felipe Efrain back in December 2019 during BRAVE CF 33.

Pacatiw hopes to add Russia to his well-stamped passport, having fought in places like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Morocco, Brazil, Bahrain, India, and Indonesia.

Harold Banario. He's better known as Honorio's younger brother, but Harold is no slouch. After taking a four-year hiatus to purse college, the Team Lakay fighter used a kneebar submission to make Ariel Oliveros tap in BRAVE CF 22.

Banario, however, will be hoping Sochi becomes the place where he can redeem himself, after bowing to Gamzat Magomedov at BRAVE CF 33 for his second defeat in seven matches.

Jomar Pa-ac. Another member of Team Lakay, Pa-ac has won three of his last four BRAVE CF appearances, his last one being an unanimous decision victory over Satya Behuria on BRAVE CF 22.

ONE Championship, Xiaomi form partnership for 5G streaming technology

ONE Championship announced on Wednesday that it is forming a partnership with technology firm Xiaomi for its live sports production and broadcast.

Said partnership centers on the emerging use of 5G, something that Filipinos would be familiar with due to SMART's collaboration with the Philippine Basketball Association for 5G at the Clark bubble for the All-Filipino Cup.

Fight fans will be able to first observe this partnership on Friday, as ONE Championship holds its latest mixed martial arts event: ONE: COLLISION COURSE, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, as select content from the event will be made available through 5G streaming on the smartphone maker's flagship device for this year, the Mi 10.

ONE Championship Group President Hua Fung Teh states, "I am thrilled to announce this unique collaboration between ONE Championship and Xiaomi, one of the most well-loved technology brands in the world. It's a great opportunity to bring together the unrivaled action and excitement of ONE Championship martial arts with Xiaomi's fast, secure, and class-leading 5G technology. Just like our ONE Championship athletes, Xiaomi's latest Mi 10 smartphone packs a combination of raw power and excellent performance, and I am excited to showcase those capabilities with all of our viewers globally."

Xiaomi President of International Shou Zi Chew adds, "Xiaomi is delighted to deepen our ongoing partnership with ONE Championship, as we team up to inspire the next generation of sports and technology fans worldwide. By leveraging Xiaomi’s 5G-enabled Mi 10, users around the world can watch ONE Championship’s COLLISION COURSE competition from a new perspective. We look forward to showcasing the advantages of 5G technology and putting real-life superheroes in the palm of your hand."

FIBA reveals hosts for February 2021 window for FIBA Asia Cup qualifying

More bubble action looming in February.

The success of the November 2020 window of the FIBA Asia Cup yielded good results in the view of FIBA, and as such, they will continue to use a bubble setup for the upcoming window in February.

Scheduled to take place within the February 18-22, 2021 time frame, all remaining qualifying matches are slated to completed within this window, with the added objective of safeguarding the health and safety of ALL participants.

From two hosts, the number has doubled to four: with Clark and Tokyo joining Manama and Doha as the venues for all six participating groups.

The Clark setup seeks to replicate the one used by the Philippine Basketball Association when it completed its All-Filipino Cup this season. It will host Group A, with Korea set to participate after sitting out the November window, and Group C, which also skipped the November window.

Tokyo set to make their bubble hosting debut with Group B. China will have a busy window ahead, having not played any matches so far due to the pandemic.

Manama will once again have two groups in its bubble, replacing Group A with Group F, alongside Group D. Group F did not participate in the November window.

Doha again will host Group E.

The selection of these hosts is based on their health and travel guarantees, as well as full compliance with FIBA's health protocols, which includes testing and controlled entry into a secure environment.

UAAP announces cancellation of the 83rd season

Angelo Kouame and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will have to wait to defend their title.

The UAAP released this statement on Friday.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) announces the cancellation of its 83rd season.

After a series of discussions, the UAAP Board of Trustees came to this difficult decision, putting major consideration on the health and safety of the student-athletes and those involved in the operations of our competitions.

The decision will allow UAAP member-schools to plan their activities for the remainder of the academic year, as well as their athletic programs for next season. 

Both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Managing Directors will further discuss the implications of the cancellation for the guidance of the member-schools and student-athletes.

The pandemic earlier this year forced the league to conclude its 82nd season prematurely, with most sports scheduled in the second semester either unable to finish their campaigns or never got off the ground.

As for the 83rd season, the league made the decision to move its planned start date from September to early 2021, before making the announcement that it is cancelling the season.

It is being reported that La Salle will be granted hosting rights for the 84th season, in light of these developments.

This also would have been the first season under their new broadcast partnership with Cignal TV.

SMART Omega to hold special eSports exhibition with select sports stars

SMART Omega

Even with their ongoing participation in the second season of The Nationals, SMART Omega eSports keep themselves busy with some change-of-pace action, as they continue their preparations for the upcoming M2 World Championships.

The squad, who finished second in the sixth season of MPL-Philippines, invited select student-athletes, as well as players from Spikers' Turf side PLDT Home Fibr to join them in for a set of exhibition matches, called the Omega Crossover.

According to SMART Omega team manager Miko Cuartero, "We want showcase that everyone can be a gamer no matter what sport you play. We also want to show how mobile gaming can bring everyone together."

Set to take place from December 13 to 15, the showpiece exhibition will feature two members of SMART Omega, two student-athletes, and an Ultra Fast Hitter in one team. The composition of the teams will be made in random. On the 15th, all players will be live at Omega's state-of-the-art hub in Quezon City.

Set to participate in the Omega Crossover are SJ Belangel and Dave Ildefonso of Ateneo, Shaun Ildefonso and Chino Mosqueda of National University, Kevin Quiambao and Emman Galman of La Salle, and Kemark Carino and Joshua Tagala of San Beda.

Representing PLDT Home Fibr are John Vic De Guzman, Mark Alfafara, Joshua Umandal, and Richard Solis.

Comprising SMART Omega are "Toshi" Adrian Bacallo, "Haze" Jeniel Bata-anon, "Heath" Earvin Esperanza, "Hadjizy" Salic Imam, "KurTzy" Jankurt Matira, "Kenji" Kenneth Villa, "Daledalus" Steven Vitug, and "Otit" Anthony Senedrin.

The event will be streamed on SMART Omega's Facebook page, with the matches taking place at 5pm and 730pm.

Philippines retains spot in FIBA 5x5 rankings

 

FIBA this week released its rankings for the senior 5x5 divisions, with the Philippines maintaining its current position after the conclusion of matches in the November window.

In the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, Gilas is in 31st place as the sixth-best team in Asia with 340.8 points.

This output is buoyed by their two wins against Thailand in the latest round of Asia Cup qualifying inside the bubble at Manama, Bahrain. They beat them 93-61 last November 27 and 93-69 three days later.

The top twenty nations in the men's division went relatively unchanged, with the United States still at the top spot, followed by Spain, Australia, Argentina, and Serbia. The only changes mainly saw Russia swap spots with Czech Republic at 9th and 11th, while Puerto Rico dropped a couple of spots to 18th, moving both Slovenia and Germany up a slot each.

The Czech Republic dropped both of their matches in EuroBasket qualifying, with Russia managing a split, beating Estonia and losing to Italy.

Slovenia will get a chance to extend their reign as EuroBasket champions as their earned their spot in the Final Round with wins over Ukraine and Austria.

Syria and Saudi Arabia's respective splits in Asia Cup qualifying also reflected their improvements in the rankings, as they each moved up five spots to 90th and 91st overall.

Entering the top 100 nations at 98th overall is South Sudan, whose 2-1 record in AfroBasket qualifying in Rwanda moved them up nine spots. The team is coached its federation president and NBA star Luol Deng.

One spot behind South Sudan is Albania, who moved up seven spots after their results against Portugal and Belarus. A similar rise was seen from Kenya, who are now at 115th overall even with defeats to noted regional powerhouses Angola and Senegal.

Blowout losses to Tunisia, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo netted a thirty-spot plummet for Madagascar to 124th overall, the biggest drop in the rankings.

Expect more movement on the men's side when action resumes for the upcoming February window.

In the distaff side, the Philippines dropped down a spot to 50th overall as the seventh-best team in Asia with 124.5 points.

Gilas Women recently were in the news with head coach Pat Aquino seeking to bolster the national team pool by adding outstanding young standouts with Filipino ancestry, a group that includes Duke freshman Vanessa de Jesus.

Only teams in Europe seeing action for their Women's EuroBasket qualifying were counted during this window, which makes for relatively minimal movement atop the rankings.

Still keeping their top five spots are the United States, Australia, Spain, Canada, and France.

The only change in the top twenty saw Belgium and Turkey swap spots in sixth and seventh.

Belgium's wins over Ukraine and Portugal moved them up to sixth. The Cats have ensured their spot in the Final Round in the process, becoming the first team to earn a berth for next year's tournament that is set to be co-hosted by France and Spain.

Turkey dropped down a spot due to a double overtime loss to Serbia. At 1-2, they have yet to earn a berth in the final in Group E.

The biggest rise in the women's rankings saw Finland's win over Portugal move the Susiladies up eight spots to 58th, while Bulgaria's win over Iceland moved them up six spots to 44th overall.

FIBA tweaked the algorithm in both rankings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the suspension of FIBA competitions this year. Calculations for the rankings have to include two Olympic Games at all times, and with the Tokyo 2020 iteration having been moved to 2021, necessary adjustments had to be made.

FIBA reveals logo for 2023 World Cup

FIBA 2023 World Cup logo. #DontMissABeat

In line with the #DontMissABeat campaign, FIBA revealed its official logo for the 2023 Basketball World Cup this past Friday.

Three elements are being emphasized in the logo: a heart, the Naismith Trophy, and the year 2023.

The sideways heart symbolize the passion for the game. It also happens to be the main battlecry for the Philippines in sporting competition as "PUSO."

The presence of the Naismith Trophy, which is given to the FIBA World Cup champion, represents the dream of all the participating teams in the competition.

The number 23 represents 2023, the year the next FIBA World Cup takes place, to be hosted in multiple countries for the first time: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

All three co-hosts exhibit a strong passion for the sport of basketball, something the new 2023 FIBA World Cup logo embodies as it brings together millions of fans, with their millions of hearts beating as one.

FIBA Central Board member and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan shares, "We Filipinos are all proud to be a part of this important milestone in basketball, together with Japan and Indonesia."

He adds, "The Philippines look forward to extending our brand of hospitality to the participating teams, to the world congress delegates, and to the many visitors expected to come - true to the essence of the logo we are launching today - a heart, the puso of the Filipino. Our Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed his support to make the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 an unqualified success and said, '[we want to] turn this event into a proud and dignified moment for our country."

Japan Basketball Association President Yuko Mitsuya says, "We are very pleased to be part of the launch of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 official logo. For the first time in history, the tournament will be hosted by three countries. We will continue to work together with FIBA, the Philippines, Indonesia and the city of Okinawa to create a moment where basketball fans from all around the world will feel their hearts beat together and share the excitement of the game of basketball."

Indonesian Basketball Association (PERBASI) President Danny Kosasih adds, "The official logo launch is the first exciting step of many for all three host nations, for FIBA and basketball fans worldwide. The logo certainly represents all three host nations' spirit of uniting and working together with the same heartbeat to deliver the best basketball experiences that fans could ever have. On this special occasion, we would also like to ask basketball fans around the world to be part of this extraordinary event by taking part in the #DontMissABeat campaign. Join us and be part of this historic event."

FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis says, "This is a very exciting milestone. The distinctive FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 logo symbolizes our love for the game, which is shared by the organizing committees and FIBA, and it also represents the vision and passion of the event that brings together, for the first time, three host countries."

The 2023 iteration of the FIBA World Cup will take place from August 25 to September 10, 2023, with Manila, Okinawa, and Jakarta acting as hubs for the Group Phase. Manila then becomes the main host for the Final Phase. For these seventeen days, all three nations will be sharing the passion and dream, creating three times the amount of energy and excitement.

Qualification for the tournament is set to commence in the November 2021 window, and will last until February 2023. Around 80 teams are expected to fight for a place in the Group Phase, which offers 32 slots, which already includes the ones allocated to hosts Philippines and Japan, as well as to Indonesia, provided their team meets FIBA's specified criteria. 

The unveiling of the logo is merely the latest attempt by FIBA to jumpstart their "Don't Miss a Beat" campaign, which has the objective of ensuring that the basketball community remains united and active for the next few months.

Said campaign is also encouraging fans everywhere to have fun with the music beats linked to basketball on their respective social media channels via the hashtag #DontMissABeat. To help foster that, expect national team members from the co-hosts to get involved over the next few weeks.

It will also use the federation's social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Weibo, and WeChat) in conveying said message.

NBA releases first half of 2020-21 regular season schedule

With the announcement that the NBA is set to start its 2020-21 season later this month, one of the more anticipated aspects of the season has been when the schedule will be released.

That took place on Friday, as the league released its schedule for the First Half of the regular season, which lasts from December 22 to March 4 (December 23 to March 5 in Manila).

It had been previously announced that the NBA will open its season with a double-header on December 22, with the Kia NBA Tip-Off 2020 featuring the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors in the first half of the doubleheader, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Aside from that special doubleheader, a five-game slate was announced for the 73rd edition of the NBA on Christmas Day: the New Orleans Pelicans at the Miami Heat, Warriors at the Milwaukee Bucks, Nets at the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks at the Lakers, and the Clippers at the Denver Nuggets.

Teams in the upcoming 2020-21 season will have a 72-game regular season, broken down into 30 inter-conference matchups and 42 matchups within their respective conferences. The latter means that each team will face teams within its conference thrice. The First Half will see teams each play either 37 or 38 games, 17-20 of which will be home matchups. With 558 games to be played, the First Half comprises 52% of the upcoming season.

The NBA also adopted a "series" model for the upcoming season, as it tries to find means to reduce travel. There are certain instances where teams will be playing consecutive matches against teams in one market. In crafting the schedule, the NBA has established that each team will play an average of four such "series: in the First Half, split between home and road.

In addition, the league has almost halved instances where teams have to make single-game road trips, as well as playing consecutive road games against geographically close opposition.

Notable matchups taking place on the First Half this season include (Manila time):

December 27: Atlanta Hawks at Memphis Grizzlies (6am), Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (830am), Houston Rockets at Portland Trailblazers (11am)

January 19: Phoenix Suns at Memphis Grizzlies (6am) for the 19th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Game, Orlando Magic at New York Knicks (1am), Minnesota Timberwolves at Atlanta Hawks (330am),  Milwaukee Bucks at Brooklyn Nets (830am), Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (11am)

January 31: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics (930am)

February 21: Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers (930am)

February 22: Boston Celtics at New Orleans Pelicans (430am)

March 1: Los Angeles Clippers at Milwaukee Bucks (430am)

The league also shared that twenty games will be made available in primetime for those in Europe, the Middle East, and in Africa, dubbing it as the "NBA Saturdays and NBA Sundays presented by NBA 2K21." In addition, the First Half will be made available in 215 countries and territories in over forty languages.

As for the Second Half of the season, it starts on March 12 (Manila time) and will last until May 17 (Manila time). It will comprise the remainder of each team's schedule, as well as any games that were postponed during the First Half that can be reasonably integrated in. The Playoff Play-In Tournament will then take place on May 19-22 (Manila time), with the 2021 NBA Playoffs set to start on May 23 until July 23 (Manila time).

The schedule for the Second Half of the regular season will be made available at a later date.

The NBA also launched its season campaign hashtag, #OnlyHere, on social media, highlighting the unique action and excitement unlike any other you will experience this season. 

ONE Championship tweaks ONE: Big Bang card

Final card for ONE Championship's ONE: Big Bang

ONE Championship made a few changes for tonight's mixed martial arts event, ONE: Big Bang, as a result of a couple of fighters withdrawing from the card as a result of COVID-19 protocols.

ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia's matchup against Murat Aygun is now off after Kryklia has been placed into quarantine due to close contact with an individual testing positive back on November 27. Roman did test negative for COVID-19, however.

ONE Championship did managed to find a replacement, as Anderson Silva steps up to face Aygun in a light heavyweight kickboxing bout.

In addition, the fight between Marat Grigorian and Ivan Kondratev has been elevated as ONE: Big Bang's main event.

Greco-Roman Wrestling World Champion Amir Aliakbari's ONE Championship debut will have to wait, as his matchup was removed from the card. He had tested positive for COVID-19 prior to fight,  but based on serological tests was due to a past infection.

Aliakbari managed to test negative before flying in to Singapore for the fight, and already has been discharged from the hospital. Unfortunately, his participation in ONE: Big Bang has been ruled out as an added precaution.

Two matches have been added to the card as well.

Jihin Radzuan and Bi Nguyen face off in an atomweight matchup, while Andy Souwer and Zhang Chunyu tangle in a featherweight kickboxing clash.

Below is the complete card for ONE: Big Bang and the accompanying final weight and hydration results for the fighters involved.

Kickboxing - Featherweight (65.9 KG – 70.3 KG)

Marat Grigorian (70.10 KG, 1.0066) vs. Ivan Kondratev (70.00 KG, 1.0044)

Mixed Martial Arts - Featherweight (65.9 KG – 70.3 KG)

Koyomi Matsushima (70.30 KG, 1.0156) vs. Garry Tonon (70.30 KG, 1.0061)

Kickboxing - Light Heavyweight (93.1 KG – 102.1 KG)

Anderson Silva (101.60 KG, 1.0132) vs. Murat Aygun (101.40 KG, 1.0176)

Kickboxing - Featherweight (65.9 KG – 70.3 KG)

Andy Souwer (70.30 KG, 1.0241) vs. Zhang Chunyu (70.05 KG, 1.0195)

Mixed Martial Arts - Strawweight (52.3 KG – 56.7 KG)

Bokang Masunyane (56.65 KG, 1.0199) vs. Rene Catalan (55.25 KG, 1.0027)

Mixed Martial Arts - Atomweight (47.7 KG – 52.2 KG)

Jihin Radzuan (52.20 KG, 1.0207) vs. Bi Nguyen (51.60 KG, 1.0210)

Mixed Martial Arts - Atomweight (47.7 KG – 52.2 KG)

Ritu Phogat (51.85 KG, 1.0070) vs. Jomary Torres (51.05 KG, 1.0014)

*Hydration values less than or equal to 1.0250 earn a passing mark, while values greater than or equal to 1.0251 earn a failing mark. Athletes who failed weight and hydration tests on Day 1 or Day 2 are given another chance to clear tests on the morning of the event.

NBA reveals portion of its early slate, Nets-Warriors and Lakers-Clippers on Opening Night

 

The NBA announced on Wednesday its national television schedule for the United States to kick off its 2020-21 season, doing so with highly-anticipated matchups on Opening Night and Christmas.

For Opening Night on December 22 (23 in Manila), the league will have the Golden State Warriors traveling to New York to play the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of the doubleheader, which will be Kevin Durant's first meeting with the Warriors since leaving the team in free agency to join the Nets ahead of the 2019-20 season.

The second half of the doubleheader features a matchup between two Staples Center tenants: freshly-minted champions the Los Angeles Lakers serving as the home team against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers are expected to have a pre-game championship-related ceremony, even though fans will not be allowed inside Staples Center for the time being due to pandemic-related restrictions.

As for Christmas (December 26 in Manila), which is considered a red-letter-day for the basketball community, five games are on tap:

The first sees the New Orleans Pelicans travel to Miami to face the Heat, then followed by the Warriors visiting Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nets travel to Boston to face the Celtics in a matchup of top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The remaining two matchups involve the Los Angeles teams. The Lakers will host Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, while the Clippers travel to Denver to face the Nuggets, the team they lost to in the second round of the playoffs last season.

Aside from these two days, the NBA also revealed two games from its schedule for December 23 (24 in Manila). The Bucks will open its season against the Celtics, while the Mavericks will head to the desert to face Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns.

The complete first half (until March 4, 2021) of the schedule will be revealed on Friday (Saturday in Manila).

Here is the confirmed schedule as mentioned:

As for local broadcast, the NBA and Cignal TV, will determine which matches will be shown on its channels, whether TV5, One Sports, or NBA TV Philippines.

Perpetual names Saguiguit as its new head coach

The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta made it official on Tuesday night, hiring Mike Saguiguit as its new head coach for its senior men's basketball team.

Anton Tamayo, in his capacity as Perpetual's liaison officer-in-charge for the athletic program, made the announcement. He says of the decision, "He’s now the coach starting December 1."

In naming him as the head coach at the senior level, the school is also realigning Saguiguit's duties for its high school program, tasking him with overseeing responsibilities. However, he has decided to yield head coaching duties for the Junior Altas to one of his assistants, Joph Cleofas.

According to Mike about the move to name Joph to that particular post, "He will be the new high school coach but I will still look after them as we only have one program."

The 46-year old has been handling both squads on an interim basis ever since Frankie Lim left the program earlier this year.

Also serving as the head coach of the Paranaque Patriots in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, Saguiguit will be tasked to return the Altas to the Final Four in the upcoming 96th season of the NCAA.

He shares that the core of the team that finished 5-13 last season will return, with the likes of Jielo Razon, Ben Adamos, and Tonton Peralta being bolstered by the addition of Mario Barasi, Jr.

Pilipinas takes Group A lead in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying

Photo c/o FIBA / FIBA-Asia

The Philippines achieved their objectives in the November qualifying window of the FIBA Asia Cup on Monday night, dispatching Thailand once again, 93-69.

Unlike their first meeting on Friday, Gilas Pilipinas decided to put things out of reach from the get-go, scoring the first eleven points of the game. A combination of the trademark unselfishness and steady long-distance shooting did the trick this time, converting ten triples in the first half and ending up with sixteen for the game.

Half of those came from the Gomez de Liano brothers, who finished with a combined 33 points.

Elder brother Javi stood out this time, converting all four of his three-pointers to finish with nineteen points on 7/8 shooting overall.

Younger brother Juan added fourteen markers on 4/6 shooting from beyond the arc, while also adding four rebounds and four assists.

Calvin Oftana impressed in his senior national team debut, as last season's Most Valuable Player stuffed the stat sheet with nine points on 3/5 three-point shooting, four rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a rejection.

The Thais tried to keep pace against the Pinoys, doing so on the shoulders of their workhorse Chanatip Jakrawan, who put up a game-high 34 points and twelve rebounds, a steal and a couple blocks. Wattana Suttisin added thirteen points, five rebounds, and four assists. They have yet to secure a win in Group A after four games, with matchups against Indonesia and Korea still to be played.

Gilas heads into the upcoming February window with a 3-0 record, toting a half-game lead over Korea, whom they still have yet to face in qualifying after the East Asians decided on sitting out this window due to pandemic-related matters.

Pilipinas seeking back-to-back wins in FIBA-Asia Cup Qualifying

Photo c/o FIBA / FIBA-Asia Cup

The Philippines seeks to make it two-for-two against Thailand to close out Group A play in the second window on Monday night at the Khalifa Sports City in Manama, Bahrain.

Gilas Pilipinas delivered a 93-61 victory over the Thais on Friday night, led by Dwight Ramos' 20 points on 7/7 shooting.

The coaching staff led by head coach Jong Uichico made a couple of changes from that group for the upcoming rematch, inserting Calvin Oftana and Jaydee Tungcab for Will Navarro and Mike Nieto.

The staff also made the decision to hold out Allyn Bulanadi after Uichico hinted at a possible call-up during the post-match press conference, basing his availability on the couple of practices Gilas still had before submitting their lineups. The former San Sebastian Golden Stag injured his right shoulder during the preparations for the window and was deactivated for Friday's game.

Even with the impressive victory, Gilas is still looking at finetuning its game. Nieto acknowledged it during the post-match press conference.

He shares, "... we’ll look at our mistakes so that we’ll be more prepared..."

Thailand has yet to secure a win in Group A after three games, and is fresh from a 90-76 defeat to Indonesia on Saturday night. The ten-man squad had no answer to Lester Prosper and Brandon Jawato, with the former notching a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds, and the latter nearly producing a triple-double with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.

The win allows the 2023 FIBA World Cup co-hosts to secure third place Group A with a 1-2 record, behind the identical 2-0 records of the Philippines and Korea. 

Philippines drubs Thailand in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying

Juan Gomez de Liano sparked the burst that allowed Gilas to run away with this one. (Photo c/o FIBA)

Still undefeated in FIBA Asia Cup qualifying.

The Philippines drubbed Thailand in their first of two matches against each other late Friday, 93-61, at the Khalifa Sports City in Manama, Bahrain.

A 27-1 run that spanned almost seven minutes in the second quarter doomed the Thais against Gilas Pilipinas, as they had no answer to the Filipino onslaught.

A Juan Gomez de Liano triple with 6:40 remaining in the period broke a 26-all deadlock, with their team defense, it took the Thais seven minutes to finally convert a field goal, which they did with four seconds remaining in the quarter, with the Filipinos already establishing a 53-29 halftime lead.

Gilas then cruised for the final twenty minutes for the impressive 32-point blowout.

Dwight Ramos led all scorers with a flawless performance, netting twenty points on 7/7 shooting. Set to make his debut with the Ateneo de Manila University this coming UAAP Season 83, he also added seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals in just under twenty minutes of action. 

Thailand did have their moments in the first quarter, as Nakorn Jaisanuk kept the team afloat early on with his outside shooting. He would finish with twelve points off four triples. Montien Wongsawangtham led the all-pro unit with seventeen points.

This game was rescheduled from the previous FIBA window earlier this year, in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Philippines and Thailand will face off once again on Monday, November 30 to complete the Group A window in the Manama bubble. Before this, the Thais will face Indonesia on Saturday night, both teams seeking their first win in the group.

ONE Championship expands Facebook partnership

ONE Championship continues on securing partnerships for its brand, with the latest involving Facebook.

The alliance allows for ONE Championship to put together content that would be exclusively distributed on Facebook Watch, as well as IGTV. The customized content includes unique camera angles and behind-the-scenes footage, among others.

It also establishes a channel on Facebook Gaming for ONE Championship's top athletes to stream gameplay and provide gaming commentary. A separate channel will also be launched on Facebook Gaming for ONE eSports.

Aside from those, ONE Virtual Reality content will now be available on the Venues app in the Oculus platform, allowing martial arts fans worldwide to be virtually experience being in the best seat in the house.

These new ventures solidify an already impressive relationship ONE Championship has with the social media platform, as its page already has over 25 million followers, with over five billion platform video views in 2019.

On the new partnership, ONE Championship Group CCO Hari Vijayarajan shares, "ONE Championship is committed to finding new ways to connect authentically with our fans and allow them to experience the stories of hope, strength, dreams, and inspiration created by our athlete superheroes. Our long-term partnership with Facebook has been instrumental in allowing us to build reach and audiences around the world. We are excited to expand our partnership and leverage the power of the Facebook platform, be that VR with Oculus, the rapid growth of esports and community gaming with Facebook Gaming, or simply non-stop action clips for Facebook Watch you cannot find anywhere else."

For Facebook, Asia-Pacific Director for Sports Partnerships Joyee Biswas adds, "We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with ONE Championship as we grow our sports collaboration across our platform. Community is at the core of ONE Championship and we will continue to help them reach their audiences whether it is through premium content in Facebook Watch, or to our new engagement opportunities through Facebook Gaming. The announcement today to also bring content to the Oculus platform is testament to ONE Championship’s ability to anticipate where their community will engage and create a meaningful experience for fans."

3M, Nike collaborate on sneaker mashup

3M x Nike.

A couple of brands have decided to use their core competencies to produce new kicks.

Nike and 3M have joined forces to release a new collection of sneakers in time for the holiday season.

The collaboration allows 3M elements and technologies to be integrated onto a select group of Nike's franchises, providing them with additional durability.

3M brand and design vice president Brian Rice shares, "We are thrilled to partner with such a respected global brand and changemaker like Nike.” He adds, "The result of this collaboration highlights the value of design in bringing our world-leading 3M technologies to life in a way that improves the customer experience."

With sneaker culture very much on the rise in Southeast Asia, this is seen as an opportunity to take advantage of growing demand. According to Ox Street, as the region is to provide around 40 percent of the growth in the athletic footwear market, which is aided by the numerous sneaker-related events in the region, including the Philippines' Manila Sneaker Expo.

Interest in establishing a collaboration began when 3M crafted an art installation for Milan Design Week last year. Called "A Pinnacle of Reflection," it generated headlines using its technologies to produce a kaleidoscope effect.

Count Nike as those who were impressed with the display.

According to 3M UX creative director Robert Quintero, "Once Nike experienced our installation, they knew 3M was a company that thinks differently. They appreciated our ability to express the 3M brand emotionally through storytelling."

At the time, Nike was in the process of conceptualizing new kicks under the "protection" theme, so it was convenient for them to tap 3M for a collaboration. Robert invited select members of the Nike design team to the 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, introducing them to certain technologies that help protect end-users.

He shares, "This was an opportunity for Nike to interact with technologies across many of 3M’s businesses. They wanted to enter the candy shop through one door."

The team took back some samples back to see what would work, eventually choosing 3M's Scotchlite Reflective Material to provide additional aesthetics and the Thinsulate Insulation to tack on an additional layer of warmth in a portion of the sneakers.

With the upcoming release, it will join a select group of items from top apparel brands sporting such tech. Last year, adidas integrated Scotchlite onto their Nite Jogger collection, while Brooks used the C790 Carbon Black Stretch Transfer Film for their Run Visible collection.

In addition, their recent collaboration with Askov Finalyson produced the first climate-positive parka, integrating Thinsulate 100% Recycled Featherless Insulation. This particular technology is made from recycled plastic bottles, which underscores 3M's commitment towards a circular economy.

"3M has earned the trust of brands because our materials are based on sound science." said Ryan Gallagher, a global marketing manager for 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material. "At the end of the day, we apply our technologies to make products more impactful, and this collaboration with Nike is a great example of that."

Fans in Southeast Asia will be able to have a crack of getting these on the Nike website, with prices varying between PhP 6-10,000.

ONE Championship Announces Two December Events Broadcast Live from Singapore Indoor Stadium

 

ONE Championship on Monday announced two more cards that will kick off December action at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Slated on December 4 is ONE: BIG BANG, which will feature Roman Kryklia defending his ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title against Murat Aygun in the main event.

The co-main event has a match-up of two Top-5 featherweights in third-ranked Koyomi Matsushima against fifth-ranked Gary Tonon.

The card also features a couple of Pinoys, with Danny Kingad against former ONE World Champion Kairat Akhmetov in a matchup of two Top-3 flyweight contenders, as well as Jomary Torres facing off against one of ONE Championship's rising stars in Ritu Phogat.

The rest of the card features some ONE Championship debutants, as Marat Grigorian and Ivan Kondratev face-off in a ONE Super Series featherweight kickboxing affair, whilst Amir Aliakbari also set to make his ONE debut in a heavyweight matchup against Islam Abasov.

The second confirmed ONE Championship event will be on December 18. Called ONE: COLLISION COURSE, its main event features a couple of Thais, as legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao defends his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship against 2nd-ranked Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym, who also happens to be the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament winner. 

Its co-main event features former ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov moving up to the lightweight division against Lowen Tynanes.

The rest of the card features these mixed martial arts matchups:

A bantamweight duel between Yusup Saadulaev against Troy Worthen.

A lightweight face-off between hometown bet Amir Khan against ONE Warrior Series contract winner Dae Sung Park.

Xie Wie facing Kun Khmer striking stylis Chan Rothana in the flyweight division.

A welterweight matchup involving Raimond Magomedaliev against Edson Marques.

Both events are part of the partnership ONE Championship has with the Singapore government, as they continue in striving to get things as close to pre-pandemic levels. 

Fans will be permitted to attend the event in-person, through ticket packages worth SGD $188 (just over PhP 6700). These "Superfan" ticket packages, which are available via Ticketmaster.sg, come with socially distant seating and exclusive ONE merchandise. Buyers will need to undergo the Antigen Rapid Test on the day itself, and will need to secure valid negative ART certification before being granted entry.

Otherwise, these events will be shown via Cignal TV's ONE Sports (and on a delayed basis on TV5) as well as through the ONE Super App. 

Manila Chooks TM falls short in Doha Masters

Manila Chooks TM's participation in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour ended prematurely, as they lost both of their games on Friday in the Doha Masters.

The Al-Gharafa Sports Complex bare witness to the Filipino quartet losing its first match against top-ranked Liman, 15-22, then followed that up with a 14-19 defeat to Lusail.

In the first matchup, Liman had to withstand a late comeback anchored by Joshua Munzon to secure its spot in the next round. Munzon whittled Manila's deficit from 5-12 to 13-14 with just over four minutes left, but Mihailo Vasic and Stefan Kojic did their part to close things out for the Serbian side. Both players finished with seven points each in the victory.

With Liman beating Lusail earlier in the day, 21-8, the matchup between the hosts and Manila turned into a virtual knockout affair.

The home side rode on the broad shoulders of Souley Ndour against the Pinoys, finishing with ten points and seven rebounds as he helped make things difficult down low.

Manila Chooks TM had difficulty dealing with Lusail's length, with the 6'10 Ndour complemented by 6'7" Ousseynou Mbow, 6'6" Kostas Vasileiadis, and 6'5 Hamza Maher.

Munzon finished with a total of 19 points in both matches, but the rest of the team struggled offensively.

Alvin Pasaol netted a total of six points, while Leonard Santillan finished with a combined total of four points and Troy Rike netted a couple of markers in both games.

The knockout playoffs of the event that has US$40,000 waiting for the champion begins at 9:15PM (Manila time). It will air on FIBA 3x3's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Manila Chooks TM pooled with Liman, Lusail in Doha Masters

Manila Chooks TM's Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, Troy Rike, and Joshua Munzon meet with FIBA 3x3 Competition Manager Nicolas Widmer and 3×3 Events and Partners Associate Valentina Mattioli during the technical meeting at Marriott Doha Tuesday evening.

The Doha Masters will feature a familiar matchup for Manila Chooks TM in pool play.

The Filipino quartet has been assigned to Pool A alongside Liman and Lusail.

Basketball fans will remember that Pasig Chooks defeated Liman in pool play in last year's edition of the Doha Masters, 19-16. That Pasig quartet featured current Manila Chooks TM's Joshua Munzon with Troy Rike listed as a reserve. Liman eventually made it to the knockout rounds, defeating Balanga Chooks in the quarterfinals, 21-9. That Balanga quartet featured current Manila Chooks TM's Alvin Pasaol and Leonard Santillan.

The two Chooks teams finished fifth and sixth place, respectively.

Munzon and Rike are ready for another crack against the top FIBA 3x3 club side when action takes place at the Al-Gharafa Sports Complex. The former shares, "It’s definitely going to be a test for us to square against those European teams but you know I think we’re ready mentally, physically. I think we’re ready as we can be and we’ll see how things go. I am confident with my team. We’re ready to get after it."

The latter adds, "We have played more recently than probably most of the other teams here. We’re kinda still in game mode and team mode heading right into that." Manila Chooks TM is fresh from participation in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup powered by TM in late October, where they won three out of four legs and the Grand Final.

Liman will feature 2017 3x3 World Tour MVP Stefan Stojacic, Stefan Kojic, Mihailo Vasic, and Aleksandar Ratkov. They will face off at 11:55pm Manila time.

Home side Lusail will field Vasileiadis Kostantinos, Ousseynou Mbow, Mame Ndour, and Hamza Radi. They will face off at 1:35am Manila time.

The top two teams in Pool A will face off against the top two of Pool C in the crossover quarterfinals the next day. Pool C is composed of NY Harlem, Lausanne, and Utena.

Manila Chooks TM is expected to hold its first in-venue practice on Wednesday, as they aspire for the $40,000 prize for the champion.

Manila Chooks TM hold first practice in Doha

Manila Chooks TM at the Al-Gharafa Sports Complex.

Manila Chooks TM finally got a chance to work on their game on court at the Al-Gharafa Sports Complex on Wednesday, where coronavirus protocols reigned supreme.

Strict measures were put into place by organizers, with the competition scheduled to take place in a couple of days. Among those is the inability to cross train with other teams, something Manila Chooks in its previous iterations as Pasig Chooks and Balanga Chooks were able to do last year.

Conditions were sizzling, as expected with the competition taking place in the Middle East. Skipper Alvin Pasaol shares, "Sobrang init," with the temperatures during their training session reaching a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even with the conditions as they are, the team remains confident that will impress in Doha for the Masters event.

Pasaol says, "Siguro nasa eighty-percent kami ngayon. Maganda naman yung practice kanina kasi nagawa naman namin yung gusto namin."

He adds, "By Friday, ready na kami."

The team is grouped alongside top-ranked Liman and hosts Lusail and will face off late Friday.

NBA reveals schedule tweaks to 2020-21 season

With the NBA set to get things going officially next month, the league released on Wednesday an update on its schedule.

In contrast to its traditional format, the league will play just 72 games this season, ten fewer than the customary 82-game schedule. The breakdown goes as follows, based from their release:

Each team will play three games against each intraconference opponent (42 total games per team), with each pairing featuring either two home games and one road game or one home game and two road games.  Within each team’s division, the league office has randomly assigned which two opponents will be played twice at home and which two opponents will be played twice on the road.

All five teams from within a division will play all five teams from one other intraconference division twice at home, and all five teams from the remaining intraconference division twice on the road. 

Each team will play two games against each interconference opponent (30 total games per team), with each pairing featuring one home game and one road game.

The NBA has also integrated an "All-Star break" between March 5-10, 2021, which splits the regular season into two halves. The Second Half will integrate games potentially postponed that were slotted into the First Half schedule. The league will release the First Half schedule in early December during the start of training camp, with the Second Half to be announced later during the campaign.

Another tweak to the upcoming season is the return of the "Play-In Tournament." Introduced last season in the bubble, the upcoming edition has been altered to involved teams with the seventh to tenth-best winning percentages in each conference full stop. This is different from the previous instance, which needed an additional criteria to invoke the play-in. 

The 2020-21 Play-In Tournament format for each conference is as follows:

Teams with the seventh and eighth-best records will have a playoff to determine the seventh seed, which they will call the Seven-Eight Game. The ninth and tenth-best records will have their own matchup, called the Nine-Ten Game.

The winner of the Seven-Eight Game secures the seventh seed. The loser will face the winner of the Nine-Ten Game for the right to be the eighth seed.

Teams with the better record coming into the Play-In Tournament will be playing in their home venue during this short stretch. 

The full specifics on the league's 2020-21 schedule can be broken down as follows:

December 11-19, 2020: NBA Preseason

December 22, 2020 to March 4, 2021: First Half of the Regular Season

March 5-10, 2021: All-Star Break

March 11 - May 16, 2021: Second Half of Regular Season

May 18-21, 2021: Play-In Tournament

May 22 - July 22, 2021: NBA Playoffs

Manila Chooks TM test negative in PCR test

They got the all-clear.

Manila Chooks TM underwent the RT-PCR testing that is needed before they can proceed in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters.

The quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan, as well as photographer Jerome Ascano received the good news at 2pm local time via text.

All fourteen teams participating in the tournament will have to undergo such testing before they are cleared to participate.

Even with the negative result, protocols will only allow them to remain within the confines of their hotel as of Wednesday, based on Qatari legislation. They are allowed to have dinner at the hotel restaurant. Once cleared, the only place they can go outside of the hotel is the Al Gharafa Sports Complex, which is just over twelve kilometers away.

As such, Pasaol shares, "Hindi pa rin makalabas kaya review muna ng video at exercise muna rito sa kwarto."

Santillan adds, "Okay lang naman sa amin 'yun kasi business trip naman talaga ito."

US $40,000 is up for grabs for the champion of this tournament, with 30,000 for the runner-up, 20,000 for third, 12,000 for fourth and 6,000 for fifth.

Liman is expected to be the favorites to claim the title, with the likes of Riga, NY Harlem and Princeton, and Lausanne providing some competition.

Manila Chooks TM await PCR test results

Seeking to rekindle their success last year, Manila Chooks TM arrived in Doha on Monday morning for the upcoming FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters.

The quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan arrived at the Hamad International Airport at 423am local time. Joining them in the tournament is photographer Jerome Ascano.

Upon landing, they were all asked to download Qatar's contract-tracing app as well as take a RT-PCR test. They were then transported to their hotel to observe quarantine until the results are available.

Whilst waiting, the team will continue their preparations through video study.

Pasaol shares, "Review muna kami dito sa rooms namin. At least nakakapag-ready kami kahit hindi pa kami makapag-ensayo rito."

Scheduled to take place on November 20 and 21 at the Al Gharafa Sports Complex, the Doha Masters has a US$40,000 top prize, and will have fourteen teams vying for it.

Considered as the favorites for this tourney is Liman, with the likes of Riga, NY Harlem, Princeton being their biggest hurdles.

Manila Chooks TM leaves for Doha

Off to make history again. Manila Chooks TM.

Manila Chooks TM departed from Manila on Sunday night, hoping a return trip to Doha would allow them to make history once again.

The quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 1130pm aboard Qatar Airways flight QR929, with the team expected to arrive at the Hamad International Airport at around 430am on Monday.

The team did survive some minor hiccups to ensure their participation in the 2020 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters, as the visas for the team only arrived hours before their departure.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 league owner Ronald Mascariñas expressed his appreciation for those who ensured that Manila Chooks TM's campaign will be smooth heading into the competition. "The spirit of bayanihan was truly alive," he bared, whilst adding, "FIBA 3X3's senior manager Ignacio Soriano and 3x3  Events and Partners Associate Valentina Mattioli -- both of whom are in Spain -- and the Qatar ministry moved heaven and earth just to get the visas for the players."

Upon the team's arrival in Doha, the team will be quarantined in their hotel room and will only be allowed to leave once their PCR test results are given.

US $40,000 are at stake for the Doha Masters champion, with the likes of Liman, NY Harlem, Princeton, Utana, and Lausanne serving as top opposition for the competition.

Team captain Pasaol, who during the 2019 edition of the tournament steered Balanga to the quarterfinals, believes that they are more mature now compared to then.

"Born-ready kami. We’re confident naman eh dahil doon sa pinakita namin doon sa Calambubble sobrang laki ng inimprove ng team namin lalo na sa tiyaga," said the Davao-native as the President's Cup powered by TM two weeks ago was the perfect training ground for this tournament.

"Hindi kami naiinip or nasisiraan man ng kumpyansa dahil malakas ang kalaban. Yun yung pinakamaganda sa amin ngayon kasi yun nga parang kalmado lang, hindi masyadong nagpapanic, yun yung good side doon."

Manny Pacquiao sends off Manila Chooks

Manila Chooks TM with Manny Pacquiao

Before departing for Doha, Manila Chooks TM had the opportunity to meet with Senator Manny Pacquiao.

The fighting senator wished the quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan the best of luck in their journey on Friday night.

"Manila Chooks TM, good luck sa inyong lahat," expressed Pacquiao. He adds, "Ipaglaban niyo ang ating bansa. Dalhin niyo ang karangalan sa ating bansa. Proud kami at nakasuporta kami sa inyo."

Reacting to the message, Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. president and noted 3x3 patron Ronald Mascarinas shares, "Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyo, Sen. Pacquiao, for your support. Malaking bagay ito sa ating players, yung motivation na binigay ninyo."

Fresh from clinching the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup powered by TM as Family's Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City Chooks, Manila Chooks TM is looking to at least match the achievements of Pasig Chooks and Balanga Chooks at the same World Tour event last year. 

RunRio to hold virtual final leg of Trilogy Run

Even though the world is going through a pandemic, there are always opportunities for runners to be able to compete and complete their desired lengths, even as long as a marathon.

This is what is being proposed by the RunRio Trilogy Run Asia Virtual Run.

The RunRio Trilogy Run is considered as the country's premier running series. Established in 2010, it is designed for runners who want to complete a marathon via a progression running program. In progression running, participants run at a slower pace until their speed and distance gradually increase at each virtual leg. From 21K in the first leg, it becomes 32K on the second leg, and caps off with a 42K on the final leg.

For the final leg of this year's edition, it is scheduled between November 28 to December 12. Virtual runners can pick and choose their desired length to run, accomplish to do that whether via treadmill or by an actual run in a specific location. They just need to use a GPS-tracking app and a timing mechanism to monitor their run.

Once accomplished, they just need to take a photo of their race results and send them to info@runrio.com within a couple of weeks of completion.

To help with one's preparations for the virtual run, there will be pre-recorded workout sessions on November 15 and 27 on SKY Community Channel 955 and on the social media platforms of RunRio. 

In addition, there will be a LIVE pre-run work-out on November 21 at 4pm. The "SKY Rise and Grind" workout will be shown on the FYE Channel on Kumu. On November 28, the pre-run warm-up program "Kick Off to T3" will be shown on the aforementioned channels. That event will also have the ceremonial gun start of the virtual marathon.

Meanwhile, Coach Rio will have a live Zoom session on December 5, called "Huddle with Coach Rio," where fifty lucky participants will have the chance to interact with him. They will also have the chance to win special prizes during that experience.

For further details about the Trilogy Run, one can check runrio.com or on the official Facebook and Instagram profiles of RunRio Events, Inc. 

On December 6, there will be a special charity event involving SKY and ABS-CBN Foundation.

Called the 100 Steps Challenge, it calls on interested participants to upload an actual video of themselves completing a hundred steps, then attaching the hashtag #100Hakbang1Pamilya. The first three hundred runners to complete the challenge will receive a commemorative shirt.

SKY will also make a charitable donation to the ABS-CBN Foundation's "Pantawid ng Pag-ibig: Isang Daan. Isang Pamilya" campaign on behalf of the 100 Steps Challenge participants.