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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......»»
Lady Spikers in crucial tiff vs Lady Tamaraws
Defending champion La Salle, after a minor bump in the first round, begins its crucial second-round campaign today in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum......»»
Lady Spikers begin push for top spot
Defending champion La Salle, after a slight stumble in the first round, wants some serious business to regain its rightful place on top when it begins its crucial second-round campaign in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum......»»
Blue Eagles, Saints make UCBL Final Four
Ateneo Team B and St. Clare College-Caloocan bested their respective rivals to complete the semis cast in the PG Flex Linoleum-UCBL Invitational Tournament on Tuesday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City......»»
UCBL cagefest: Ateneo forges semis clash vs San Sebastian
Ateneo Team B and St. Clare College-Caloocan bested their respective rivals to complete the semis cast in the PG Flex Linoleum-UCBL Invitational Tournament on Tuesday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City......»»
Bahay leads Magis Eagles to dominating win against Taiwan high school team
PANGLAO, Bohol, Philippines — The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) flexed its might against the visiting National Yi Lan School of Taiwan, 82-71, in the ongoing 4th San Remigio Properties Basketball Tournament Invitational Cup on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the Magis Eagles Stadium in Mandaue City, Cebu. It was a complete contrast of […] The post Bahay leads Magis Eagles to dominating win against Taiwan high school team appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Bagunas: Go for sweep
National University great Bryan Bagunas urges the current Bulldogs to not only shoot for a three-peat but to complete a rare sweep of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season men’s volleyball tournament. The former league Most Valuable Player and star of NU’s last two titles is confident the still unbeaten NU squad has the right pieces to achieve the feat. Bagunas took time in his busy schedule to prepare for his wedding in June to drop by the Bulldogs’ game against University of the East last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena and he liked what he saw. “I’m really proud of this team,” the former alpha Bulldog said after witnessing NU’s straight sets crushing of UE for its 12th win in as many games. Bagunas, a veteran internationalist who just recently won the MVP honors in Taiwan’s Top League after leading WinStreak to the crown, during his five-year UAAP stint won two titles for the Bulldogs including the 2019 championship before the division went into a three-year pandemic hiatus. He, however, did not experience a season sweep which the current generation of NU players have a chance to realize. “I messaged my juniors now leading the team, especially those who are graduating to try to get that sweep,” he said. “They can give that historic feat to NU.” The then Marck Espejo-led Ateneo de Manila University back in Season 79 was the last men’s team to rule the contest unscathed. “Of course, winning the championship is the most important thing but completing a sweep of the season would be a big bonus to give back to NU,” Bagunas said. The Bulldogs have two more games remaining in the elimination round. If NU hurdles its last assignments it will clinch an outright best-of-three Finals seat and will have the luxury of long rest while three other teams duke it out in stepladder semifinals. But it won’t be an easy mission for the Bulldogs as they will be facing a dangerous second-running University of Santo Tomas side today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. NU wraps up its elims campaign on Saturday against Ateneo. The post Bagunas: Go for sweep appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chot sees solid turnout
The buildup of the Gilas Pilipinas team tasked to regain supremacy of the Southeast Asian Games next month in Cambodia intensifies this Wednesday. Head coach Chot Reyes was thinking of holding a workout Monday but he opted to call it off and scheduled a scrimmage instead on Wednesday so all the invited players can attend. Key players from newly-crowned Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup champion TNT and Barangay Ginebra are expected to show up as the preparations for the 5 to 17 May sportsfest enters the twilight zone. “We’re not yet complete (by Monday), so most likely we will hold it on Wednesday,” Reyes said. ‘Hopefully I’ll get selected.’ Whether this is going to be the start of the daily workout remains to be seen. “That’s the plan,” Jong Uichico, another Gilas assistant coach, said. Mikey Williams, who just won his second title and second Finals Most Valuable Player award in the process, will lead the Gilas pool players coming from TNT and he will be joined by Calvin Oftana and Poy Erram. For Oftana, getting selected and being able to play for Gilas in the SEA Games will be a dream come true. “Hopefully I’ll get selected,” said Oftana, who just won his first championship in the PBA right in his first finals appearance. Roger Pogoy, who was originally included in the expanded pool, will miss the action in the SEA Games as he suffered a fractured pinky which will sideline him for the next six weeks. Justin Brownlee, the beloved Barangay Ginebra import, and the Philippine team’s newest naturalized player, will once again backstop Gilas’ campaign along with fellow Gin Kings Scottie Thompson, Governors’ Cup Best Player of the Conference winner Christian Standhardinger, highly-athletic wingman Jamie Malonzo, Jeremiah Gray and returning 6-foot-9 center/forward Japeth Aguilar. Aguilar is coming off a knee injury which forced him to miss the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers held a few months ago at the Philippine Arena. “In the meantime, it’s going to be back to work for us, Justin, Scottie, Jamie, Christian and hopefully Japeth, he can continue to get better,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who also serves as one of the assistant coaches of Reyes. “It’s back to work for us, so no rest for the weary.” But Gilas also have several other prospects outside of the two protagonists in the recent championship series. San Miguel Beer stars CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross are eager play as well as Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort, a long-time member of the pool. Meralco stars Chris Newsome and Aaron Black had also worked out in the previous training session, so as brothers Michael and Ben Philipps from La Salle and incoming Ateneo freshman Mason Amos. Last year, the Philippines was dethroned as king of the SEA Games after losing the gold medal match to Indonesia in Hanoi. The post Chot sees solid turnout appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU boosts semis bid
Games Wednesday: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (men’s) 12 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (women’s) 2 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (women’s) 4 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (men’s) Defending champion National University narrowed the Final Four race after a convincing win over Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Lady Bulldogs assured themselves of at least a playoff for a semis seat with their third straight win that put them in a three-way tie at the second spot together with idle University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University with an 8-3 win-loss record. Alyssa Solomon showed the way in NU’s win that gifted league-leading De La Salle University an automatic ticket to its 13th straight Final Four appearance while booting out Ateneo de Manila University (4-7) of contention. Solomon, the reigning Best Opposite Spiker, dropped 18 points, including 17 attacks. “I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game,” Solomon said as she and skipper Ces Robles faced the media after head coach Karl Dimaculangan declined to grant an interview for the third straight time. Season 84 Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Bella Belen got 14 points and accounted for 13 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 48 attack points while freshman Vange Alinsug chipped in with 12 markers, 12 digs and two excellent receptions. The Lady Tamaraws were pushed to the brink of elimination in the semis race as they slid to a 5-6 card but not after giving the Lady Bulldogs a scare in the third set. ‘I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game.’ FEU took a 23-21 lead on a Jovelyn Fernandez hit followed by a Solomon attack error. Back-to-back errors by the Lady Tamaraws tied the set at 23 before Belen and Robles sealed the sweep with consecutive attacks. Fernandez and Chenie Tagaod had seven markers each to lead the Morayta-based squad. The Lady Tamaraws still have an outside chance of making it to the semis if they win their last three games in the eliminations and pray that one from UST, Adamson and NU won’t reach nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four seat. FEU will face Ateneo, who missed the semis for the first time in 14 years, on Wednesday. In men’s play, three-peat-seeking and unbeaten Bulldogs grabbed a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage after beating the Tamaraws, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, for their 11th straight win. Buds Buddin led four other NU players in double figures with 24 points with all but one coming from attacks and had 22 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras and Kennry Malinis got 17 and 13 markers, respectively, while Obed Mukaba and Gerard Diao finished with 12 each for the Bulldogs’ 29th straight win overall since 2019. “It was a great game. Both teams gave their best, it’s just that we were able to exploit our advantage. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sustain our momentum in our next game,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. The Bulldogs’ win drew the team to just three more wins to complete an elimination sweep for an outright Finals berth. A sweep by NU will force a step-ladder semifinals. The post NU boosts semis bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU boosts semis bid
Games Wednesday: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (men’s) 12:00 p.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (women’s) 2 p.m. -- La Salle vs Adamson (women’s) 4 p.m. -- La Salle vs Adamson (men’s) Defending champion National University narrowed the Final Four race after a convincing win over Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Lady Bulldogs assured themselves of at least a playoff for a semis seat with their third straight win that put them in a three-way tie at the second spot together with idle University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University with an 8-3 win-loss record. Alyssa Solomon showed the way in NU’s win that gifted league-leading De La Salle University an automatic ticket to its 13th straight Final Four appearance while booting out Ateneo de Manila University (4-7) of contention. Solomon, the reigning Best Opposite Spiker, dropped 18 points, including 17 attacks. “I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game,” Solomon said as she and skipper Ces Robles faced the media after head coach Karl Dimaculangan declined to grant an interview for the third straight time. Season 84 Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Bella Belen got 14 points and accounted for 13 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 48 attack points while freshman Vange Alinsug chipped in with 12 markers, 12 digs and two excellent receptions. The Lady Tamaraws were pushed to the brink of elimination in the semis race as they slid to a 5-6 card but not after giving the Lady Bulldogs a scare in the third set. FEU took a 23-21 lead on a Jovelyn Fernandez hit followed by a Solomon attack error. Back-to-back errors by the Lady Tamaraws tied the set at 23 before Belen and Robles sealed the sweep with consecutive attacks. Fernandez and Chenie Tagaod had seven markers each to lead the Morayta-based squad. The Lady Tamaraws still have an outside chance of making it to the semis if they win their last three games in the eliminations and pray that one from UST, Adamson and NU won’t reach nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four seat. FEU will face Ateneo, who missed the semis for the first time in 14 years, on Wednesday. In men’s play, three-peat-seeking and unbeaten Bulldogs grabbed a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage after beating the Tamaraws, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, for their 11th straight win. Buds Buddin led four other NU players in double figures with 24 points with all but one coming from attacks and had 22 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras and Kennry Malinis got 17 and 13 markers, respectively, while Obed Mukaba and Gerard Diao finished with 12 each for the Bulldogs’ 29th straight win overall since 2019. "It was a great game. Both teams gave their best, it’s just that we were able to exploit our advantage. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sustain our momentum in our next game," NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. The Bulldogs’ win drew the team to just three more wins to complete an elimination sweep for an outright Finals berth. A sweep by NU will force a step-ladder semifinals. The post NU boosts semis bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lady Bulldogs overpower Lady Eagles
National University ran into a game Ateneo as it fashioned out a 25-8, 25-19, 16-25, 25-19 victory yesterday to complete a Pool C sweep in the Shakey’s Super League at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum......»»
Always About the People
“Solid!” That was the only reaction, or lack thereof, that I could muster after that first breakaway slam of Kiefer Ravena’s UAAP collegiate basketball career over the outstretched arms of UST’s foreign center, Karim Abdul. Moments before, you could see Kiefer was going to go hard, as it was a one-on-one breakaway and he had the speed advantage over Abdul, who was hot on his heels. Little did I know that he was going to go for that highlight that would announce his entry into college basketball. That reaction, that loss for words, can pretty much sum up my past 10 years of covering college basketball for ABS-CBN Sports. They first asked me to write about my most memorable UAAP game coverage; but I must confess, I was never really good at remembering exact details of games, unlike some of my fellow sportscasters, or even coaches I know, who remember almost detail for detail, or play by play. My memories come in highlights, or sometimes even just flashes of good or memorable plays. I remember a 6’8”, 18-year old Ben Mbala, whom we first saw a glimpse of while Anton Roxas and I were covering the CESAFI league in the hot and humid Cebu Coliseum, sometime around 2012. He was playing for the Southwestern University Cobras, wasn’t as built and polished as when he was with DLSU, but you could already see the raw talent and athleticism. Fast forward a few years, I remember well how he took the UAAP by storm, with his monster dunks, and how he piloted La Salle to a championship while winning league MVP in Season 79. I remember the heralded rookie season of Kiefer Ravena in the men’s division, after a storied juniors career. Kiefer won Rookie of the Year honors and helped lead Ateneo to two more titles to round up their 5-peat, before it was Jeron Teng’s turn to lead the Green Archers to a championship over his elder brother Jeric and the UST Growling Tigers. I remember Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and his back-to-back MVP seasons. He was arguably the most complete college player during that time. It was painful to see his team fall short especially during his second MVP year. The Bulldogs made history the year after though, with Alfred Aroga, Troy Rosario, and Gelo Alolino now at the helm, winning the school’s first ever championship after more than forty years. I would argue that the past decade saw some of the brightest UAAP college basketball stars, both local and foreign, take to the hard court. It would almost be unfair to start naming them because I’ll surely end up leaving some names worthy enough to be mentioned. But we all remember Greg Slaughter, Ryan Buenafe, RR Garcia, Terence Romeo, Mac Belo, RR Pogoy, Roi Sumang, Charles Mamie, Alex Nuyles, Jericho Cruz, Papi Sarr, Jeron Teng, Jason Perkins, Aljun Melecio, Kiefer and Thirdy, Bobby Ray, Alfred Aroga, Kevin Ferrer, Karim Abul, Jeric Teng, Ange Kuoame, Matt and Mike Nieto, Paul Desiderio, Juan GDL, and the list goes on and on… all of them making their mark in the UAAP the past ten years. Aside from the highlights, there were the more mundane, behind-the-scenes memories, especially covering out-of-town games when we used to do the CESAFI and the PCCL. That was basketball coverage at its purest. There was a time we traveled to Lanao Del Sur to cover the Mindanao regional selection of the PCCL. Lanao was about another two to three hour drive from Cagayan de Oro along a dark highway with trees and mountains all around; and where there was only one mall in the entire town. Or when we traveled by van to La Union to cover the north regional selection of the PCCL… or even staying a whole week at the Cebu Grand Hotel, for the VisMin regional selection. Coverages then were bare bones: no real-time stats or live graphics, and I would even sometimes have to tally the points and rebounds of each player in-game on my notebook just so that I’d have some semblance of stats to mention on the coverage. Still, those games were so much fun because the players, getting their first shot at national TV coverage, would leave everything out on the floor. In a year or so, both the UAAP and the NCAA will announce their respective new homes, and new broadcast teams will have the privilege of covering the best collegiate basketball players in the country. That’s how the ball bounces. I’m a firm believer that in life there are seasons, and a perfect time for everything. I’m just thankful for the opportunities thrown my way. If you were to ask me why the coverage of the UAAP helped build the league into what it is today, my answer would be simple: it was always about the people. At the end of the day, what makes the UAAP and its coverage great are the stories of the people that play, coach, officiate, cover, and run the games. It’s not really about the championships or the awards, but rather the challenges, hardships, and journeys of each of the individuals that brought them there. And it is also about the directors, producers, cameramen, reporters and make-up artists that make sure that the audience sees what is supposed to be seen – the winning basket, a fan’s priceless reaction, the agony in defeat, and the glory of victory. It’s what Boom Gonzalez or Mico Halili would always say, that our job as anchors and analysts is to tell the people watching at home the story of what is happening in the game in the best way possible. I just want to tip my hat to all the people that allowed us to do our jobs the best way possible. From our directors, producers, cameramen, floor directors, fellow panelists, courtside reporters, league officials, statisticians, make-up artists, and all those people behind the scenes whom we worked with, know that we were able to give our best because of you; and the UAAP coverage will not be what it is if not for all of your hard work and dedication. It was, is, and will always be about the people. Marco Benitez was the team captain for the Ateneo Blue Eagles when they won the UAAP Season 65 men's seniors basketball title in 2002. Marco eventually covered collegiate basketball as analyst for ABS-CBN Sports starting in 2010. He is presently the President of the Philippine Women's University (PWU)......»»
Nagdalawang-isip ako dahil kay Coach Tai -- Galanza on playing for Creamline
Jema Galanza is one of the top hitters of the star-studded Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League. Her all-around game and consistent performance makes her a vital cog for the Cool Smashers, who have won three titles since Galanza joined the pink-clad club team two years ago. But apparently, the former Adamson University standout had some second thoughts about staying with Creamline after her first conference back in 2018. All because of her fear of Cool Smashers coach Tai Bundit and his well-known Spartan-like training program. “Nagdadalawang-isip ako sa totoo lang dahil kay Coach Tai,” Galanza shared on Volleyball DNA. “Kinakabahan ako. Baka mamatay ako [sa training].” However, Galanza chose to stay and be mentored and trained by the same coach that steered Ateneo de Manila University to back-to-back titles in the UAAP. “Pero sabi ko sige na nga. Lahat naman ng mga players niya gumaling so mag-stay na lang ako,” said Galanza. It proved to be a great career decision for Galanza as Creamline won its second PVL title and completed a sweep of the Open and Reinforced Conferences that year. Galaza then got her biggest break in the 2019 Open Conference, when Bundit put his trust on her to carry Creamline’s scoring chores. She played her role well during the stretch when ace hitter Alyssa Valdez missed a string of games because of a foot injury and training stint with the national team. Galanza, who signed with Creamline on a ‘temporary’ playing deal before getting an extension, helped the Cool Smashers complete a tournament sweep and was eventually honored as Conference Most Valuable Player and 1st Best Outside Spiker. Looking back, Galanza admitted that Bundit’s training style is indeed not for the faint-hearted. “Naiyak din ako habang nagti-training,” she said. “Pero at least naging OK naman.” --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
10 things that make Alyssa Valdez phenomenal
Alyssa Valdez has arguably made the biggest impact in Philippine volleyball. Her skills, passion and charisma endeared her to volleyball supporters, purists or casual fans, from all walks of life. She brings energy and leadership to every team that she’s joined. Valdez draws a huge crowd every time she plays. Valdez is the poster girl of the sport that for years struggled to draw mainstream attention in a nation which considers basketball as its biggest sporting event. The 27-year old pride of San Juan, Batangas is the face of local volleyball. So on her birthday today, let’s look at some of the things that makes the Phenom really phenomenal. Two-time UAAP women’s champion Valdez is Ateneo de Manila University’s undisputed Queen Eagle. Talks about the Lady Eagles’ breakthrough championship will not be complete without the mention of her name. After two years of bridesmaid finishes, Ateneo bagged its first-ever UAAP title in 2014 after beating the thrice-to-beat De La Salle University in four games in the Finals despite leading a young band of Lady Eagles playing under the new system of Thai coach Tai Bundit. The following year, Ateneo, with Valdez at the helm, retained its crown in a tournament-sweeping fashion. Three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Her skills during her collegiate career stood out among her peers. Valdez’s effort was rewarded with three Most Valuable Player awards in Season 76, Season 77 and in her last playing year in Season 78 in 2016. She also pocketed the Season 76 Finals MVP award. Young phenom Valdez didn’t build her reputation overnight. It was her hard work and effort that brought her where she is right now. She was still a diamond in the rough when she was recruited by University of Sto. Tomas in a regional meet. But the Espana-based squad polished Valdez into a real gem of a player. Valdez, backed by a powerful lineup that featured the likes of Kim Fajardo and Jaja Santiago, won three straight UAAP girls’ titles and in the process collected three season MVPs. She was also named UAAP high school athlete of the year twice. National team mainstay With her talents, dedication and good work ethics, Valdez has been a mainstay with the national team. Her first tour of duty was in 2008 when she represented the country in the Asian Youth Championship held in Pasig City. She joined the PHI Team in the 2014 FIVB Southeast Asian Zone qualifier in Vietnam. In 2015, she donned the tricolors for the Asian U-23 Championship and on the same year saw action in the country’s return in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore after a decade of absence. Since then Valdez participated in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur and 2019 Manila SEA Games. She also took part in the 2017 Asian Senior Women’s Championship and the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. 2015 SEA Games flagbearer Valdez also carries the honor as being the first-ever volleyball player to become the PHI flag-bearer in the SEA Games. She marched holding the national color in front of Team Philippines during the traditional parade of nations inside the OCBC Arena in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games. Accomplished commercial league star She has been collecting commercial league titles since high school starting from the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League. Valdez was also successful in the different conferences of the defunct V-League, racking up championships and individual accolades. In the Premier Volleyball League, she powered Creamline to three titles including a sweep of the Season 2 Reinforced and Open Conferences in 2018. She won three conference MVP awards. Import abroad International leagues took notice of Valdez’s talents and charm so it’s not surprising that she landed offers to play abroad. Valdez played as an import in Thailand for 3BB Nakornnont from 2016 to 2017. After her stint in Thailand, Valdez flew to Taiwan to play for Attack Line. Host, Actress, TV personality Valdez is a regular fixture in different sports shows in ABS-CBN S+A. She’s a host, courtside reporter and a game analyst. Valdez also had a few showbiz stints. She appeared in some Kapamilya teleserye including a cameo in ‘And I Love You So’ in 2016 alongside Julia Barretto and Miles Ocampo and in the movie ‘My Letters to Happy’ with by TJ Trinidad and Glaiza De Castro. Aside from her TV and movie career, Valdez is also one of the most recognizable athlete product endorsers. Social media influencer She is also one of the most popular Filipino athlete on social media. As of posting, Valdez has 1.9 million Twitter followers, 1.3 million followers on Instagram and her YouTube channel has more than 76,000 subscribers. Featured in the Olympics Channel website While the likes of Sisi Rondina, Jaja Santiago and Bryan Bagunas were featured in the FIVB website, Valdez’s impact on Philippine Volleyball was highlighted in a feature article in no less than the Olympic Channel website. The article touched about her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise and why she is regarded as the nation’s brightest star in the sport. These are just some of the things take make Valdez a true pride of our nation in the sport Happy birthday, Alyssa!.....»»
UAAP Executive Director on Tab Baldwin: 'Important to know context of what he said'
The UAAP has no problems with comments made by Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin that have caused some sort of controversy as of late. “Insofar as the UAAP is concerned, maganda ang sinasbi about us so no problem,” league executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag said in the Philippine Sportswriters Association online forum on Tuesday. “Whether or not he uttered something that caused a stir among other organizations, we respect that kasi kanilang organization yun eh.” In last week’s Coaches Unfiltered podcast, Coach Tab said that the PBA’s imports stand on higher ground than local players. “A foul for a local player isn’t a foul on an import. Our local players are competitively disadvantaged in their ability to compete against imports,” he said. He then continued, “I do believe that this is based in the desire to have imports as superstars as a marketing tool for the PBA.” The multi-titled mentor then compared the PBA’s imports to the UAAP’s foreign student-athletes. As he put it, “I don’t think that the UAAP needs a marketing tool. It’s already a fantastic marketing vehicle by itself so I think that, on the back of that, we don’t see (foreign student-athletes) being coddled by referees.” The brilliant tactician also touched on what he coined as “tactical immaturity” of local coaches - many of whom have not wasted time voicing out opposition to his claims. Saguisag, however, also reminded everybody to have the complete picture before sharing their mind. “It’s important to know the context of what he said,” he shared. He then continued, “I never watched it in full nor have I read the transcript in full, but it’s very irresponsible to comment on something that you do not appreciate.” Coach Tab is well-known for his long and winding answers to questions. Regarding his view on local coaches, he was inquired by host Paolo Layug, “What are some of the similarities and differences between Philippine basketball and other places you’ve coached in? What is one thing about Philippine coaching culture that surprised you when you got here?” After his initial answer of what he perceives to be “tactical immaturity” of local coaches, Baldwin then furthered that there are factors beyond their control affecting that. “Our player development here is mature, but our appreciation for tactical advancement and tactical systems is immature,” he said. He then continued, “Now, let me explain to you why I think that isn't necessarily coaches' fault.” That then led to his view on imports. “We should never have a single import playing on a team. Further, we should never have a single import that is given all of the rules latitude that imports are given here by referees,” he shared. The brilliant tactician said so because what he sees as preferential treatment for import has long been an obstacle local players could not hurdle. “The imports who come here are very outstanding players… so if you’re a PBA coach and you don’t tactically run your systems through the import, you’re pretty stupid because they are given all the advantages,” he said. He then continued, “The PBA coaches are a smart lot, they’re good basketball coaches, but they could be much better if they were forced to coach much more. I believe, then they would show their real talents.” In the end, the UAAP is of the stance that Coach Tab has each and every right to express his views. “I can’t really comment on the specifics, but at the end of the day, everybody’s entitled to their own opinions,” outgoing league president Em Fernandez of Ateneo said. —— Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Morado recalls De Leon’s big role in Lady Eagles perfect Season 77
Jia Morado shared how the then rookie Bea De Leon’s quick return from a finger injury turned out to be a pivotal moment for the Ateneo de Manila University’s perfect run back in UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament. The former Lady Eagles setter recalled how De Leon’s presence helped Ateneo complete an elimination round sweep for an outright Finals seat five years ago during an episode of The Score’s Kalye Confessions . “’Dun ko nakita kung gaano ka-passionate si Bea sa volleyball,” said Morado as she talked about the middle blockers rookie season. The Poveda product was a vital cog for the then repeat-seeking Lady Eagles. Ateneo was on a ten-game winning streak when De Leon sustained an injury while training in February 2015. De Leon suffered an open dislocation on her left index finger while trying to block an attack from then fellow rookie Maddie Madayag. “Ang dami talagang nangyari doon sa rookie year n’ya,” said Morado. “Kasama na doon na-injure ang daliri nya, na na-injure sa training at akala namin na di siya makakabalik for a long time sa games namin.” De Leon was out for two weeks and missed three games before making her return in the crucial end of elims match against archrival De La Salle University. “Sobrang crucial pa naman ng mga games namin noon and in the run for rookie of the year pa naman sana siya noon,” said Morado of De Leon, who was beaten by University of Sto. Tomas’ EJ Laure and University of the East libero Kath Arado for the Rookie of Year award. “So kami parang ‘Sayang, sobrang sayang.’” “(But) she cut her recovery short para makalaro sa Ateneo-La Salle game,” added Morado. The playmaker also lauded De Leon’s dedication that season as she opted not to undergo surgery but instead just had her finger stitched as she rested for a couple of weeks. De Leon, whose finger was heavily bandaged, was a surprise starter in the match against the Lady Spikers. “’Yun bumalik siya ng maaga kahit naka-tape pa ng sobra ang daliri niya,” Morado said. “Ang laking risk nun for her kasi kapag natamaan yun masama lalala ang injury niya but she played the game of her life nu’ng bumalik siya.” Her presence gave Ateneo a big boost in the all-important match that the Lady Eagles won in four sets, 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 27-25. De Leon finished with 11 points including three kill blocks to back Alyssa Valdez, who scored 29 markers. With De Leon back in the fold, the Lady Eagles went on to write history as they defeated DLSU in the Finals to retain their crown in a perfect 16-0 season sweep. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Eala advances in W75 Croissy-Beaubourg tennis tilt
Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has gone into the next round of the W75 Croissy-Beaubourg tournament in France after sweeping hometown bet Emeline Dartron, 6-3, 6-4, late Tuesday night (Manila time)......»»
Will Smith, Vanessa Hudgens back in Bad Boys 4, trailer drops
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Arayat-Magalang bypass road 80 % complete: DPWH
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Run for a cause and make a difference at Clark One Big Run 2024!
The Ateneo Alumni Association (Pampanga Chapter) is inviting everyone to the much-awaited Clark One Big Run......»»