WHAT IF… Bullpups denied Kai, SJ, and Dave a championship?
History lesson: In a single season, Ateneo de Manila High School had 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto, primetime playmaker SJ Belangel, and super scorer Dave Ildefonso alongside versatile forwards Jason Credo and Joaqui Manuel. For sure, that core was good enough to win it all - and did just that in their last year all together in UAAP 80. The Blue Eaglets swept the elimination round and as such, automatically advanced into the Finals. There, they matched up opposite modern-day rival Nazareth School of National University, but after a convincing 86-70 victory in Game 1, the series looked like a mismatch. Only, the Bullpups thought otherwise. In particular, sharpshooter Migs Oczon turned in his best game yet and scored eight of his 17 points in the payoff period to shoot his team to a 70-67 decision. And so, come the winner-take-all Game 3, momentum was, all of a sudden, with the blue and gold. Even more, the lead was actually with National U inside the last five minutes of Game 3. Their six-point lead, though, would not hold as Belangel, Sotto, and Manuel rallied Ateneo to a well-earned 63-58 win. The backbreaker for the Bullpups proved to be the towering teen's putback of Manuel's miss that put his team back ahead with under two minutes left. He did that at the expense of solid rebounders Michael Malonzo and Rhayyan Amsali. But what if they just got that one rebound? If so, the edge would have remained with National U - albeit a one-point edge at that - and they could then build on it at the other end. However, Kai is Kai and there will always be a good to great chance of him making that same play. In that case, the better what if for the boys from Sampaloc is this: what if Terrence Fortea never cooled down? The gunslinger's floater, triple, and assist to Amsali was the backbone of the run that put them on top, 54-48, with 4:18 remaining. From that point, however, Fortea got locked up and was unable to impact the game any further. Of course, he was just 16-years-old during that time - and really, in his first year as one of his side's big guns. At the same time, though, the 5-foot-11 guard had already been playing three seasons for National U at that point. With that, there was also a good to great chance that he would have broken free from the shackles of the Blue Eaglets' defense in the endgame. If so, with Fortea remaining red-hot, National U then completes a comeback from the ages - besting their elimination round-sweeping opponents in three games. Not only would they deny Ateneo a perfect season, they would deny all of Sotto, Belangel, Ildefonso, Credo, and Manuel of a championship altogether. The Bullpups would then head into their title defense even scarier, welcoming Gerry Abadiano, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo with open arms. Still, their top gun would, without a doubt, be Fortea. For the Blue Eaglets, Belangel, Credo, Ildefonso, and Manuel fall short of moving on from the Jrs. on the highest of highs and that contending core winds up as an underachiever. For his part, however, Sotto comes back with a vengeance, and may very well have done better than his MVP campaign of 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks. More than that, the tantalizing talent puts Ateneo his back all the way to a rematch with National U - and the roles would then be reversed. National U is the favorite while Ateneo is the underdog. And then, who knows, it would be Kai Sotto doing a Terrence Fortea. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Coach Bo says all of UP s 11 offseason additions solve a problem
The University of the Philippines has just had the biggest offseason in school history. Yes, one may very well argue that the offseason that saw the arrival of RP Youth standouts Bryan Gahol, Ogie Gumatay, and Paolo Mendoza in the mid-90s is still the standard in Diliman. Still, the offseason following UAAP Season 83 has seen the Fighting Maroons open their doors to 11 promising prospects. And head coach Bo Perasol is nothing but glad to have all of them. "I was happy with who we acquired," he said in his appearance on Coaches Unfiltered. He then continued, "Especially the last two kasi sila yung nagpuno doon sa kulang namin." "The last two" Coach Bo is referring to are Nazareth School of National University stalwarts Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano, ranked no. 2 and no. 16, respectively in the 2020 NBTC 24. For State U's shot-caller, their arrival is a godsend for not just because of their big names and big games. "We really lack a point guard because Jun Manzo had graduated and Juan [Gomez de Liano] decided he's going to skip the season. Then we needed a taller 4-guy to match up with the others and also to be a substitute for Bright [Akhuetie]," he said. Indeed, Abadiano has the potential to be the answer to the maroon and green's point guard question while Tamayo stands to be their biggest recruitment get in recent history. It's not just the former Bullpups who could prove to be key in UP's program, however. According to Coach Bo, each and every one of Tamayo and Abadiano as well as fellow rookies RC Calimag, Anton Eusebio, and Miguel Tan and transferees Jancork Cabahug, Joel Cagulangan, CJ Catapusan, Malick Diouf, Sam Dowd, and Ethan Kirkness would have a part to play in Diliman's future. For UAAP 83, that means filling in the roster spots vacated by Will Gozum, Janjan Jaboneta, Pio Longa, Jaybie Mantilla, Jun Manzo, Jerson Prado, Jaydee Tungcab, and Gomez de Liano brothers Javi and Juan. "Nagmumukhang marami kaming ni-recruit, pero we really lack nine players kaya when I was trying to determine kung may laban ba kami doon sa mga medyo malalakas, sabi ko parang kulang. Kulang pa talaga," Perasol said. As per Coach Bo, the holdover Fighting Maroons are Bright Ahkuetie, David Murrell, J-Boy Gob, Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, James Spencer, and Noah Webb. That means that they would have nine roster spots to fill for next season. And now, they could do just that. As their always amiable mentor put it, "The goal is very clear to me which is to have the chance to be in the Finals again and to get the championship. First question, if wala ba yung mga players na yan, can we be in the vest position to vie for the Finals? My solid answer is no." He then continued, "I don't think we will have that chance. Next questions, will having them give us the best chance? The answer is yes." At the same time, State U is also securing its future with this big, big offseason. According to Coach Bo, he would have five graduating players for next season in Akhuetie, Gob, Murrell, Rivero, and Webb. Paras may also add to that list if he so chooses. That's where transferees Cabahug, Cagulangan, Diouf, and Kirkness come in. And with a possible return of Javi and Juan GDL as well as the probable promotion of Jr. Maroons in Colin Dimaculangan, Jordi GDL, Aldous Torculas, and Ray Allen Torres, UP's stock looks like would not be depleted in the foreseeable future. Of course, the question remains - are all these pieces perfect fits for the puzzle. That, is Perasol's and Perasol's alone to answer. "Will it post problems? Definitely. Yes. But the problems are my problems," he said. He then continued, "I have to find ways to solve those. Everything naman, nalalagay naman yan sa tamang lugar if you admit that there is a problem." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Allan Albano laying foundation for FEU s continued contention
UAAP boys basketball, in the last decade, has been dominated by Nazareth School of National University and Ateneo de Manila High School. In the last 10 years, the Bullpups and the Blue Eaglets have won all but two championships. That one and only other team to have won it all? Far Eastern University-Diliman. And while the Baby Tamaraws have not been as bejeweled as National U or Ateneo in recent history, they have competed with them year in and year out just the same. In fact, the last time the green and gold's high school squad missed out on the playoff bus was Season 77. That means a five-season streak of making the playoffs - not that far from their kuya Tamaraws who have charged to the next round from Season 75 to now. Safe to say, all in all, the healthiest basketball program - at least in both the men's and boys' side - in the UAAP is FEU's. Their continued contention is, apparently, all because they start them young. "I think most of the credit should go to our high school coaches like coach Allan Albano," active consultant Nash Racela said on Coaches Unfiltered. "Kumbaga, kami nina coach Olsen , naghihintay na lang kami doon sa mga produkto na meron si Coach Allan." Albano was the shot-caller in the Baby Tamaraws' pleasant surprise of a title in Season 79. There, he introduced the world to the all-around force that was L-Jay Gonzales who was backstopped by the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Royce Alforque, Jun Gabane, Jack Gloria, Kenji Roman, and Xyrus Torres. If many of those names sound familiar, that's because they have only moved on up to starring in the Srs. "FEU has always been known as yung program na akala mo walang player. I think yung player development is very crucial lalo na ngayong most of our players come our high school," Tamaraws head coach Olsen Racela said. Coach Olsen went on to say that while the FEU Srs.'s last championship was led by Mac Belo and Roger Pogoy, players who sharpened their saws first with Team B, their current core has been harvested from their crop in Diliman. Indeed, lead guard Gonzales, go-go guard Alforque, sharpshooter Torres, and stretch forward Brandrey Bienes are all proud products from the Baby Tamaraws. Add prized prospects coming in Abarrientos and Cholo Anonuevo and already half of the green and gold's team for UAAP 82 has been homegrown. "Maganda lalo ngayon yung relationship ng high school sa college namin. I think that's very important for our program na imbis na umaalis yung players mo towards supposedly greener pastures, nag-stay sila," Coach Nash said. With that, FEU is all-set to continue walking this way. "Now, ang recruitment talaga namin is focused in high school, yung younger players," its active consultant said. With that, FEU is all-set to continue entrusting its future in the more than capable hands of Albano and assistants Mark Isip, Denok Miranda, and Vic Pablo. And without a doubt, because Allan Albano is hard at work laying the foundation, the Baby Tamaraws and the Tamaraws aren't going away anytime soon. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
WHAT IF… Bullpups denied Kai, SJ, and Dave a championship?
History lesson: In a single season, Ateneo de Manila High School had 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto, primetime playmaker SJ Belangel, and super scorer Dave Ildefonso alongside versatile forwards Jason Credo and Joaqui Manuel. For sure, that core was good enough to win it all - and did just that in their last year all together in UAAP 80. The Blue Eaglets swept the elimination round and as such, automatically advanced into the Finals. There, they matched up opposite modern-day rival Nazareth School of National University, but after a convincing 86-70 victory in Game 1, the series looked like a mismatch. Only, the Bullpups thought otherwise. In particular, sharpshooter Migs Oczon turned in his best game yet and scored eight of his 17 points in the payoff period to shoot his team to a 70-67 decision. And so, come the winner-take-all Game 3, momentum was, all of a sudden, with the blue and gold. Even more, the lead was actually with National U inside the last five minutes of Game 3. Their six-point lead, though, would not hold as Belangel, Sotto, and Manuel rallied Ateneo to a well-earned 63-58 win. The backbreaker for the Bullpups proved to be the towering teen's putback of Manuel's miss that put his team back ahead with under two minutes left. He did that at the expense of solid rebounders Michael Malonzo and Rhayyan Amsali. But what if they just got that one rebound? If so, the edge would have remained with National U - albeit a one-point edge at that - and they could then build on it at the other end. However, Kai is Kai and there will always be a good to great chance of him making that same play. In that case, the better what if for the boys from Sampaloc is this: what if Terrence Fortea never cooled down? The gunslinger's floater, triple, and assist to Amsali was the backbone of the run that put them on top, 54-48, with 4:18 remaining. From that point, however, Fortea got locked up and was unable to impact the game any further. Of course, he was just 16-years-old during that time - and really, in his first year as one of his side's big guns. At the same time, though, the 5-foot-11 guard had already been playing three seasons for National U at that point. With that, there was also a good to great chance that he would have broken free from the shackles of the Blue Eaglets' defense in the endgame. If so, with Fortea remaining red-hot, National U then completes a comeback from the ages - besting their elimination round-sweeping opponents in three games. Not only would they deny Ateneo a perfect season, they would deny all of Sotto, Belangel, Ildefonso, Credo, and Manuel of a championship altogether. The Bullpups would then head into their title defense even scarier, welcoming Gerry Abadiano, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo with open arms. Still, their top gun would, without a doubt, be Fortea. For the Blue Eaglets, Belangel, Credo, Ildefonso, and Manuel fall short of moving on from the Jrs. on the highest of highs and that contending core winds up as an underachiever. For his part, however, Sotto comes back with a vengeance, and may very well have done better than his MVP campaign of 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks. More than that, the tantalizing talent puts Ateneo his back all the way to a rematch with National U - and the roles would then be reversed. National U is the favorite while Ateneo is the underdog. And then, who knows, it would be Kai Sotto doing a Terrence Fortea. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Saso, Pagdanganan seek redemption at Ford Championship
Yuka Saso and Bianca Pagdanganan are determined to bounce back from their recent LPGA Tour performances as they mix it up with the world’s best in the Ford Championship......»»
Marc Pingris speaks out vs affair rumors with Kim Rodriguez
Former Philippine Basketball Association star player Marc Pingris denied having an affair with actress Kim Rodriguez......»»
Pacatiw tries to buck cage rust in ONE Championship return
More than a year since his last ONE Championship bout, Jeremy Pacatiw acknowledged that he has a lot to work on before his comeback fight......»»
Philippines vows hosting readiness for men’s volleyball world championship
The Philippines assured to leave no stone unturned in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025 — in terms of hosting for the first time ever and competing anew after 50 long years......»»
The Daily Guardian: Windows feature left unupdated for 30 years
Microsoft’s Windows 11 still features a dialog box that was created almost 30 years ago, revealing the fascinating story behind its origin. Dave Plummer, a.....»»
Canino claims women’s chess crown
Ruelle Canino, the 16-year-old chess wonder, shook the current order and slew some of the country’s giants of the game in conquering the National Women’s Chess Championship in Malolos, Bulacan over the weekend......»»
Stewart Cink, 50, part of five-way tie for Valspar lead
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Fifty-year-old Stewart Cink shot a 4-under 67 to join a five-way tie for the lead at the Valspar Championship before play was suspended Friday in Palm Harbor, Fla. As the field endured rainy conditions at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, 20 golfers did not complete their rounds before darkness fell. They will resume their second rounds Saturday at 9 a.m. The five co-lea.....»»
China s Yuan enjoys top-5 finish at Valspar Championship, thinks he has found secret to success
China’s Carl Yuan thinks he may have unlocked the secret to finding more success on the PGA Tour after finishing tied fifth for his second top-10 of the season at the Valspar Championship......»»
Lady Bullpups sweep way to glory
Local bet National U-Nazareth School survived the 51-point eruption of Naomi Panganiban for the fancied Fil-Am Nation Select Girls 1, 78-73, to reign supreme in the Manila Live Girls Under-19 Championships powered by the Smart-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena......»»
Canino is Olympiad bound
It was sealed by an 83-move draw with Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia of a Sicilian in the 10th and penultimate round of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship at the Malolos City Hall in Bulacan......»»
Saso bounces back with 69 but still trails by 6
Yuka Saso rebounded from a previous round of 75 with a 69 but still found herself trailing significantly behind new leaders KoreanJiyai Shin and Alison Lee of the US after three rounds of the FIR Hills Seri Pak Championship at Palos Verdes Estates in California Saturday (Sunday Manila time)......»»
NCAA juniors champ, Finals MVP Manalili basks on day full of wins
Finals MVP Jonathan Manalili helps power Letran to the NCAA juniors basketball championship, then scores another winning romp in the NBTC All-Star just a few hours later.....»»
‘Ormoc LGU owns San Pablo property’
Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez has denied claims that the city government does not own a parcel of land in Barangay San Pablo, where the Ormoc City College will be constructed......»»
National women s chess tilt: Frayna stops Canino to stay in title contention
Janelle Mae Frayna restored some order in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship after she stopped wonder girl Ruelle Canino in the ninth round Friday to remain in the title race in Malolos, Bulacan......»»
Stewart Cink, 50, part of five-way tie for Valspar lead
(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Fifty-year-old Stewart Cink shot a 4-under 67 to join a five-way tie for the lead at the Valspar Championship before play was suspended Friday in Palm Harbor, Fla. As the field endured rainy conditions at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course, 20 golfers did not complete their rounds before darkness fell. They will resume their second rounds Saturday at 9 a.m. The five co-lea.....»»
Finally, Go nails first title as pro
With a commanding lead, Lloyd Go turned the final round of the ICTSI Palos Verdes Championship into a victory lap Friday, essaying a four-stroke victory over Michael Bibat and Guido van der Valk despite a 74 at the Rancho Palos Verdes and Sports Club......»»
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.....»»