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Strong Group s young guns soak up experience in Dubai stint
Strong Group may have fallen short of its goal in the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship in Dubai but the young charges of head coach Charles Tiu are definitely coming home with valuable lessons......»»
Strong Group coach Charles Tiu cites gradually building team chemistry
Even with only a few practices, Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu is already pleased with what he’s been seeing so far from his team as it gears up for the Dubai 2023 International Championship......»»
TY Tang didn t quit because Coach Franz didn t let him
TY Tang was a big piece in the puzzle that was coach Franz Pumaren’s last championship for De La Salle University. Together with Jvee Casio and Cholo Villanueva, Tang steered the Green Archets to a pleasant surprise of a title in 2007. As a graduating guard, the pint-sized playmaker was as much a streaky shooter as much as he was a steady playmaker. He then rode that last year all the way to the 12th overall pick in the 2008 PBA Draft and a solid eight-year career, all with Rain or Shine. As it turns out, though, Tang was all ready to give up his basketball dream after he did not have the strongest of starts as La Salle’s point guard. “What strikes me as yung talagang feeling niya he was ready to give up was TY Tang,” Coach Franz shared with fellow coaches Charles Tiu, Paolo Layug, and Anton Altamirano in his appearance on Coaches Unfiltered. He then continued, “We should remember he was playing behind legendary Mike Cortez so every time I pull out Mike, you could just imagine the pressure. A fresh (out of) high school kid and when he makes a mistake, fans can be brutal.” The 5-foot-7 guard was a blue-chip recruit from powerhouse Xavier High School, but of course, following “The Cool Cat” for the championship contender Green Archers was a thankless job. “We sat down, we had a heart-to-heart talk and I told him he can always turn back and just get a degree,” the multi-titled mentor narrated. “But there’s this opportunity also for you to at least prove yourself that you deserve to be in the UAAP.” Answering his mentor’s call, Tang went on to mature and live up to the legacy of Cortez. He was even named by Paul Lee, who played for University of the East during the same timeframe, in his Prospects Five. In the end, TY Tang is an excellent example of the difference a coach with full faith could make. “He’s not that tall and when he started, hindi naman ganun kagaling shumoot, pero nagtrabaho, nagtiwala lang,” Coach Franz said. He then continued, “‘Di ba? Who would ever think TY will make it to the PBA?” —— Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
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)......»»
WHAT IF… National U failed in must-win run to historic title
History lesson: From 1954 to now, National University only has two titles to show in UAAP Men's Basketball. The Bulldogs won it all in 1954 before going through a six-decade wait for another championship. The wait was finally over when the blue and gold side coached by Eric Altamirano and led by Gelo Alolino, Glenn Khobuntin, and Troy Rosario took home the trophy to Sampaloc. Without a doubt, it was a happy ending to a colorful story, but it was, also without a doubt, a shock to just about everybody. Sans back-to-back MVP Ray Parks Jr., National U wound up with a 9-5 standing at the end of the elimination round. That was pretty good, relative to the long-suffering squad, but that also meant they stood on level ground with University of the East. And if they were to get the better of the Red Warriors for the fourth-seed, they would then be matched up opposite top-seed Ateneo de Manila University and eventual MVP Kiefer Ravena and eventual Mythical selection Chris Newsome. The other bracket wasn't a slouch either as it featured a Far Eastern University with Mac Belo or a De La Salle University with Jeron Teng. Against all odds, though, the Bulldogs did it - coming out on top of UE, coming through against Blue Eagles twice, and claiming the crown in three games at the expense of the Tamaraws. At long last, Jhocson Street was to be the venue of a championship celebration anew. To do so, thought, they had to walk the knife's edge as, aside from the Finals, their first three games after the elims were all must-win. What if they failed there? What if, even in just one of those three tries, the odds proved to be insurmountable? While the Red Warriors, despite the presence of Roi Sumang and Charles Mammie, would remain to be a tall task, there's still a better than good chance that they still fall to Khobuntin, Rosario, and company. And so, we have the blue and gold moving on to a duel with Ateneo. On a high from staying alive, the Bulldogs have a good chance at still stealing the playoff game behind J-Jay Alejandro's breakout game. Game 2, however, should have been where, ultimately, their dreams were dashed. In the real world, National U eked out a two-point triumph over the Blue Eagles on the back of Alfred Aroga's 14-point, 12-rebound double-double. In the what if world, Ateneo shows them the door once and for all in the do-or-die game as Ravena comes out way more determined than his five-point, 2-of-10 effort in the first half. In the Finals, though, FEU gets the better of the Blue Eagles and wins the first of its back-to-back championships. Newsome still fails to graduate on the highest of highs, but at least, he gets to go out in the championship round. Ravena and Von Pessumal return for their fifth and final seasons hungrier than ever, but also fall short of going out on top. For National U, the waiting game continues - and with Khobuntin and Rosario graduating, making the Final Four in Season 78 wouldn't even be a certainty. They still do so, but will also still be booted out by Finals-bound University of Sto. Tomas. Just like the real world, the what if world will then see the exit of Coach Eric and the Bulldogs will be searching for a brand new mentor. It could have still been one-time NCAA champion coach Jamike Jarin, but it could also have been Jeff Napa who gets promoted after winning three titles in UAAP Jrs. What's certain is the National U Bulldogs would still be longing for its first championship since Ramon Magsaysay was President of the Philippines. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Philippine men’s volleyball coach puts premium on performance for 2025 worlds
Philippine men’s national volleyball team coach Sergio Veloso said that performance will be the main factor in building the team roster for the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) men’s world championship next year......»»
Capital1 a volley force in 3 years
When battle-scarred, championship-decorated coach Roger Gorayeb sat down and talked to the passionate sister tandem executives of Milka and Mandy Romero last Saturday to form the Capitol1 Solar Energy volleyball team, a goal was to gradually form a team that could evolve from a contender into a champion squad......»»
Warriors assistant coach dies of heart attack at 46
Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic has died, the National Basketball Association (NBA) club said on Wednesday after the Belgrade native suffered a heart attack during a team dinner. The 46-year-old Milojevic was in his third season as an assistant coach with Golden State after helping the team win the 2022 NBA championship. “We are absolutely devastated by Dejan’s sudden.....»»
Choosing next Gilas coach
In reply to the question of who’s your choice as next Gilas coach, the majority of the entries to our “Pasko Sa Enero” contest picked Tim Cone with Chito Victolero, Jimmy Alapag, Brian Goorjian, Rajko Toroman, Nenad Vucinic, Jong Uichico, Topex Robinson, Goldwyn Monteverde, Ryan Gregorio, Charles Tiu, Tab Baldwin, Norman Black, Erik Spoelstra, David Blatt and Sergio Scariolo, among others, getting votes......»»
Strong Group roster draws attention
It won’t be smooth sailing for the Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championships at the Al Nasr Club, United Arab Emirates on Jan. 19-28 but coach Charles Tiu said the goal is to win it all despite the odds......»»
Strong Group eyes Dubai title with Dwight Howard on board
Dwight Howard's addition to the Philippines' Strong Group side will give the team a huge boost both offensively and defensively, head coach Charles Tiu said......»»
Former Nuggets coach criticizes Lakers In-Season Tournament banner, recalls 2020 bubble title- The Daily Guardia
Title: Former NBA Coach Criticizes Lakers’ In-Season Tournament Championship Subtitle: George Karl questions the validity of Lakers’ title, ignites debate among fans Los Angeles, CA.....»»
Adjustments highlight Topex’ mastery
Sportung chaneLa Salle coach Topex Robinson will be the first to admit that the Archers couldn’t have won the UAAP men’s basketball championship without his core staff......»»
Now-champion coach Topex bares self-doubt after Archers lopsidedly lost Game 1
La Salle head coach Topex Robinson joined an elite company on Wednesday, as he now counts himself among the first-year coaches in La Salle who have led the Green Archers to the championship......»»
Champ at last: Topex Robinson ends ‘runner-up curse’ with La Salle
‘This is my first championship as a college head coach after so many tries, and you just don't want to give up,’ says coach Topex Robinson after winning a UAAP championship right on his debut season with the La Salle Green Archers.....»»
Francis Lopez a game-time decision for Game 2, says coach
UP Fighting Maroons rookie Francis Lopez's status for Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball championship is still up in the air as he deals with flu, UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde said......»»
Cardinals return to NCAA finals
When Clint Escamis reunited with best friend Paolo Hernandez and their high school coach Randy Alcantara at Mapua a year ago, their one mission was to replicate their championship runs with the Red Robins years back......»»
St. Benilde, UST spikers score
NCAA champion College of St. Benilde routed University of the East in the battle of coach Jerry Yee’s teams while Santo Tomas scored a quick bounce-back win over Arellano in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship playoffs yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum......»»
CIT-U snaps three-game losing skid with a win over Verallo
CEBU CITY, Philippines— After three disappointing defeats, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats finally earned their first sweet victory in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball during their game against neophytes, the Felipe Verallo Foundation College (FVFC) Blue Dragons, 83-71, on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Cebu Coliseum. The Wildcats, who became viral for their 74-point loss,75-109, against the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters earlier this month, found their winning ways on Sunday with rookie John Rey Guinita leading them with 26 points. Guinita perfectly balanced his scoring after he tallied 13 points in each halves of the game. Edwin Charles Jao contributed 14 points, while Jim Brent Taala added 12 markers, nine of which came from beyond the arc. The victory improved the Wildcats’ record to one win and three losses, while the Blue Dragons of head coach Titing Manalili fell to a 0-4 (win-loss) record putting them at the bottom of the team standings. Francis Earl Solis scored 14 points for Verallo, while John Gellego added nine points in their losing efforts. CIT-U has a chance to grab a back-to-back win as they take on another newcomer, the Benedicto College Cheetahs, on October 21, while Verallo returns into action on the same date against the formidable USJ-R Jaguars. CEC 65, CIT-U WILDKITTENS 44 Contrastingly, CIT-U’s high school squad bowed down to the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, 65-44, also on Sunday. Caelan Mack once again topscored the Dragons. This time he tallied 17 points, while Xerxes Duran scored 14 points. Jyle Roa added 13 markers and Lybron James Lamo chipped in 10 markers for CEC. Ezekiel Zamora scored 12 points for CIT-U, while teammate Sam Kyle Aballe had eight points in their defeat. CEC improved to a 4-1 card to stay at the No. 3 spot in the high school team standings, while the Wildkittens dropped to the sixth spot with a 1-2 slate. USC 64, DBTC 57 On the other hand, the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors ended their four-game losing skid by beating the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) Greywolves, 64-57, in the other high school game on Sunday. The win improved USC’s record to 1-4 slate, while DBTC’s losing woes continued as they dropped to a 0-5 card. Kent Dave Chavez unloaded 18 points, while Bhenz Daug contributed 10 points for USC. Jefferson Villareal spoiled his 17-point outing.....»»
Villanueva files reso commending Gilas Pilipinas for its victory in Asian Games
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Monday filed a resolution urging the Senate to commend the Philippine men’s national basketball team Gilas Pilipinas for winning the gold medal in the recently concluded 19th Asian Games. In filing Proposed Resolution No. 822, Villanueva congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for their victory in the 5x5 basketball event of the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China from 25 September to 6 October 2023. “[T]his is the country’s fifth gold medal in the basketball tournament of the quadrennial regional games and the first since the 1962 Asian Games, ending the country’s 61-year title drought,” he said. “Gilas Pilipinas brought great pride and honor to the country, delighting millions of Filipino basketball followers around the world as they once again ruled Asian basketball after more than six decades,” he added. He continued: “Gilas Pilipinas displayed determination, discipline, resilience, and perseverance and their outstanding performance deserves the highest praise, recognition, and commendation as they showed the world the indefatigable spirit of Filipino basketball excellence.” The 12-man Gilas Pilipinas won the 19th Asian Games basketball championship, bringing the title back to the Philippines after more than 60 years since its last victory in 1962. The basketball team is composed of Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Louie Alas, Justin Brownlee, Junemar Fajardo, Angelo Kouame, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Christian Jaymar “CJ” Perez, Christopher Ross, Earl Scottie Thompson, and Arvin Tolentino. Gilas Pilipinas was led by head coach Earl Timothy Cone and assistant coaches Richard del Rosario, Jong Uichico, Josh Reyes, and LA Tenorio. The post Villanueva files reso commending Gilas Pilipinas for its victory in Asian Games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»