Indeed, defense won NU s first championship since 1954
National University won its first championship since 1954 at the expense of Far Eastern University. The iconic moment in that special season, however, was Alfred Aroga's big-time block on Kiefer Ravena. Aroga's rejection of Ravena's layup in the UAAP 77 Final Four thrust National University to a historic championship and thwarted Ateneo de Manila University's grand plans of redemption. That resounding rejection thrust the Bulldogs to a historic championship while also thwarting Ateneo de Manila University's grand plans of redemption. That wasn't the only defensive highlight the blue and gold had throughout that title run, though. In fact, their Season 77 was just one big defensive highlight. "Nung offseason, kasi nga, umalis si Ray, hindi namin alam identity namin tapos lahat, gustong mag-score kasi siyempre, gusto magpakita," pesky guard Pao Javelona said in last Friday's The Prospects Pod. "Pero nung patapos na yung preseason, doon namin nalaman na yung strength namin is yung defense. Kahit hindi kami maka-score, basta yung kalaban, hindi rin maka-score." That year, National U played without top gun Ray Parks Jr. for the first time in four seasons. Of course, the offense would take a step back. With that, head coach Eric Altamirano turned their full focus at the other end. "Tamang-tama yung sinabi ni Pao e. When the team started to embrace yung identity na mananalo kami sa depensa at hindi sa offense, doon nagsimula e," he said. One of the keys to do just that was making Troy Rosario and Glenn Khobuntin their starters at forward instead of substitutes for each other. "Sa akin, as a coach, ang pinaka-pivotal na ginawa kong decision was to put Glenn at 3 since when he started with us, lagi siyang 4. Nung ginawa na namin siyang 3, lumaki kami, naging defensive team kami, we can switch-all," the always amiable mentor said. From there, both Rosario and Khobuntin emerged as end-to-end players with Alfred Aroga protecting the rim and Javelona placing himself right at the grill of opposing guards. Steady Gelo Alolino completed the first five and, without a doubt, that first five was dominant on defense. Even Ravena himself could only acknowledge that fact. As he put it, "Kay Pao naman talaga ako hirap na hirap, pero what's harder is pag maiwan ko na si Pao, ang sasalubong sa akin, si Troy, si Glenn, tsaka si Alfred. Ang hirap talaga and minsan nga, nung mga panahong yun, tinitignan ko na lang sina (NU assistant) coach Joey [Guano] tsaka coach Vic [Ycasiano], sabi ko, 'Pashoot-in niyo naman ako, coach.'" He then continued, "Ang hirap talaga e. Parang nakikipagbiruan na lang ako sa kanila and that's a testament to how they really prepare." Indeed, so stout was that Bulldog defense that they won all four of their matchups that year opposite the Phenom-led Blue Eagles. And indeed, so stout was that Bulldog defense that up until now, Aroga is tattooed on the mind of Ravena. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Canino back on top
Prodigious Ruelle Canino, regarded as the future of Philippine women’s chess, sustained her fine form in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan.....»»
Late mishap drops Saso to joint 3rd with 66
Yuka Saso faltered at the finish, missing out on a share of the clubhouse lead and slipping to joint third with an eagle-boosted 66, trailing Canadian Maude-Aimee Leblanc by two at the start of the FIR Hills Seri Pak Championship.....»»
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......»»
Go rules ICTSI Palos Verdes romp with 4-shot romp
With a commanding lead, Lloyd Go turned the final round of the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship into a victory lap here Friday, essaying a four-stroke victory over Michael Bibat and Guido van der Valk despite a 74......»»
Go storms away with adorable 65
Lloyd Go didn’t just make a move on moving day at the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship here yesterday. He also took a decisive step towards realizing a dream victory......»»
Constantino claims classic win on fiery last-day charge
Harmie Constantino fought back from five strokes down with a brilliant frontside 33 then held sway to finish with a 69 and win the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship by three as her rivals faltered one after the other in a tense battle of skill and character here yesterday......»»
Big Dome, MOA eyed for FIVB world meet
The Philippines will be the only second Asian country, next to Japan, to host the FIVB Men’s World Championship when the 32 best teams in the world converge on local soil to duke it out for the coveted volley crown on Sept. 12 to 28 next year......»»
Philippines, US air forces back together for Cope Thunder
The Philippine Air Force and the US Pacific Air Force are set to embark on joint exercises – involving their advanced fighter jets – from April 8 to 19 for this year’s iteration of Cope Thunder, an annual air defense and offense training event to be held in Luzon......»»
China, Not Russia, Still Tops List of Threats to US
WASHINGTON - Russia's war in Ukraine - portrayed by top U.S. officials as posing a danger to the United States itself - still trails China when it comes to long-term threats to America's security, according to a top Pentagon official.The warning from Ely Ratner, the Defense Department's assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, comes in testimony prepared for a hearing Wednesday by the House Armed S.....»»
US Officials Warn of New Axis of Evil With China at the Fore
WASHINGTON - U.S. military and defense officials are increasingly concerned that as China and Russia forge ever stronger ties, they might attempt to challenge Western unity and eventually alter the balance of power on the world stage.The commander of U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that the evolving relationship between Beijing and Moscow is a "big portion" of.....»»
Philippines to host Volleyball Men s World Championship 2025
MANILA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines is set to host the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Men's Volleyball Championship in 2025 after winning the bid on Wednesday night. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the hosting opportunity, saying the country is looking forward to the success of the global sports event. "The Philippines' hosting of this global volleyball event bo.....»»
AP Bren chooses Brody for M5 skin, Paquito for first Finals MVP skin
Moonton Games announced that AP Bren has chosen the M5 championship skin, which the team will co-design with the game developer, Marksman hero Brody......»»
Go blows ICTSI Palos Verdes field with 65, storms away by 8
Lloyd Go didn’t just make a move on moving day at the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship here on Thursday. He also took a decisive step towards realizing a dream victory......»»
Philippines to host men s world volleyball championship in 2025
After the world’s best in men’s basketball in 2023, the cream of men’s volleyball is converging in the country next......»»
Go siblings going great guns in ICTSI Palos Verdes
Lloyd Go edged Ira Alido in a scrambling frontside finish and carded a two-under 70 to seize a two-stroke lead halfway through the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club here yesterday......»»
Folayang says he’s not yet done, eyes ONE return
Eduard Folayang has a lot left in the tank before calling it a career, he underscored, as he expressed willingness to return to the ONE Championship cage later this year......»»
Manalili, Squires go for kill in NCAA juniors finals
Moses Manalili is expected to go all out and seal another championship for Letran as they battle University of Perpetual Help Wednesday in the NCAA Season 99 junior basketball finals......»»
4 Filipinos to follow in UFC
Here are four Filipinos to follow in the world’s top combat sports organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship......»»
ICTSI Palos Verdes golf tilt: Go, Ramos sizzle with 67s for opening-day lead
Under the scorching midday sun, Lloyd Go teed off with confidence, carding a solid five-under 67 in challenging, breezy conditions to catch Sean Ramos at the helm, one stroke ahead of Ira Alido at the start of the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship......»»
Go bounces back at Palos Verdes with 72
Lois Kaye Go, determined to rebound from a lackluster pro debut last week, did spring back at Rancho Palos Verdes here, seizing a one-stroke lead over Chihiro Ikeda with a 72 after 18 holes of the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship......»»