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Blue Eagles coach tempers Final Four expectations amid momentum
Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Sergio Veloso is not getting ahead of himself as his team is slowly showing its form in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament......»»
Sto. Tomas takes Petro Gazz coaching reins
The Petro Gazz Angels have named Ateneo men’s volleyball coach Timmy Sto. Tomas as their new head coach......»»
Laput makes heads turn
Rookie Shevana Laput did not disappoint on her first start for De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. Fresh from a long Holy Week break, the semifinals-bound Lady Spikers turned to the Filipino-Australian recruit for points at the opposite position during their clinical 25-15, 25-16, 25-16 win over University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The 6-foot-1 Laput, who saw limited minutes in La Salle’s first 10 games, produced nine points to help her squad get back on the winning track after seeing its nine-game winning streak snapped before the long lull. Long-time Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo was not surprised at all with Laput’s output. La Salle did not waste time in developing Laput during the break as an added weapon on the wing to give head coach Ramil de Jesus another opposite spiker option besides veteran Baby Jyne Soreno with Leila Cruz sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right knee injury she sustained at the start of the second round. “Actually, we expected that performance from her since we focused on preparing her for the role during the Holy Week. So, we really expected her to deliver,” Orcullo said. Laput expressed gratitude for the trust given to her despite being one of the new members of the Lady Spikers, who are eyeing to reclaim the crown it last held back in 2018. “It feels great. It just shows that I developed and improved as a player and the coaches trust my abilities to have me play in the first six. It's great and it's an honor,” Laput said. The towering spiker played an inspired game with her family including brother James, who plays for Magnolia Hotshots in the Philippine Basketball Association, watching live. “It's a great feeling that my family is supporting me. My mom and my little sister, actually, surprised me this week. They came on Thursday. It's their first time watching a live game,” the head-turner said. “I'm definitely nervous having them there supporting me, it feels like I need to perform (well). It's a great feeling to know that your family is there supporting you.” With its 13th straight Final Four appearance secured, La Salle now shifts its sights on clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis. The Lady Spikers battle Adamson University on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena to assure themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four bonus. After that La Salle will face Ateneo de Manila University on 23 April before wrapping up the elimination round against winless University of the East on 29 April. Orcullo bared La Salle’s coaching staff has been preparing Laput to play a much bigger role in the coming games. “We need to build her confidence with the second round drawing to a close,” he said. “So that heading into the semifinals and hopefully in the finals, she will have that confidence in her and that anytime her number is called she’ll be able to deliver.” The post Laput makes heads turn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ateneo s Baldwin expects ‘chess match’ with UP, Monteverde in UAAP finals
Having gone against each other multiple times this year, including last season's finals just this May, the multi-titled coach is expecting to have a battle of the wits with Monteverde's coaching staff......»»
PBA dreams within reach at Letran, says ex-UST Tiger Rhenz Abando
RHENZ ABANDO (UAAP image) Rhenz Abando says that his transfer to defending NCAA champion Letran from embattled University of Santo Tomas is more than just a school-to-school move, but one that would likely benefit his career in the long run because of the opportunities he thinks he would get with the Knights. Abando – one of three former UST players who changed address from España to Intramuros – met Tuesday with Knights mentor Bonnie Tan and Alfrancis Chua, sports director of San Miguel Miguel Corporation, which backs the school’s basketball program. “May mga opportunities kasi sa Letran, mga coaches nila nasa PBA na din,” says Abando, referring to Tan – team manager of GlobalPort – and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard LA Tenorio, who is part of Letran’s coaching staff, in an interview Wednesday with Manila Bulletin. “Magiging malaking tulong sa improvement ko as a player, siempre goal ko is makatuntong din sa PBA. Saka ang Letran Dominican school din naman kaya mas pinili ko na doon lumipat.” Aside from Tan and Tenorio, there’s also Chua, who coached PBL Grand Slam champion Stag in the mid-90s and the PBA teams of Tanduay, Sta. Lucia Realty and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, also represents SMC, which owns Ginebra, Magnolia Hotshots and San Miguel Beer in the pros, and volleyball team Petron Blaze in the PSL. Chua, in an interview Tuesday, said that Letran players are well taken care of by SMC similar to what they do with professional athletes, exactly what was assured Abando, Brent Paraiso and Ira Bataller. “Siguro naniniwala sila sa system ng Letran at sa pag-aalaga ng San Miguel sa players. Alam nila kung paano kami magpatakbo ng team,” said Chua, also the governor of Ginebra in the PBA board. “Hindi sila nagkamali sa pagpili sa Letran, kasi kung paano kami mag-alaga ng players sa professional, ganun din sa collegiate level. Malaking karagdagan sila sa team, siguro mas sasaya ang mga ka-Arriba natin.” Abando begged off to comment when asked the other schools that sought his services, although sources said Letran’s arch nemesis San Beda University, as well as De La Salle University, tried to recruit the La Union native. He, however, may have indirectly answered questions of offers from a UAAP school when he said he doesn’t want to play in the same league where his former alma mater is a member. “Ayoko na din kasi maglaro sa UAAP dahil ayoko din makalaban ang UST,” said Abando. “Baka kasi kapag madinig ko yung “GO USTe” baka play ng UST gawin ko or depensahan ko mga kakampi ko. Kaya din mas pinili ko ang NCAA kesa sa UAAP ako maglaro,” Abando added in jest. The decision to leave UST was not an easy thing to do, according to Abando, but he thanked his mother Lorena for the guidance, saying: “Mother ko yung tumulong sa akin… hindi madali e.” Abando, Paraiso and Bataller need to serve one-year residency as per NCAA guidelines for transferees. After that, both Abando and Paraiso have two years to play while Bataller has three more. Although the addition of the 6-foot-5 Bataller and the 6-foot-2 Paraiso are considered important for the Knights, it was the recruitment of the 6-foot-4 Abando that really made the difference. After two seasons with the Philippine College Science and Technology in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Abando transferred to UST in 2019 and played one season – the 82nd UAAP where he helped the Tigers reach the final against eventual champion Ateneo Blue Eagles. i.....»»
This ex-Ateneo Team B cager has found his coaching calling in the US
Senegal native Karbala “KG” Gueye was in line to be the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ first African center. Before moving up to college, the 6’11” man in the middle starred for Reedley International School Silverbacks along with former Blue Eaglets play Jay Javelosa......»»
PBA: Chot says it would have been 'cool' to coach Ginebra
Coach Chot Reyes' greatest PBA success was with Talk 'N Text, the flagship MVP franchise. But over the course of his career in the PBA, which spanned two decades, Coach Chot also did his rounds with the SMC teams. He started his career with Purefoods, winning an All-Filipino title in his first conference in 1993. Reyes also had one random stop with San Miguel Beer, coaching the Beermen all the way to the 2007 Philippine Cup Finals. Now long-retired from professional basketball, Coach Chot wishes he could have had the chance to handle Barangay Ginebra, the only SMC team he missed. "I always thought it would be cool to coach Ginebra," Reyes said on Coaches Unfiltered. "Having that NSD [Never Say Die] behind you every night behind you, we always talk about that with coach Tim [Cone]. Sabi ko swerte mo. And he's [Cone] enjoying, he's really having the time of his life. I've always been intrigued by the chance to coach Ginebra," he added. While being the Gin Kings coach would have been nice, Reyes mentions another team in his list of what ifs. Reyes was the Ateneo coach back in the early 1990s, and he regrets not being able to lead the Blue Eagles to a UAAP championship. "The one thing I rue is not being able to give a championship for the Ateneo in the college level," Coach Chot said. "I coached Ateneo to a juniors championship, and I coached Ateneo for three years in the UAAP seniors, 1990-92, but those were the down years. We had to raise our own money to even buy our stuff and equipment. That's like sayang, if I had that opportunity when I was coaching Ateneo but I don't that's going to happen anymore now and I'm at peace with that," he added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
WHAT IF… Dave Ildefonso stayed in Ateneo
History lesson: As a rookie and then as a sophomore, Dave Ildefonso was the main man of National University. The 6-foot-3 swingman made an immediate impact by putting up per game counts of 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists as a rookie. He only built on those with averages of 17.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in his sophomore season. Safe to say, Ildefonso made the most out of his moment as the most prized prospect in recent history for the blue and gold. And, to this day, he does not regret moving from Katipunan to Sampaloc. This, even though Ateneo de Manila University head coach Tab Baldwin memorably made it a point to make the scoring wing "rethink his decision" in their first meeting. In response, Ildefonso said then that he stands by his decision. Right decision as it may have been, his individual brilliance in National U, unfortunately, did not translate into team glory. In his first year, the son of Philippine basketball legend and school great Danny Ildefonso saw his squad stand at 4-10 at the end of eliminations. The next year was not that much better as the Bulldogs struggled to a 2-12 standing. Not long after, with a coaching change in the offing, Ildefonso announced that he was transferring to Ateneo - or, more accurately, coming home to the Blue Eagles' nest. Now 20-years-old, he will have to sit out UAAP 83 before being eligible for the blue and white in Season 84. Did you ever think, though, what would have happened if he never left, and would have never had to come home in the first place? What if Ildefonso just moved on up from Ateneo Jrs. to Srs.? If he did, he would be joining a team already loaded at the wings with Thirdy Ravena, Mike Nieto, Gian Mamuyac, Adrian Wong, Aaron Black, and BJ Andrade. As a rookie for the Blue Eagles, he would not even come close to the 27.6 minutes he actually got in National U. If so, his impact would have been still much-welcome for the blue and white, but more or less negligible to just about everybody else. Still, he would have been part of a terrific team that won it all for the second straight season. Then with Anton Asistio graduating, Black moving on, and Raffy Verano and Jolo Mendoza being sidelined, he would then be given a bigger burden in accordance with Ateneo's "next man up" philosophy. And, without a doubt, with Ildefonso, the Blue Eagles have yet another weapon in its arsenal for its triumphant march towards a historic season sweep. In this light, he would have been a champion for all of his last three seasons - one in the Jrs. and two in the Srs. And then he would enter Season 83 as one of Coach Tab's main men alongside SJ Belangel, Ange Kouame, and Dwight Ramos. For sure, Ildefonso would still shine like a star if he would have stayed in Ateneo. It would just have taken more time for him to do so. That, after all, is one of his reasons for committing to the Bulldogs in the first place. "Isipin mo, si SJ, limited minutes. Kung nag-stay ako dun, mas lalo na ako, mas limited," he said then, when the two of them were prized rookies. Indeed, the heavy minutes and the heavy workload would not have been there for Ildefonso if he would have decided to move on up from the Blue Eaglets to the Blue Eagles. At the same time, though, two championships would have been there for him. And that would have been the exact opposite of what had actually happened. The story is far from over, however, as Ildefonso has a golden opportunity to have the best of both worlds. He already is a shining star after two years standing out for National U. And now, he will still be doing so, just for an Ateneo championship juggernaut that is not going away anytime soon. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
PBA: 'Mr. 100%' Norman Black has no patience for lazy players
When he was a PBA import, Norman Black earned the nickname "Mr. 100%". Black was one of the most athletic reinforcements the PBA has ever seen, and he's certainly one of the most hardworking. His PBA accomplishments include two championships as a player and two Best Import awards. As a coach, Black has 11 PBA titles, including the 1989 Grand Slam with San Miguel Beer. Outside of the pros, coach Norman likewise has five UAAP championships, all in succession, with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. With over three decades of coaching experience, Black has been around a lot of players, but there's only one kind of baller that coach Norman absolutely just cannot stand. "No matter who you are, no matter how old you are, you're always trying to improve your skills. I have big problems with lazy players, it just drives me nuts because it's probably the exact opposite of what I was as a player," Coach Norman said on The Score Philippines. "I'm into guys that put the effort out there, if you're lazy, you may not last that long with me because I don't have much patience for it," Black added. Coaching PBA teams like the San Miguel Beermen, the Sta. Lucia Realtors, the TNT KaTropa, and the Meralco Bolts, Black just can't do it with players that don't give enough effort. "It used to pain me sometimes, and I won't go to any names, but some guys would show up at exactly 1:59 for a 2:00 p.m. practice every single day," Coach Norman said. "It almost made me feel that he was just waiting in his car until it was 1:55 and then he decided to walk to the gym," he added. Fortunately for Coach Norman, his current Bolts team don't have such problem players. In Meralco, Black has a nice and solid group of hardworkers, which is very much to his liking. "I'm really into discipline. I need my players to be disciplined. One thing I can say about my Meralco team, despite the fact that we haven't won a championship, is that I don't have any attitude problems, off the court problems," he said. "I don't have to tell them to be on time in practice, my guys know to come in a hour or an hour and half early to get ready for practice to get their work in," Coach Norman added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
DID YOU KNOW? Marck Espejo almost played for La Salle
Marck Espejo’s arrival to Ateneo de Manila University brought miracles for the Blue Eagles. Former head coach Oliver Almadro even anointed Espejo as ‘God’s gift’ to the Ateneo men’s volleyball program, which for years struggled to keep up with other powerhouse teams in the UAAP. He brought the Blue Eagles to the Finals in his first year. Although the squad fell short against National University, Espejo’s performance made Ateneo an emerging power. With the prized Marikina recruit at the helm, Ateneo captured its breakthrough title in Season 77, which the Blue Eagles kept for two more years. Espejo’s name is synonymous to that of Ateneo's grand slam. But did you know that Espejo almost chose the color green of the Katipunan-based squad’s archrival De La Salle University? Yes, we all know that Almadro discovered a jewel in the then second-year high school Espejo when the mentor was still a part of the Bulldogs coaching staff. However, fate planned a different course for both Espejo and Almadro. Almadro parted ways with NU and Espejo went through a rough time in his last year in high school. Different universities approached the promising Espejo the following year since meeting Almadro during his third year Palarong Pambansa stint. But in his fourth year he suffered a left arm injury while playing in an inter-barangay basketball tournament, barring Espejo from joining his last Palarong Pambansa. His absence in the national meet pushed him out of the radar of scouts. “Before Palaro ayun nga nabalian ako so wala pong coaches na nakakakilala po sa akin kundi si Coach O lang po talaga,” said Espejo in an interview on 2OT podcast last Saturday. Espejo was already looking to commit to another school that time. “Balak ko po sana pumasok sa La Salle,” Espejo shared. But Almadro knew that to turn Ateneo into a contender he needed to get Espejo. “Pero last minute parang pinahanap ako ni Coach O sa players niya, kay JP Pareja para mag-Ateneo ako,” said Espejo. He immediately grabbed the opportunity when he was offered to play for the Blue Eagles. “Siyempre ‘yung Ateneo po kasi dream school ko po talaga ‘yun so wala po talagang second thought, pumasok na po talaga ako,” said Espejo. “Saka ‘yung volleyball po ginamit ko po talaga para makapasok sa magandang university pero yun nga po, since nakapasok na po ako sa Ateneo parang inisip ko na lang po yung long-term na education po talaga.” Under Almadro’s guidance, Espejo turned into one of the most powerful and efficient hitters in the UAAP. He further evolved into an all-around player and the face of Philippine men's volleyball. Espejo led Ateneo to a three-peat while winning Rookie of the Year in Season 77 and bagging the Most Valuable Player award five times. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles .....»»
Meet the trusted trainer making sure Thirdy s true focus is on Japan
Thirdy Ravena will have to play guard for San-En NeoPhoenix in Japan's B.League. "He can play shooting guard. He can play small forward," Phoenix Co., Ltd. President Kenjiro Hongo said in his native tongue in the three-time UAAP Finals MVP's introductory press conference last Friday. "We will also try him at point guard. He will be a key player for us this season." Only, Ravena has been, for the most part, a forward in his time in Ateneo de Manila - both Jrs. and Srs. - and has only dabbled at the 2-spot for times under head coach Tab Baldwin. As it turns out, though, the 6-foot-2 all-around player has long been prepping and priming for this. And he has been doing so with the help of a trusted trainer - Jolo Tamayo of True Focus. "We have been doing things he has never done before because he's trying to become a point guard or a shooting guard. That's why we focused on ballhandling and improved his perimeter shooting to make him a deadly three-point shooter," he said. For Tamayo, it's no surprise at all that Ravena is getting the golden opportunity to showcase his skills abroad as, from the very start, the latter has proven his discipline and determination to the former. "Thirdy is very humble and hardworking. He trains as if he was an underdog and is always hungry for improvement," the youthful trainer said. Tamayo then recounted two inspiring instances of Ravena's fire and desire to be better. "One time, we were doing a drill and his nose was bleeding, but he didn't stop until the drill was over. I was so in awe because I thought he would relax when he realized (what was happening to his nose), but he still gave his 110 percent," he said. "Another instance was during the holidays when the gyms were closed early and since he came from Antipolo, I thought he wouldn't be able to train. But he said, 'Kahit dyan lang tayo sa harap ng kotse. Basta makapag-training,'" the founder of True Focus said. "We still trained in the parking lot until 12 midnight. That's how thirsty Thirdy is in training and I think this is what separates him from the rest of the competition. With all those, Tamayo just feels fortunate to have the golden opportunity to help Ravena spread his wings even further. "We were just introduced by a common friend and, to be honest, I thought it was a long shot for us to work with Thirdy," he shared. He then continued, "We were just lucky that Thirdy was free one day and he gave us a chance to show how we make things work." Even better for True Focus, having Ravena with them gives them just the boost they need to keep moving forward with their program. In particular, this is all more than enough proof for Tamayo that he is on the right path after he had to take a detour in his playing career because of an ACL injury. "This is all very fulfilling because I never had a trainer who made me better. I'm still chasing my dream to be a basketball player, but I'm very ecstatic because while doing so, I could help other young players achieve their dreams and become better in the sport they love," he said. The guard-turned-trainer once suited up for Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Jrs. from 2015 to 2017 before a knee injury sidelined him. While on the shelf, he used all the time he had in his hands to learn tips and tricks to improve his game - tips and tricks that until now, he's sharing with students of True Focus. While their no. 1 student is now headed to Japan, Tamayo said his education with them is far from over. "We can always try out new things like virtual training and coaching, but of course, everything would still depend on Thirdy's availability. For me, I'll just watch his games in Japan and shares insights on what we need to tweak," he said. He then continued, "I will always be here to support him and once he comes back here after Japan, I'm sure he'll be a beast - a beast that will still want to be better." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
PBA: Tab Baldwin no longer with TNT KaTropa
Tab Baldwin will no longer be part of the TNT KaTropa staff in the PBA. Team manager Gabby Cui confirmed Thursday the news that Baldwin is out as a consultant and assistant coach for the flagship MVP franchise. Nevertheless, Baldwin remains as head coach for the UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles and as a program director for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. "Coach Tab will be focusing on his coaching chores in Ateneo and his role in SBP," Cui said. "We would like to thank Coach Tab and wish him well," he added. Baldwin was fined P75,000 and suspended for three games by the PBA last week for his comments on the Coaches Unfiltered podcast. [Related: PBA: Baldwin fined P75k and suspended for three games] However, the KaTropa implied that the decision to let Baldwin walk away from TNT was unrelated to the incident. "We decided on this transition way before the lockdown," Cui said. "The team is adapting well to the system of coach Bong Ravena and consultant Mark Dickel," he added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
Coach Tab shoulders PBA fine on his own - despite offers of help
Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin is taking full responsibility for the aftermath of his comments that caused some sort of controversy. A week ago, Baldwin was slapped with a fine of PHP 75,000 as well as a three-game suspension by the PBA. The American-Kiwi mentor has decided to pay the fine out of his own pocket - despite offers of help. "I am deeply humbled by the offer of those in the Ateneo community and friends from supportive companies to shoulder the cost of the fine imposed on me by the PBA," he said. "However, in these times that are so difficult for so many Filipinos, I would prefer that these generous offerings be donated to a much more important cause like Ateneo's ongoing COVID-19 drive for frontliners." Apparently, a number of Ateneo alumni as well as business owners have reached out to Coach Tab, telling him that they will pool together the funds to pay for his sanction. The Ateneo de Manila University's shot-caller and TNT consultant's fine was part of the PBA's disciplinary action for his "comments detrimental to the league." In the inaugural episode of Coaches Unfiltered, Baldwin 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. 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. That was the 62-year-old's answer after being 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 response of what he perceives to be “tactical immaturity” of local coaches, he 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. Now, let me explain to you why I think that isn't necessarily coaches' fault.” That then led to Coach Tab's 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 imports has long been an obstacle local players and coaches 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.” Those comments have ignited quite the firestorm that has affected the professional and collegiate ranks alike. With his disciplinary action now official, Baldwin has said no to offers of help - instead urging that those be put into efforts of organizations such as Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Tanging Yaman Foundation in the continuing COVID-19 crisis. In the end, he said that the presence of those supporting him - in particular, Ateneo patron Manny V. Pangilinan - was more than enough. "I have been in the employ of boss MVP for over five years now and I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to coach his teams. I look forward to more successes on the court," he said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Roger Gorayeb: A coach s role is also to be a father
Coaching a collegiate team especially in women's volleyball is never an easy job. For Roger Gorayeb, being a mentor to kids in their teens goes beyond the call of duty inside the court. You play the role of both a coach and a second father. What they will become in the future -- a continuing career in the sport or on a different endeavor -- the knowledge a coach will impart on them will be their guide in their chosen paths. The multi-titled mentor has been coaching since 1984. He has a wealth of experience dealing with different personalities and has touched a lot of lives in his almost four decades in the industry. What he cherishes the most is not the number of titles, accolades or success his players collected under his watch, but what these players or what he likes to call his ‘children’ have become. “Ang dami na ng mga players (na na-handle ko). Dadaan sila sa buhay mo tapos nakikita mo kung ano ang nagiging future nila maganda naman. Siyempre natutuwa ako,” said the 59-year-old coach. Gorayeb played a big role in the careers and lives of his players from San Sebastian College, Ateneo de Manila University and National University. Alyssa Valdez, Grethcel Soltones, Jaja Santiago, Jasmine Nabor, the Ateneo Fab Five of Gretchen Ho, Fille Cainglet- Cayetano, Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer and A Nacachi are just some of the stars that saw their collegiate careers take flight under his tutelage. “Masaya at masarap sa feeling,” Gorayeb told ABS-CBN Sports as he tried to put into words the satisfaction he feels while doing his passion to coach. On court he is a strict mentor, serious, all-business, but beyond that he is a father-figure to his players. “Kapag may laro o ensayo volleyball lang talaga kami. Pero after n’yan yung aming relationship 'di na coach at player,” said the PLDT coach in the Philippine Superliga. “Kapag may problema sila magsasabi na sila sa akin. Dun mo malalaman kasi kung mayroon silang hinainng sa buhay, mga times na gusto nilang humingi ng tulong sa’yo. Yung mga simpleng ‘Coach pwedeng makahingi ng pamasahe, pambili ng ganito.’ Kasi during training di mo naman malalaman yan eh.” “Mapaghihiwalay mo talaga (ang pagiging coach at tatay sa kanila), sa akin kasi ewan ko sa iba, pero ako kahit pagalitan ko ang player during the ensayo, after ng ensayo wala na. Parang barkada na lang,” added the former women’s national team mentor. “Sa bonding ninyo mapaghihiwalay mo yung pagiging player at pagiging tao ng player mo mismo. Kaya lalong nagiging deep-rooted ang aming relationship. “Sa totoo lang 'yung mga napahirapan ko sa ensayo, ‘yan pa ang nagiging close sa akin. Minsan naiisip ko nga na magsisi na, ‘Bakit napahirapan kita noon tapos ang bait-bait mo sa akin ngayon. Dati pinahirapan kita.’ Pero doon kasi sila natututo. Nagi-struggle sila tapos malalampasan nila,” said Gorayeb. Last year when Gorayeb was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the players that he guided during their collegiate careers never left his side. “Tulad nu’ng nangyari sa akin tapos ‘yung mga dati kong player mapa-Ateneo, mapa-Baste nandyan sila para sa’yo. Bumibisita sila sa ospital,” he said. “Parang dun ko nakita na marami pala akong na-touch na buhay ng bata di lang sa paglalaro. Yung during the course of that five years na pag-stay nila namin bilang player at coach malalim ang nagiging ugat ng relationship.” “Nandyan sila sa’yo sa oras ng pangangailangan mo. Maski yung mga di mo madalas nakikita. Dyan mo malalaman na naging malaking part ako sa buhay nila kahit limang taon lang na magkakasama.” Their presence and prayers along with his family, according to Gorayeb, were his strength during that difficult time. “Itong nagkasakit ako ang daming nagbabantay sa akin, ‘yung mga taga-Ateneo ‘yan sina Gretchen, hindi umalis sa tabi ko. Yung mga players ko sa San Sebastian na dati pa kasi inaanak ko na ang mga anak nila. Araw-araw nasa ospital, na-witness nila yung nangyari sa akin,” said Gorayeb, who is still undergoing chemotherapy. He’s thankful for all the efforts his players did to help especially the fund-raising concert they organized last November for him. “Dumating si Mr. Tony Liao nu’ng umaga (sa intensive care unit) sinabi niya na, ‘O Roger alam mo ba ito, mayroong mamaya yung mga player naggawa sila ng concert sa’yo.’ So naiyak na lang ako noon kasi wala akong boses di ako makapagsalita,” he said. “Parang inaano lang ako ni Sir Tony na, ‘Lakasan mo lang ang loob mo. Yung mga players mo gumagawa lang ng paraan para lumakas ka.’ Yung mga ganoong tipo ba.” “Doon nag-sink in sa akin na lahat pala sila concerned sa akin kahit na di na sila naglalaro sa akin. Nakakatuwa kasi yun yung time na sabi ko di dapat ako mawalan ng pag-asa at kailangang suklian ko ang effort nila na ginagawa,” added Gorayeb. Now with just two chemo sessions left and a few tests to assure that his cancer-free, Gorayeb is looking forward on his return to coaching. He wants to resume his mission. “’Di pa ako magreretiro sa pagko-coach kasi ang mga bata nandyan pa. Marami pa akong dapat tulungan,” said Gorayeb. “Ako nagsusumikap na gumaling kaagad para marami pang matulungan.” “Masama man sabihin, pero kamatayan na lang ang magpapatigil sa akin sa mga ginagawa ko. Iba pa rin ang may tulong ka na maibibigay sa mga bata,” he added. Gorayeb vows that he will continue to be a father – both inside and outside of the court. For more on the improved conditon of Roger Gorayeb, read here. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriless.....»»
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......»»
Tab is what he is
What you see is what you get. SBP Gilas director, Ateneo head coach and TNT coaching consultant Tab Baldwin is no hypocrite......»»
Baldwin in meeting with Commissioner Marcial: 'I feel bad'
For his now controversial comments last week, Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin has basically apologized to the PBA. In a virtual meeting Monday, Baldwin spoke to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, as well has deputy commissioner Eric Castro and legal counsel Atty. Melvin Mendoza. Baldwin caused a stir by saying the PBA's one-import tournaments are a "big mistake." Coach Tab also mentioned that the liberties provided to imports make local coaches have "tactical immaturity." [Related: Unfiltered Baldwin comments on the PBA's "big mistake"] His comments were taken out of context, said Baldwin. "I feel bad that has happened and that is not my intention," Coach Tab said. Following his comments, which were made in the Coaches Unfiltered podcast, Baldwin has earned the ire of many for pretty much shaking up the Philippine coaching fraternity supposedly built around brotherhood. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
Tab s unfiltered comments shook up Philippine coaching fraternity
Reactions to Tab Baldwin's now-controversial unfiltered comments about the PBA come from all sorts of places, but it seems like the general consensus is that he disrupted the Philippine coaching fraternity that's supposedly built on brotherhood. Hoops Coaches International, established by Blackwater's Ariel Vanguardia for webinars featuring local and foreign coaches, issued a statement about Baldwin's comments about the PBA last week. The Ateneo coach called the PBA's one-import tournaments as a "big mistake" and said local coaches as having "tactical immaturity." [Related: Unfiltered Baldwin comments on the PBA's "big mistake"] Hoops Coaches International is focusing on the tactical immaturity part on condemning Baldwin's comments. The very existence of webinars by Hoops Coaches International is to help advance the level of coaches here. Current and former PBA coaches like Tim Cone, Norman Black, Yeng Guiao, Mark Dickel, Jeffrey Cariaso, and Bill Bayno have all appeared in the webinars. A number of foreign coaches have shared their expertise as well. "We have hosted a number of webinars because we are aware that we do not have all the answers. That in order to compete with the best, we have to expose our coaches to a plethora of ideas, theories, and practices from successful coaches that work with all age groups and levels, from all leagues," the statement read. "Only by raising the level of coaching at the grassroots and provincial level can we move the needle," the statement added. [Related: Northport owner on Tab's PBA comments: "Sounds like racism"] Hoops Coaches International acknowledged some of Coach Tab's points but his comments on local coaches seem to have done more harm than good especially with the reaction that followed. "We have long believed that a coaching fraternity is built on a foundation of camaraderie and a free exchange of ideas," Hoops Coaches International said in its statement directed to Baldwin. "So, it is disheartening to hear that instead of helping the Filipino coaching community grow towards a higher standard, you saw it fit to put us down," the statement added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
PNVF forms coaching sataff for world meet
Seasoned coach Dante Alinsunurin will make a comeback as one of the deputies for the national men’s team as host Philippines pulls out all the stops to parade a competitive squad against the best of the best in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025......»»
UAAP volleyball enters break amid wide-open semis race
It’s the calm before the storm as teams embark on a much-needed pause ahead of an expected all-out race to the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments Final Four......»»