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All Stars raring to inspire kids, wow fans
There’s an air of nostalgia as captains Mark Barroca and Japeth Aguilar led the entourage that arrived here yesterday for the weekend’s PBA All Star festivities......»»
Kai’s last chance
Up to now, Kai Sotto’s stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup remains unclear. Sure, he has been in the country for over two weeks and has been attending some Gilas Pilipinas events, but the fact that he has yet to actually train with his teammates is making Chot Reyes anxious. Sotto is tipped to play a crucial role in the Gilas squad. His 7-foot-3 frame, athleticism and feathery shooting touch from the perimeter will be needed when the Filipinos battle the best players in the world in the prestigious basketball spectacle from 25 August to 10 September. But it will be impossible for Reyes to involve Sotto in his game plan if he has yet to actually see him banging bodies with his fellow big men like World Cup veterans June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, as well as rising star AJ Edu. It is no secret that Sotto’s dream is to make it to the National Basketball Association. He was still a gangly kid when he started joining the Junior NBA program before moving to Ateneo de Manila University and eventually donning the national colors in various age-group events — the biggest and most prestigious was the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Greece. A lot of offers came his way, including a chance to play for prestigious European clubs like Alba Berlin, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Baskonia, but Sotto, then 17, decided to bring his talent to the United States — not to enter play at the collegiate level — but to make a daring leap straight into the NBA. After training at The Skill Factory, he joined Team Ignite, a developmental team in the NBA G League that aims to prepare athletes for the NBA. At Team Ignite, Sotto showed some promise as he played for former Los Angeles Lakers coach Brian Shaw together with future NBA players Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Daishen Nix, and Isiah Todd. But when Team Ignite was about to start its season and enter the G League bubble in Orlando, Sotto shockingly flew home and joined Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Ignite eventually dropped Sotto, prompting him to look for other ways to realize his dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to make it to the NBA. He found one in Australia. He played for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League and had some measure of success. In fact, he was able to gauge his prowess when the 36ers played against Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns in an NBA preseason match. After a couple of seasons in Australia, he moved to Japan to play for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the B League. He had some impressive games, but it wasn’t enough to earn the attention of NBA coaches, scouts, and talent evaluators. Still, he joined the NBA Summer League. Playing against veteran free agents, journeymen, and incoming rookies looking to earn spots on the opening-day rosters of NBA teams, Sotto rode the Orlando Magic bench in their first three games before making his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording six points, four rebounds and three blocks in their 71-88 loss. Sotto tried to play in his fifth game, but he was slowed down by a back injury. His return to Manila was surrounded by controversy as he failed to join the Gilas squad that was set to go to China for the final leg of its preparations for the World Cup. He opted to stay home to “rest and recover” from his back injury. Until when? It’s something that only Sotto and his American handlers know. But Sotto should realize that the doors of the NBA are slowly closing on him. He already made a bad decision by snubbing the invitations of top European clubs as well as prestigious American collegiate programs like Kentucky, Georgia Tech and Auburn that could have helped him develop his game and gain confidence while playing against kids his age. Instead of staying patient and working on his game away from the prying eyes of NBA scouts, he rushed the process by signing up with Team Ignite before committing another massive blunder of flying back to Manila just before the G League season tipped off. Now he has only one chance — the FIBA Basketball World Cup. A lot of Filipinos ranging from Johnny Abarrientos to Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks all tried — and failed — to make it to the NBA. On the contrary, Sotto is being presented with a rare opportunity to display his talent and carry the torch in a world-class event. Sadly, despite repeatedly saying that he is ready, his body language suggests that he is reluctant to step up to serve as the hero of this basketball-crazy nation. The clock is ticking for Sotto. The doors of the NBA are slowly closing right before his very eyes. He has to lace his sneakers, grab that Gilas jersey, and play his heart out for the country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup before he becomes another “what if” in the history of Philippine basketball. The post Kai’s last chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NBA: Warriors win against Magic despite Green ejection
The Golden State Warriors, fueled by 23 points from Andrew Wiggins and two late baskets by Stephen Curry, beat the Magic 101-93 in Orlando, despite the ejection of Draymond Green just 3 minutes 36 seconds into the contest. Curry was left shaking his head when Green was tossed, receiving two quick technical fouls for heatedly.....»»
Andrea Brillantes niregaluhan ng Rolex nina Whamos at Antonette
NAWINDANG ang Kapamilya actress na si Andrea Brillantes matapos itong makatanggap ng mamahaling relo na Rolex mula sa social media personalities na sina Whamos Cruz at Antonette Gail del Rosario. Sa isang video na ibinahagi ni Whamos sa kanyang Facebook page ay sinurpresa nila ang dalaga na nag-celebrate ng birthday kamakailan. “Mayroon na naman tayong.....»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»
Moira Dela Torre highlights value of giving credit following viral copyright issue
Moira Dela Torre weighed in on the viral copyright issue and said that it is important to give credit where credit is due. .....»»
Sheryl na-starstruck kay Ate Guy; Martin may pa-Tortang Talong!
HINDI napigilan ng Kapuso actress at singer na si Sheryl Cruz ang magpaka-fan girl nang makita up close and personal ang Superstar na si Nora Aunor. Inamin ng seasoned actress na na-starstruck siya nang makasama ang National Artist sa taping ng GMA afternoon series na “Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law.” Baka Bet Mo: Ellen hinamon ng netizens.....»»
Moira’s advice to people on weight loss journey: ‘Don’t be too hard on yourself’
Moira dela Torre disclosed that she became bulimic at one point during her weight loss journey......»»
Davao police clueless on Quiboloy’s whereabouts
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Police authorities in the Davao region claim they are still clueless on the whereabouts of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. The Senate had earlier ordered the arrest of Quiboloy for his continued refusal to attend its investigation of alleged human trafficking and child abuse. Police major Catheine Dela Rey, Police […].....»»
Police beef up security in Davao region for Holy Week
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 March) – Around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure various areas in the Davao region for the Holy Week observance, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao said on Monday. Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, PRO-Davao spokesperson, said the deployment of more security personnel was intended to ensure that […].....»»
Cool Smashers eye solo PVL lead
Creamline guns for the solo lead while Cignal seeks a share of it as the two collide in a battle of the giants Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena......»»
All-Out fight for top spot?
Creamline guns for the solo lead when it collides with Cignal in a battle of the giants today in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena......»»
James Yap fulfilled after record All-Star appearance in Bacolod homecoming
James Yap claims the record for most PBA All-Star Game selections, seeing action for Team Mark in an entertaining clash with Team Japeth that ended in a draw in Bacolod City.....»»
PBA All-Stars settle for draw
The 2024 PBA All-Star ended in a draw as Team Mark came from behind against Team Japeth, 140-140, Sunday night at the University of St. La Salle gymnasium in Bacolod......»»
I bloom on my own : Moira Dela Torre named Hitmaker at 1st Women in Music
Moira Dela Torre was a picture of calmness as she walked the blue carpet and later received her Hitmaker award at the first-ever Billboard Philippines Women in Music last Friday in SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. .....»»
Who’ll be All-Star Game MVP?
Scottie Thompson, nursing a bad back, won’t be able to play for coach Tim Cone’s Team Japeth against coach Jorge Gallent’s Team Mark in the highlight of the PBA All-Star extravaganza at the University of St. La Salle gym in Bacolod City tonight......»»
Locked in: UE star rookie Casiey Dongallo dispels transfer rumors after 6-game skid
UE super rookie Casiey Dongallo quickly shuts down fast-swirling rumors of her looming exit from the Lady Warriors despite going through a lengthy six-game losing streak.....»»
UAAP men’s volleyball: Tamaraws win 3rd straight; Falcons sweep Red Warriors
Far Eastern University Tamaraws won their third straight game in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament after carving out a five-set victory over the La Salle Green Spikers, 16-25, 25-21, 34-32, 20-25, 15-8, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum......»»
Unstoppable Dongallo tows Lady Warriors past Lady Falcons
Casiey Dongallo could not be stopped......»»
Squires, Junior Altas play for all the marbles
Letran seeks to bury the ghost of Game 2 while University of Perpetual Help hopes to relive its glory as the two battle each other in Saturday’s rubber match at the Filoil EcoOil Arena that will determine who brings home the NCAA Season 99 junior basketball trophy......»»