Guiao: SMART-Gilas Jones Cup win boosts PBA, local basketball

Former national coach Yeng Guiao said the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas victory in the 34th William Jones Cup will give the PBA and all of local basketball a big boost. “It’s good for the PBA and good for Philippine basketball,” said Guiao in a telephone interview with InterAKTV. “Everytime na mananalo tayo ng championship, such as Jones Cup, mas na-bu-boost yung awareness nila sa PBA and they treat the players like heroes.” SMART-Gilas won the Jones Cup for the first time since 1998, when the Philippine Centennial Team swept the competition. SMART-Gilas coach Chot Reyes was Tim Cone’s chief assistant in the Centennial Team, which is the last Philippine squad to win a medal in a high-level Asian competition, winning the bronze in the Asian Games that year. The SMART-Gilas victory is seen as the latest win for Philippine basketball, which has been enjoying a resurgence this past year. The PBA posted record television viewership and gate receipts. The Jones Cup tournament marked the return of a team composed mainly of PBA players competing for the flag. The league earlier committed lending 16 players to the national pool, which would form the core of the program’s elite team. Earlier, PBA commissioner Chito Salud hailed SMART-Gilas for the championship. “Our country has just taken a giant step toward reestablishing our rightful place among the top powers in Asia,” he said. “I am extremely happy for the boys and the fans and proud of Philippine basketball.” Guiao said the Philippine program should concentrate on regaining supremacy in Asia. “Huwag na muna nating isipin yung world championship,” said Guiao. “Isipin muna natin yung FIBA Asia and how we can assert ourselves back as contender. Once we start beating China, then that’s the only time we can think about the world championship.” SMART-Gilas is preparing to compete in next year’s FIBA Asia Championship, where three seats are up for grabs for the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/guiao-smart-gilas-jones-cup-win-boosts-pba-local-basketball

Pisikalan ba hanap nyo??? PBA Pisikalan na!!!

Physical PBA basketball toughened up SMART-Gilas, says Salud PBA commissioner Chito Salud was in Taiwan to watch the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team win the 34th William Jones Cup, and he believes that the squad composed mainly of pros was well-served by the league’s move toward a more physical game. “I believe the PBA brand of basketball has toughened up our boys for international competition,” said Salud, who instituted changes to the league’s officiating policy, hoping to encourage more physical play, after taking over in 2010. “‘Di pwede lalamya-lamya. ‘Di pwede saksak lang nang saksak in the hope of getting a bailout call.” Despite the victory, he still saw many areas for improvement for SMART-Gilas, which was competing in its first tournament under new coach Chot Reyes. “We must further strengthen and develop our mid- to long-range shooting, along with our free throws. Most important of all, dapat may poise and experience to be competitive against taller and bigger opponents,” said Salud. Nonetheless, Salud expressed his elation over the victory, which is part of the national program’s buildup to next year’s FIBA Asia Championship, which serves as qualifier to the the 2014 FIBA World Cup. “Our country has just taken a giant step toward reestablishing our rightful place among the top powers in Asia,” he said. “I am extremely happy for the boys and the fans and proud of Philippine basketball.” Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/physical-pba-basketball-toughened-up-smart-gilas-says-salud

FAN ART

FAN ART.. SMART GILAS 2

Blackwater beats Swatch in Asi Taulava charity thriller

Kerby Raymundo stole the ball from the inbounding Asi Taulava and completed the heist with a game-winning bucket as Team Blackwater escaped Team Swatch, 126-125, in the Built Upon the Rock charity game Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The charity event organized by Taulava, which brought together PBA stars and showbiz celebrities playing for relief operations of flood victims, featured lots of fun and showmanship. But when things got serious during winning time, as Raymundo and rookies Alex Mallari and Cliff Hodge carried their team back into the game. Mallari had two three-pointers in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter while Hodge had several rim-rattling slams, setting up Raymundo’s finishing kick. But more than the win, Team Blackwater playing coach Jimmy Alapag was happiest about the turnout. “The most significant thing here is that people were able to help out,” said Alapag. “We can do this thing all over again, especially when our fellow Filipinos need our help, like those victim of floods.” Shrieking fans Fans were enthralled seeing their hoop heroes taking the court with their showbiz idols. Derek Ramsay and Chris Tiu earned the most shrieks from fans, although Tiu had to sit out the game because of a hamstring injury. But the Rain or Shine rookie was in a visibly good mood throughout the affair, after learning about the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas victory in the William Jones Cup earlier in the evening. “Ang ganda ng panalo ng Philippines sa Jones Cup, ano? Great job for our team,” said Tiu. Celebrities Billy Crawford and Eric Tai set the tone for the show with a danceoff during player introductions. Crawford, a Team Swatch player, later got laughs by suiting up as a referee and calling two dubious travelling charges on Team Blackwater’s Allein Maliksi. Television host Tim Yap emceed the event and even made a short cameo on the court. He borrowed Tiu’s jersey and joined the action as part Team Swatch. His teammates gave him the ball, which he carried without dribbling for a short stab to beat the first half buzzer. Aside from the game, the event also featured other fundraising activities, including an auction for a basketball featuring autographs from all the players and celebrities participating. Empire Poker co-owner Mike Sprotti, whose company supported the event, went home with the basketball. “Well, it’s for charity that’s why I bid for it,” Sprotti told InterAKTV. “This is my own little way of helping my friend, Asi Taulava.” The event, supported by the PBA, was just the latest move from the league’s players to help victims of floods brought about by torrential rains that hammered the Philippines earlier this month. Earlier this month, the PBA donated P1 million for flood relief efforts. This was in addition to efforts by players, spearheaded by SMART-Gilas coach Chot Reyes, to collect P1 million among themselves for flood donation. Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/blackwater-beats-swatch-in-asi-taulava-charity-thriller

PBA stars on Derek Ramsay: ‘He got game’

In Asi Taulava’s charity game on Sunday night, a spitfire guard started for Team Swatch, running up and down the court, driving and dishing to open teammates, and finishing consistently in transition. The guard doesn’t play for any basketball team; he’s actor-television host Derek Ramsay, who drew the loudest shrieks from female fans all night. In the court, he showed he was more than just a set of six-pack abs. “This guy got game,” said Taulava, who suited up alongside Ramsay on Team Swatch. “He was running up and down consistently. He could probably pass up as a point guard in the PBA.” Barako Bull wingman Ronald Tubid went one step further and said Ramsay could play in the big league. “Puwede siya kahit anong sport dahil kundisyon siya. Pero kung seseryusohin niya talaga, puwede siya mag-PBA. Ang galing nga mag-dribble and mag-dish,” said Tubid. It was a sentiment echoed by Petron’s Marcio Lassiter. “He has a great potential. He could end up in one of the PBA teams,” said Lassiter. Rain or Shine rookie Chris Tiu also had good things to say about Ramsay’s performance. “Well, the only downside is he’s already in his 30s, but he’s definitely in great shape,” said Tiu. Petron Blaze rookie Alex Mallari, meanwhile, had no idea who Ramsay was. “Was he the guy wearing gray shoes?” said Mallari. “He got game.” Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-stars-on-derek-ramsay-he-got-game

‘Unsung’ stars of Gilas five

TAIPEI—Several players have stepped up for Smart Gilas-Pilipinas at the 34th Jones Cup here. Marcus Douthit, Gabe Norwood, shooters Jeff Chan and Gary David and LA Tenorio, and the rest of the team for that matter, can be called heroes for bringing Philippine basketball back to the Asian region’s consciousness. But they couldn’t have functioned the way they did in the games if not for some “unsung” ones, who do the literal dirty work for them. Rogelio “Bong” Tulabot, a utility man who has been in the PBA since 1988; Dexter Aseron, a physical therapist; and Andrew Teh, the travel agency CEO who has made sure that there is no language barrier for the Filipinos here, all deserve the same praise. Tulabot does the work of five men combined, almost not getting sleep for 10 days as he takes care of everything that each player needs before going into action. He rises up early in the morning to get the laundered uniforms and then distribute them to each player in their respective rooms before assisting them at breakfast. After the daily practice, he collects the dirty practice jerseys, takes them to the laundry before joining the team for lunch. While the players are getting some rest, Tulabot packs an ice chest full, grabs the players’ towels and hustles to wherever for the players’ rehydrating drinks for the game, getting help from Aseron who performs duties far from his calling. The team leaves two hours before gametime, and one hour before that, Tulabot tapes all the players’ ankles. Then he drags several heavy loads of apparel, drinks, ice and what-have-you, into the bus. The 30-minute trip to the venue and back to the hotel is a great time for Tulabot to rest. When the team arrives at the venue, he would massage players before the game. But Tulabot said he forgets all about the tiring routine every time the Filipinos win. The upset win over the United States and the Filipinos’ championship victory are the sweet rewards Tulabot, Aseron and Teh share. Source: http://sports.inquirer.net/59792/unsung-stars-of-gilas-five

Physical PBA basketball toughened up SMART-Gilas Pilipinas, says Salud

BA commissioner Chito Salud was in Taiwan to watch the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team win the 34th William Jones Cup, and he believes that the squad composed mainly of pros was well-served by the league’s move toward a more physical game. “I believe the PBA brand of basketball has toughened up our boys for international competition,” said Salud, who instituted changes to the league’s officiating policy, hoping to encourage more physical play, after taking over in 2010. “‘Di pwede lalamya-lamya. ‘Di pwede saksak lang nang saksak in the hope of getting a bailout call.” [PHL vs. USA - REPLAY VIDEO - CLICK HERE] Despite the victory, he still saw many areas for improvement for SMART-Gilas, which was competing in its first tournament under new coach Chot Reyes. “We must further strengthen and develop our mid- to long-range shooting, along with our free throws. Most important of all, dapat may poise and experience to be competitive against taller and bigger opponents,” said Salud. Nonetheless, Salud expressed his elation over the victory, which is part of the national program’s buildup to next year’s FIBA Asia Championship, which serves as qualifier to the the 2014 FIBA World Cup. “Our country has just taken a giant step toward reestablishing our rightful place among the top powers in Asia,” he said. “I am extremely happy for the boys and the fans and proud of Philippine basketball.” by InterAKTV | interaksyon.com

Next tournament for Gilas Pilipinas: 4th FIBA Asia Cup (Sept.14-22, 2012 @ Tokyo, Japan) CHAMPS! + MVP Tenorio! (via Cherry Tiosejo-Reyes)

Tenorio goes supernova as SMART-Gilas defeats USA to win Jones Cup

Against an American team with superior size advantage, it was the smallest man on the Philippine side who stood tallest. LA Tenorio delivered the biggest buckets in the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team’s 76-75 victory over USA to bring home the William Jones Cup to the Philippines for the first time since 1998. The Alaska point guard scored 20 points, including the go-ahead basket with 17 seconds to go to lift SMART-Gilas to the win. Before that, the 5-foot-8 Tenorio masterminded a Philippine comeback from a 13-point second half deficit. The US squad was still up, 59-46, with a minute left in the third quarter before SMART-Gilas unleashed a 15-0 run capped by a Tenorio runner to give the Philippines its first lead since the first quarter. It was a nip and tuck affair the rest of the way, with USA grabbing the upper hand on a fastbreak layup by Jermaine Dearman, 75-74, with 36 seconds left. SMART-Gilas coach Chot Reyes drew up a play that saw LA Tenorio breaking down his defender, dribbling left, and coolly sinking an 18-foot jumper for the win. The Philippines won the tournament for the fourth time in its 34-year history, the last 14 years ago when the Philippine Centennial Team swept the field to bag the title.

Gilas wins the 2012 Jones Cup crown

The Smart Gilas Pilipinas National squad defeated a taller American squad Sunday to take home the 2012 William Jones Cup title, 76-75. LA Tenorio led the team with 20 points, including 11 points in the final quarter to come back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter. The Americans raced to a 6-0 lead after three straight jumpers, before a Gabe Norwood block led to a Marcus Douthit jumper to put the Philippines on the board. Gilas would go on to complete a 10-0 run anchored by two triples from Jeff Chan to go up 10-6. A Jermaine Dearman post move finally gave the US another basket, 10-8, before a James Justice three gave the Americans back the lead, 11-10. With 1:11 remaining in the first, Larry Fonacier was fouled taking a three. Fonacier made 2-of-3, before Wayne Arnold hit a tough jumper to give the US a one point lead, 13-12. In the dying seconds of the quarter, Mychal Kearse raced to give the US a buzzer-beating three, but the referrees waved it off to the end the quarter with the Americans on top, 13-12. Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the second period. Gilas' first basket came at the 6:35 mark through Douthit to cut the ead to three, 17-12. Douthit scored again, but the US forced the action in the paint as a Scott VanderMeer short stab made it 23-16 for the Americans. The Philippines struggled against their taller counterparts, managing to grab only 15 rebounds to the US' 27, sacrificing offensive rebounds along the way. Chan scored on a layup to cut the lead to seven, 25-18, bur Arnold scored five straight to give the US a 12-point cushion, 30-18. With less than two minutes remaining in the first half, Tenorio hit a baseline jumper to make it a ten-point game, 30-10, but Curtis Marshall responded with five of his own at the other end to give the US a 14-point advantage, 34-30. With 28 seconds to work with, the Philippines were desperate to cut the deficit leading to the break. Chan responded with a three with eight seconds remaining to make it an 11-point game at the half, 34-23. The two teams traded baskets early in the third, with the Philippines struggling to get defensive stops. A layup and two freethrows from Douthit brought the lead down to 10 with 7:06 remaining, before Barnes hit a jumper at the other end. A Chan three follow by a David undergoal stab brought the lead down to seven, 41-34, but Barnes hit a three to contain the Gilas resurgence. With the Philippines going into a zone defense, Justice found himself free for back to back layups to give the US a 54-42 lead. A conversion by Arnold gave the Americans a 13-point advantage, before Chan and Tenorio combined for five in the last minute of the third period to bring down the lead to eight, 59-51. Tenorio opened up the fourth with five of his own, as a Norwood three tied the game at 59-all with 8:22 remaining. The Philippines grabbed the lead via a Tenorio floater, before an exchange by the two teams had the US up two after a Barnes three. A split from the line by Chan followed by a FOnacier three gave Gilas a two-point lead, 68-66, before Marshall hit a jumper to tie the game at 68. Tenorio hit a turnaround to put GIlas up 72-70, but Justice responded with a cold-blooded three at the other end to give the Americans the lead, 73-72. The Philippines found Douthit inside to take the lead at the 1:27 mark, 74-74, before Dearman found an open look inside with 36 seconds remaining to put the US ahead, 75-74. After a timeout by head coach Chot Reyes, Douthit and Tenorio played a two-man game, leading to a jumper by the guard to put Gilas ahead with 16 seconds to go, 76-75. The Americans failed to put a shot up at the other end, as Tenorio ended up with the defensive rebound. Chan was fouled with 1.9 seconds remaining. After Chan missed the first the first, the Philippines intentionally missed the second. The Americans had 0.9 seconds to come up with a shot, but the jumper rattled out to give the Philippines its first Jones Cup title since 1998, 76-75.

Little-Known Fil-Ams Hope To Impress

MANILA, Philippines — A couple of little-known Filipino-American first-round draft picks are eager and raring to make waves in the PBA. Alex Mallari, the No. 3 overall pick by Petron Blaze, and Jason Deutchmann, selected 10th by league newcomer Global Port, have actually played in the PBA Developmental League. The 6-3 Mallari, 25, and Deutchmann, 24, were born and bred in the United States and their size could expose matchup problems since Mallari can almost play two guard roles and is also adept at the wingman position. Deutchmann, who stands 6-5, is also effective being a wingman but is also confident at power-forward. Still, both players know they have to work doubly hard to prove that they truly deserve being picked ahead. “I’ve got to get stronger, gain more pounds,” said Mallari, who is about 170lbs and will go up against bigger guys at the wing spot like Joe Devance of B-Meg. “I also have to improve on my outside shooting and playing defense.” Mallari came to the Philippines last year and played for Big Chill in the D-League. Before coming over, Mallari had no idea about the PBA “that it was big here, that everybody loves basketball out here.” It was through his friends like TNT’s Ryan Reyes who informed him to try and play here in the country but it was his father Val, a former track star at University of San Diego, who influenced him to get into sport. Mallari actually started as a football player until the age of 17, but chose basketball in high school. “Football is my first love. I’d probably tryout for the Azkals if I’m not a basketball player,” said Mallari, a former Louise Clark State stalwart, whose mother Dena is from Subic. Deutchmann, on the other hand, grew up in Los Angeles but went to the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, and later at the University of San Diego. Like Mallari, Deutchmann also learned about the PBA through players like Marc Pingris and Kerby Raymundo. Deutchmann had brief stints with Pharex in the now-defunct PBL, as well as San Miguel in the ASEAN Basketball League, before going to the D-League with Café France. “I’m more comfortable in the wing spot, but because of my height. I’ll be asked to play a lot of inside and I rebound the ball well. It will create a lot of mismatches,” said Deutchmann of his role with Batang Pier of team owner Mikee Romero. “The things I have to improve I guess is to make good decisions, staying composed and keeping my poise,” said Deutchmann, whose parents are Howard and Maria, a native of Pampanga. “I always want to play basketball. I tried flag (American) football… I stopped that when I was tackled. Lots of people compared me to Danny Seigle (of Barako Bull). But I like Jared Dillinger (of TNT) and Jay Washington (of Petron),” added Deutchmann.

Abueva Valuable Asset, Alaska Says

MANILA, Philippines — Has Alaska Milk drafted a hothead? An extremely talented player who is nonetheless prone to violence and has the potential to become a throbbing headache for the team later on? Did the Aces pass up on Clifford Hodge, Alex Christopher Mallari, John Aldrech Ramos, Christopher Ellis and Chris Tiu during the PBA Rookie Draft to acquire somebody who would bring them despair instead of championships? Joaqui Trillo, the Aces PBA board representative and team manager, doesn't think so. But he's keeping his fingers crossed. A few days ago it was reported in the Bulletin that Calvin Abueva, San Sebastian’s top player and the reigning NCAA MVP, “was being suspended for one game following a disqualification foul he committed in their 83-75 win over Lyceum.” NCAA commissioner Joe Lipa, not a man to mess with, confirmed the sanction. The penalty had dire consequences. Abueva, who was “ejected with 6:08 left in the third quarter after hitting Lyceum’s Vence Laude on the nape with a fist,” not only has to pay for a ”broken acrylic door” which he thrashed in a fit of rage, “the punishment also disqualified him from winning any individual awards, including the MVP plum where he was leading by a mile before his misconduct.” Bad news travels fast. “Yeah, I’ve heard about it and we’ve already spoken,” said Trillo yesterday, returning a call. "He was very sorry for what he did. At hinayang na hinayang siya dahil apektado ata yung pagiging MVP niya e. Sayang naman talaga.” The No. 2 pick overall and Aces management have already agreed in principle to the terms of a "maximum three-year deal," Trillo bared, with Abueva expected to sign the contract at the end of the NCAA season. That would be around mid-October or almost halfway through the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round. “Ang tagal pa nga,” Trillo says, laughing. “E kailangan na kailangan pa naman namin siya.” The PBA’s 38th season opens Sept. 30. The incident involving Abueva was in no way a damper to the deal, said Trillo, who gave their prized draft all the counseling he needed during a meeting at his Alaska office last Friday. “I told him to control his temper even if calls are not going his way. Because dahil rookie lang siya, they’ll gang up on him if he acts that way in the PBA.” The outburst is of little concern to the Aces at the moment. “Wala naman problema with us dahil mabait na bata naman si Calvin e,” said Trillo. “Nadala lang daw siya dahil sa tawag ng referees. Sabi ko nga lang sa kanya, ‘those things you do in college will not work in the PBA.’ Sana naunawaan niya.” Trillo believes that under the nurturing of the Aces management and coaches, Abueva will eventually come around to the ways of the league that he is about to join. “He’s young, newly-married – Calvin will be all right,” guaranteed Trillo. “I’m sure he’ll learn how to relate at how things are in the PBA.” He’d better. After all, there are players – and coaches – in the league who will only be too happy to shut down a fist-waving rookie with a hair-trigger temper. There's also PBA commissioner Chito Salud.