Historic

There is no other word I can describe the feat the University of the East Red Warriors has made last night other than the title.

Battling against a formidable foe, the Warriors swept the elimination round with 14 wins and undefeated. The last win came against the DLSU Green Archers, the kind of game I would describe as something like I-should-have-been-there skirmish between two teams who have a great chance of meeting again in the finals.

Except of course, the La Salle has to wade through the semifinals. The Warriors has earned themselves a rare reward by nailing the automatic championship berth when the final buzzer sounded in a game that went into overtime.

The Green Archers had the opportunity to deny victory to the opposing team, but it was all in the hands of their main guy JV Casio, who missed one of the pair of free throws in the dying seconds of the regulation. The game was tied at 77-77. And it was all UE all the way into the overtime. The Warriors trampled the Archers, 92-84 the final score.

Early in the game, there was a punch thrown and absorbed a minute left in the first quarter. A player was ejected, technical fouls were given out to both teams, but the commotion between competing players didn't stop the history from unfolding.

Warriors' Tale

Dindo Pumaren must be happy right now, and at the same time really nervous.

The University of the East Red Warriors are two games shy of sweeping the elimination round of the UAAP. They are the remaining team in the most celebrated collegiate basketball tournament that hasn’t tasted a loss. And if they continue to fire up the feat and turn out victors of the next and their last two games, they would catapult themselves straight into the Finals.

But it’s no easy task for Coach Pumaren and his roster of cagers. They still have to cruise past against winless University of the Philippine Fighting Maroons and the current second placer with 9-3 win-loss card, the La Salle Green Archers.

Winning those two would complement an astounding tale.

And in the end, winning the championship would mean putting the icing on the cake.

Let’s wait and see how the Warriors write the tale’s ending.

End of the Road

Pinoy Balls was created about a couple of months ago with hopes in providing information, insights, updates and opinions about the sports that the Filipinos partake. One of its core mission is to deliver news and highlights about the quest of the quintessential team that was built to catapult themselves in the elusive Olympic dream.

This blog has several times unable to deliver that goods. And I apologize to a lot of would be readers who are hungry for content regarding our National Team.

They've gone through several contests in preparation for the FIBA Asia tournament. For Asian ball players, this is the one chance where they can prove themselves to join and compete with the best of world basketball by placing at least runner up. It's only the elimination round and already, Team Pilipinas didn't make it.

Yes my dear friends. After a lot of practice, after so much hard work, and after a dozen of players' interviews viewed on tv and read on a lot of newspapers of their stories and personal testament to the countries quest for an Olympic glory, the national team will go home winless and empty handed.

They put their best performance but the end results tell a different story. They still have a chance and did not vow out of the Olympic qualifying tournament by yielding their first game to Iran.

They managed to keep alive the fragile string of hope by edging China in their second outing. But a team whose name is similar to the greatest basketball player ever to grace this side of the universe, has drain all hopes of the Filipinos to repeat what was made 35 years ago. The feat was the highest for an Asian country by placing third in the Olympics.

The reality now is that we are faced yet again with what are our limits. Basketball is a game where towering human beings usually rule. This loss could either signal an end of an elusive dream. Or it could also spark the fire again to dream and aim high.

I would like to be there when that time comes.

Not a Good Sign

For two consecutive games in the ongoing Jones Cup in Taiwan, Team Pilipinas looked very far from what they are perceived to be in terms of performance. I already mentioned this tournament is not the main goal of the heavily funded national quintet. Their main task is to earn a spot in the 2008 Olympics where they will, hopefully, have the chance to meet the best of basketball.

In order to that, RP-San Miguel National team must earn at least the runner up in the 2007 FIBA-ASIA which is by the way not an easy task. The team that Chot Reyes has been grooming to accomplish that dream will have to battle against China, Iran and Jordan in the elimination round. They must illustrate from themselves a dominant and winning team.

Apparently, our national team has lost two consecutive games right after a promising and good start. They defeated the defending American champions in their first outing but lost to Lebanon on Tuesday and bowed out again versus the Japanese national yesterday. The two losses both came from heart-breaking last second shots.

In their game against the Lebanese, the score was tied at 62 all with three seconds left in the game clock. A couple of passes between the opponents and into the hands of Rony Fahed who delivered a three pointer right before the time expires. The ball banked into the board and off inside the ring putting Lebanon on top, 65-62.

Japan made a similar dagger and pierced it into the hearts of hopeful Filipinos. The ball was intercepted from Dondon Hontiveros and resulted to a fastbreak pass to Yusuke Okada who made the final layup that sealed the game for the Japanese. One second remained in the clock but RP team failed to convert in the end. They led by as much as 12 points but they appeared powerless in the closing minutes and settled for an 86-84 score.

These two losses could determine how much determination and will does the team are composed of. Will they simply work their bodies out for the rest of the tournament for the simple fact that they are part of a national team made to prove the odds wrong? Or will they show us the core they are made of, bring the country the goods they are supposed to bring home after their work outs and practices in and out of the country?

Next week we'€™ll find out when they bag the Jones Cup trophy. And we will cheer them all the way. Nonetheless, the loss to Lebanon and Japan remains a bad sign for a case of a bad dream coming true.

RP-SMB: Jones Cup, the Final Leg

The RP-San Miguel National Team, before they plunged into Tokushima, Japan for the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifying tournament, are headed into the final leg of their very rugged training schedule, The Jones Cup.
And the best way to start the 10-team competition is to beat the defending champion team USA. Playing under the banner of AIA or Athletes in Action, Team Pilipinas defeated the powerhouse US cagers led by the relentless shooting of Jimmy Alapag late in the fourth quarter. He shot a perfect 100% field goal percentage, 5 for 5, and led the nationals in a closing game outburst with contributions from Mark Caguioa, Mick Pennisi and Kerby Raymundo to finish the game, 72-67.

Barakos Even Series Against Phone Pals, 2-2

Import James Penny of Red Bull dunked the ball late in the fourth quarter to even the best of seven series score, 2-2, against Talk and Text Phone Pals. It was an awkward looking dunk coming from deep in the right lane of the basketball court.
Penny however made it appear beautiful with his right hand reaching the ring after passing through defender JJ Sullinger in an almost effortless fashion.

It came at the right moment as it halted the rampage Phone Pals has brewed late, led by Mac Cardona and Sullinger. They've found their rhythm and attempted to bounce back from the game, scoring 20 points for the Filipino and a huge 40 points for the import. But this wasn't enough to contain the big cushion Barakos has created before halftime.

The exclamation point sealed the win for Barakos, 111-104 at the end game.

The semifinals between the two will be decided in the next two games and a possible third.

Step One to Tim Cone's Fear

In the ongoing Fiesta Conference in the country's professional basketball arena, four teams has emerged in the semis, who are now struggling it out in a best of seven series.

• Talk and Text Phone Pals Versus Red Bull Barakos
• Alaska Milkmen Versus San Miguel Beermen

This post is focused on the current situation of Tim Cone's team.

Having been able to accomplish a 2-0 lead in their raise to 4 wins duel, why is it that the coach of Alaska shows a low level of confidence? The loss last night I believe is a first step towards succumbing to the fear of these mighty milkmen. It can be remembered that they were once a great team in the 90's. I still remember the era of Johnny "The Flying A" Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio, Bolado, Jojo Lastimosa and the rest of the Milkmen who were able to bag several championships, including that great matchup against Sunkist Orange when Vergel Meneses can still voyage into the air. That year was a preparatory to their greatness into the decade.

In one of the previous conferences, Alaska has been in a similar situation when they are leading, one of which was already 3-1, and eventually lost the series. It can be regarded as traumatic and rule out any position wherein they will brag themselves assurances of winning the series and reaching the finals.

Last night, they drop the third game against the Beermen, 91-81 was the final score. Could this be the step one to repeating what happened in the past or they could face their fears and shrug any trauma of yesterday's lost?

Unity Cup Underway

Will the Batang Pier bag the grand slam or the Moneymen pass up for a tough challenge?
Forgive me for focusing too much on boxing lately, but, I am trying to absorb the euphoria of amateur basketball that is the PBL.
Philippine Basketball League showcases the future greats of Philippine basketball. And it is only in the creation of Pinoy Balls that I had the chance to watch out for these tournament, when all the majority of fans are watching PBA, and the NBA.
Right now, Harbour-Centre is leading (1-0) the Cebuana-Lhuillier Pera Padala in the best of five Unity Cup series that started last week.
Independence Day, June 12, game 2's tip off will commence at 3:30 pm, Manila time.
Watch out for Kenneth Bono, Doug Kramer and the rest of the Moneymen battles it out, as they hamper the winning momentum of Jason Castro, JC Intal and the Batang Pier cagers.

RP Team Replaces Hatfield with Villanueva

PDI reports the rewarding of Enrico Villanueva as the replacement for Rudy Hatfield in the roster of Team Pilipinas. PhilStar/Abs-CbnNews does the same thing.
Rudy is getting married and plans were already cooked up even before the national team was formed. Team Pilipinas is all set to compete on May 12-20 for the FIBA Asian Champions Cup which will be held in Tehran, Iran. The entry to the tournament was made possible after amateur team RP-Harbour Centre won the SEABA Champions Cup held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
So what's there to watch out for before the big tournament?
Set your celphone alarms and cancel your appointments on Tuesday evening, because a collection of PBA Fiesta Conference imports namely:

• Rod Neely of Ginebra,
• James Penny of Red Bull,
• Galen Young of San Miguel,
• Wayland White and Alex Compton of Welcoat,
• Marquin Chandler of Purefoods,
• Shawn Daniels of Air21,
• Rosell Ellis of Alaska,
• Jeff Varen of Coca-Cola,
• J.J. Salinger of Talk ‘N Text, and,
• Jamaal Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty

will test the core of Team Pilipinas. That's an exciting game to witness the national squad perform what they've been sweating out in their not-so-easy practices in and out of the country.

Time-Out

I took a break from writing for this blog to focus on re-organizing my other blog. It took me at least a couple of weeks to finally refocus on my writing routine and check out several sports update.

Palarong Pambansa Kicks-off at Koronadal City

PSC Chairman William Ramirez headed the opening yesterday of 2007 Palarong Pambansa in South Cotabato Complex, Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The Palaro is believed to be a good source of new talents and upcoming sports heroes. This is where the likes of Lydia de Vega(track and field), Erik Buhain (swimming), and Elma Muroz (long jump) were discovered.

Manny Pacquiao crushes Jorge Solis

This is quite old news already, but the pound-for-pound fighter from General Santos City has made an unknown fighter famous for being one of the many Mexicans whom he defeated. Solis kissed the canvass twice in the 8th round before referee called it quits. Now, Pacquiao is getting ready to fight another battle, but this time, in the halls of Philippine Election. He is running for a congressional seat in Gen San against the incumbent representative Darlene Antonio-Custodio.

Team Philippines Captures SEABA Qualifying Tournament

Amateur Team Harbour Centre-RP demolished team SM-Indonesia for the SEABA Club Championship crown. This highlighted the re-entry of the nation into the international scene after the suspension of the Philippines in FIBA sanctioned tournaments.

Import Chandler Saves the Day

Last night’s PBA main event witnessed a great game between two winless teams in the 2007 Fiesta Conference Cup. Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs and San Miguel Beermen both have suffered the worst team start with 0-3 win-loss card.

Prior the game, both teams have made major adjustments to their rosters hoping to stop the drain from losing. Purefoods re-tapped the services of Marquin Chandler whom he helped win big games last year, while San Miguel changed the coaching profile with Siot Tanquingcen leading the Beermen.

However, it appears Purefoods have been favored the wish from the blue fairy. With Chandler reinforcing the team, he amassed an impressive output of 33 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assist with a crucial defensive stop, completely denying the last shot of SMB import Paul McMillan that could have possibly put the game in overtime.

The TJ Hotdogs trailed in the entire ballgame but was able to bounce back. 1:36 in the game clock, Chandler drop-pass the ball to Richard Yee who was all alone in the shaded lane. Yee’s lay-up put the Purefoods ahead with 76-75.

McMillan retaliated with an awkward shot in the middle that came from a looseball, 76-77, the time was 44 seconds remaining.

In an effort to be heroic and lift the team further, Chandler forces a shot that went off the backboard and into the hands of a lone Rey Evangelista for a quick put back regaining the 1-point lead.

Chris Calaguio passed the ball and got interfered in the process, putting the Beermen trapped in the losing end.

Shooting from the free throw line, Chandler only made one of the two, cementing the final score 79-77.

The Beermen still have the chance to tie the ballgame but its import, McMillan failed to make the first free throw that came from a Chandler foul. The second shot was intentionally missed gambling for a rebound and a quick put back.

The plan, however, was foiled by Chandler when he blocked Dorian Peña underneath the basket with only 2 seconds before the buzzer.

Purefoods went home with their first victory while San Miguel added another loss to a string of consecutive defeats.

Arwind Santos is the New Main Man

I was able to watched late night Philippine basketball over at ABC 5 with Air21 Express annihilating last conference's runner up San Miguel Beermen. Fourth quarter, more than 5 minutes left in the game, Air21 has already concocted a huge 14-point lead that made the Beermen appear lifeless and unwilling to bounce back.

There was no mob in the audience that could spur inspiration to the losing party but only bunch of eager fanatics of both sides. Since, a full house Araneta Coliseum happens only when Barangay Ginebra are wearing their jerseys and pushing balls.

However, last night's game was quite boring in the end. San Miguel beermen had a small fire burning down the stretch and trimmed the lead by as much as 8 points. I was waiting for the outburst to come but to no avail. Several three point shots from LA Tenorio went hay wire and turn the ball over to Air21.

It was, however, Arwind Santos who packed the goods for the Express. With a double-double outing, he helped his team trample on the Beermen, 88-78 as the final score. He put up a leading score of 18 points, 10 rebounds, shot 5 of 6 free throws and was hailed as the best player of the game.

I'll be keeping an eye on this guy. It is probable that he will make a name for himself that will put him in the pedestal where former greats such as Alvin Patrimonio and Vergel Meneses dwell.

RP's National Heroes

During my travel to Bohol and the islands beyond last December of 2006, I had the slightest idea that I would be having a photo-op with a promising national hero. His name is Chot Reyes and he has currently on his shoulders the biggest task put ever in Philippine Basketball history since the time when our country is in the limelight of the sport.

Coach Chot is to lead the newly revamped RP Team that were taken from a pool of professional PBA players. These players were announced late February as plans for hoisting the elusive chance of playing for the World Olympics is being revealed.

The 2007 national team will be composed of 5 guards, 5 forwards and 2 centers with 3 proxies that will join the team’s preparation. They are:

The Guards

• Jimmy Alapag, from Talk and Text
• Renren Ritualo, from Talk and Text also.
• Mark Caguioa, from Ginebra San Miguel
• Jayjay Helterbrand, also from Ginebra San Miguel
• Dondon Hontiveros from San Miguel Beer

The Forwards

• Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods
• Rudy Hatfield of Ginebra San Miguel
• Danny Seigle of San Miguel Beer
• Air 21s Ranidel Ocampo
• Tony Dela Cruz of Alaska Aces
  

The Center

• Mick Pennisi of Red Bull
• Asi Taulava of Talk and Text
  

The Alternatives

• Enrico Villanueva of Red Bull
• Rommel Adducul of San Miguel Beer
• Rafi Reavis of Ginebra San Miguel
  

Except for the alternates which will stay at home and be called upon whenever alternate or replacement is necessary, the 12-man roster will sweat it hard enough and play to their very best so we could win a spot to play for the Olympics. They have to struggle through these tournaments for them to reach that goal.

• SEABA Qualifying Tournament for FIBA-Asian Champion’s Cup, Indonesia on April 9 – 14
• SEABA, Bangkok Thailand, May 24 – 28

If they win in SEABA and place at least a runner up, they will automatically gain a slot to the FIBA-Asia Olympic Qualifier which we hope they would win to play for the real deal, the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Olympic Qualifying tournament will be held in Tokushima Japan in July.

The list is easy to memorize but still very hard to picture the moment we are being awarded the Olympic berth, since in the past years, neighboring countries such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan have shown similar determination and will, albeit, China is still a powerhouse to reckon with.

When that day comes, Coach Chot Reyes will be a national hero and so the rest of the "Team Pilipinas".

Pinoy Balls

Hi there blog hopper! I am a pinoy (and proud to be one!) and I am starting this site that will blog about Philippine sports. A niche of all the sports that Filipino plays and love.
Please join me as I write about how basketball has been considered as the god of all sports. And why we are not pouring a lot of our energy in pursuing other events such as soccer or football, where we have a greater possibility of ruling the sport.
Welcome to Pinoy Balls!