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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

PBA takes ‘Kampihan Na!’ to the next level with official fan group names



AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan
With the success with AKTV’s “Kampihan Na!” campaign for the PBA, the league is taking it to the next level by embracing official fan group names for each of its 10 teams for the new season, which opens September 30.
The names, which came from the teams’ supporters themselves, will help fans identify more closely with their favorite teams and their fellow fanatics.
Below is the official list:
1. Air 21 – Ube Republic
2. Alaska – Gatas Republik
3. Barako Bull – Barako Brigade
4. Ginebra – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
5. GlobalPort – Batang Pier
6. Meralco – Bansang Meralco
7. Petron – Petroniverse
8. Rain or Shine – Bayan ng Rain or Shine
9. San Mig Coffee – San Mig Coffee Planet


10. Talk ‘N Text – TNT Nation
Sa’n ka?! Kampihan na!

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-takes-kampihan-na-to-the-next-level-with-official-fan-group-names

The Ginebra roster, in cartoon form



Ginebra fan Romeo Catap, who has released several infographics featuring his favorite team, is back with more cool artwork. This time, he takes on the current Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roster, 
featuring the team’s brand spanking new uniforms.

Broadcast schedule of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup on AKTV



Photo from courtesy of Chot Reyes
Fresh off winning the 34th William Jones Cup last month, the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team steps into the battlefield once more in the FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan. Catch the Philippine team do battle against tough teams from other Asian nations!
  • Philippines versus Chinese Taipei
    Thursday, September 20, 1 p.m. LIVE, 8 p.m. replay
  • Semifinals
    Friday, September 21, 3:30 p.m. LIVE
  • Battle for Third/Finals
    Saturday, September 22, 1 p.m. LIVE
Keep checking back on this page for updated schedules.

Ginebra's team of the future capable of winning now, says Jayjay By Richard Dy



“I really like the mixture of veterans and younger players in this team," says Jayjay Helterbrand. Jerome Ascano
GLANCING at the scoreboard one last time following Barangay Ginebra’s smashing 103-77 win over an off-form San Mig Coffee on Tuesday, Jayjay Helterbrand has become all the more convinced about two things.
One, the future suddenly looks rosy for the team. Two, the Kings are good enough to win now.
“From what I see, we’re a lot better now compared to the past years because we got younger and we’re now more versatile," Helterbrand told Spin.ph after helping the Gin Kings post their third win in five preseason games at the Xavier gym in San Juan.
"Mark (Caguioa) can always kick the ball out because we have younger players who can score from the outside anytime.”
The 5’11” Ginebra guard feels the team’s future is in good hands with the arrival of a platoon of youngsters capable of carrying on the Kings' never-say-die, winning tradition like Allen Maliksi and Dylan Ababou, Fil-Am rookies Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen and new starting guard LA Tenorio.
Helterbrand said Maliksi and Ababou, two guys who joined them in the middle of last season, have started to adjust well to the system of Gin Kings coach Siot Tanquingcen.
It was Maliksi, in fact, who set the tone for Ginebra’s resounding victory against the Coffee Mixers, scoring 13 of the team’s first 21 points as the Gin Kings jumped off to a quick 21-4 lead midway through the first period.
The lead eventually ballooned to 40-14 with Jensen and last year’s MVP Caguioa joining the scoring fray as the Gin Kings led from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
Helterbrand said what he likes about the team's current batch of youngsters is their eagerness to learn, their desire to win and the fact that everyone is on the same page.
“Our Fil-Ams are really, really athletic. They bring so much energy to the team and their work ethic is just tremendous. They can dribble, they can jump and they work so hard during practice that it pushes us veterans to do more this off season,” added Helterbrand.
The team has suddenly become so deep that the 35-year-old Helterbrand, who has been with the Kings since 2000 season, has no qualms about accepting a reduced role with Tenorio expected to start at point guard this season.
The former league MVP said he is willing to embrace any role as the team bids to end a four-year title drought.
“I really like the mixture of veterans and younger players we have in this team. Even how the coaching staff set up our plays and our system has prepared us well during this offseason. There’s no ego and there’s no young guy trying to say, ‘This is my team and I’m gonna take over.’ We’re all on the same page,” he said.

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/ginebras-team-of-the-future-capable-of-winning-now-says-jayjay

From the horses’ mouth: Quarterfinal coaches speak out

   
    
 
   
  
   
 
18/09/2012

 
TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): Here’s a collection of thoughts from the coaches of the teams that will clash in the Quarterfinals of the 4th FIBA Asia Cup.
Kimikazu Suzuki (JPN) Vs. China
“We are not worried about who our opponents are. We have to play our game properly. There will be no major changes in our approach just because we are playing against a big team. We will play to our strengths. That strategy has helped us so far. I hope it continues.”
Ghassan Sarkis (LIB) Vs. Qatar
“No opponent is easy at this level. And they (Qatar) are a very experienced side with good size. We’ll have to work really hard. And we will go all out.”
Tom Wisman (QAT) Vs. Lebanoon
“These (play-offs) are when the tournament really begins. What we have done so far doesn’t really matter. What we do from now on matters. Trey is back on his feet literally and will provide a lot of support. I am hoping for a good run.”
Oleg Levin (UZB) Vs. Iran
“For our team, every opponent is tough. We are not as experienced as the other team and we have our own shortfalls. One thing I am sure is that we will put in our best effort. We hope to play with dignity no matter what the result might turn out to be.”
Memi Becirovic (IRI) Vs. Uzbekistan
“I wasn’t there, but the team is aware of the dangers of taking any opponent lightly. It has happened once very recently (when Iran lost to Jordan in the quarterfinals at the 26th FIBA Asia Championship at Wuhan (China) in 2011). So I all the players will play with confidence and not being complacent.”
Chot Reyes (PHI) Vs. Ch. Taipei
“We are aiming at a medal. Therefore tomorrow’s game is another step in that direction. We have used the two days of rest to keep ourselves sharp for the game.”
Fan Bin (CHN) Vs. Japan
“Ours is a team that is here to learn. Therefore we have a plan for every game. Of course the most important index to test if our plans are working is only by way of results.”
Hsu Chin-tse (TPE) Vs. Philippines
“We have won two and lost two games coming to this stage. Which means we have played well and not so well in equal measure. The way we fought back (against Qatar) is a good sign that this team is coming together.”
FIBA Asia

Former B-MEG import Denzel Bowles joins Chinese club team Zhejiang



Source: 
http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/former-b-meg-import-denzel-bowles-joins-chinese-club-team-zhejiang
AKTV/Pranz Kaeno Billones
Former PBA import Denzel Bowles, who led the B-MEG Llamados (now San Mig Coffee Mixers) to the Commissioner’s Cup title last season, will be back in Asia to suit up for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Bowles posted on his Twitter account that he is in China to play hoops, but did not specify any team. But basketball reference site Asia-Basket.com lists him on the Zhejiang roster.
The former James Madison University standout won Best Import honors in the Commissioner’s Cup before joining the New Orleans Hornets summer league squad last July, leading people to speculate that he might stay stateside to pursue basketball opportunities there.
Instead, Bowles will be part of Zhejiang, which courted controversy last season in the CBA after signing NBA swingman JR Smith during the American league’s lockout. The player and the team had a rocky relationship, with Zhejiang management alleging that Smith habitually missed practice.
Bowles earlier professed his willingness to return to the PBA for another tour of duty with the Purefoods franchise. It is unclear, however, if his commitment with the Golden Bulls will free up in time to suit up for San Mig Coffee in next year’s Commissioner’s Cup.

We'll live and die with Miller-David By Gerry Ramos



Global Port team owner Mikee Romero the franchise is capable of springing surprises in its first season in the pro league. Jerome Ascano
GLOBAL Port team owner Mikee Romero has quashed speculations of more trades for the pro league's newest franchise with two weeks left before the 38th PBA season comes off the wraps.
The dashing sportsman-businessman says he’s more than pleased with the roster the Batang Pier have right now, a team which he pointed out is capable of springing surprises right on its maiden season.
And who knows, perhaps even win a championship.
“This is the team already,” said Romero in Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate. “May mga gumagawa ng rumors, but we will live and die with this team. I told the players in practice that those faces beside you, 'yan na ang magiging teammates ninyo.”
The team owner cleared the air as rumors continue to swirl around the franchise about another possible trade as the September 30 opening of the league draws near.
As expected, Romero is pinning his hopes on the explosive combo of two-time MVP Willie Miller and Gary David to carry most of the scoring brunt for Global Port, which purchased the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. franchise lock, stock, and barrel.
Where the two high-scoring guards go, so does the rookie franchise.
“It depends on where these two will bring us,” said Romero. “Of course, Rabah (Al Hussaini) is our third option, but its Gary and Willie who will be our main weapons. I expect another MVP run for Gary David this season, and for Willie to give this rookie team his brand of leadership.”
Aside from Miller, David, Rey Guevarra, and Al-Hussaini, other members of the team are Jondan Salvador, Romel Adducul, Will Antonio, Josh Vanlandingham, Rudy Linganay, Marvin Cruz, Mark Yee, Angel Raymundo, and rookies Vic Manuel, Jason Deutchmann, and Aj Mandani.
Romero said the Miller-David combination reminded him of the La Salle-Ateneo tandem of Mac Cardona and LA Tenorio when he first formed the Harbour Centre team in the defunct Philippine Basketball League.
Cardona and Tenorio gave the Batang Pier the first of what turned out to be a record seven straight PBL championships.
Romero is not exactly guaranteeing an outright title in Global Port’s maiden season, but is keeping his fingers crossed that hopefully a “Cinderella team will finally come out of the PBA.”
“We haven’t played our first game inside the court, but I tell you, these players will fight like lions, like tigers. Magugustuhan ng tao kung paano kami maglaro,” vowed Romero, who’s also the president of the Philippine National Shooting Association.
Miller was with his new boss in the same forum along with teammates Al-Hussaini and Guevarra, coach Glen Capacio, assistant Ricky Dandan, team manager BJ Manalo and basketball operations manager Eric Arejola.
More than the talent, it’s the hunger factor that will make the difference in the campaign of Global Port, Romero said.
“Ang maganda sa amin `yung boss (Mikee) namin gutom. And siyempre, we have a championship-caliber coach na gutom din,” said Miller, acquired in a multi-team trade that saw the Batang Pier give up sophomore guard JV Casio.
“Lahat kami dito sa team gutom,” Guevarra added.
The Batang Pier will see action right in the opener of the Philippine Cup when they battle crowd darling Barangay Ginebra in the lone game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We’re definitely looking forward to that. Actually, hindi lang naman Ginebra ang pinag-hahandaan namin kundi lahat ng teams,” said Capacio.

The Road to the Finals: FIBA Asia Cup knockout rounds bracket



Here’s the bracket for the knockout rounds of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup. The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team begins its quarterfinals campaign Thursday against Chinese Taipei.

FIBA Asia Cup: Chinese Taipei nips Qatar to book QF date vs SMART-Gilas



FIBA Asia photo
Chinese Taipei defeated Qatar in thrilling fashion, eking out a 75-73 victory in their final outing in the preliminary stage of the FIBA Asia Cup to take third place in Group B of the competition Tuesday in Tokyo, Japan.
Chinese Taipei secured the victory on a buzzer-beating dunk by Lei Tien to break the game’s final deadlock.
With the win, Chinese Taipei moves into the knockout quarterfinal round against the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team, which finished in a triple tie for first place with Lebanon and China in Group A. Lebanon ended up with a tiebreak quotient of 1.068, giving it the top seed for the group with the Philippines (1.050) taking second and China (0.891) third.
In case of three-way ties in FIBA competition, tiebreaks are computed using the quotient from total points scored in games among tied teams divided by total points allowed.
SMART-Gilas is no stranger to Chinese Taipei’s top national team, which it defeated in the 34th William Jones Cup in Taiwan last month. After a two-day break, the Philippine team is expected to come out with guns ablaze in the quarterfinals, which begins on Thursday.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/fiba-asia-cup-chinese-taipei-nips-qatar-to-book-qf-date-vs-smart-gilas

MVP leads Philippines bid to host next year’s FIBA Asia Championship



AKTV/Paolo Papa
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manuel V. Pangilinan will lead the presentation for the Philippines’ formal bid to host next year’s FIBA Asia Basketball Championship.
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios told InterAKTV that the presentation will be made Wednesday in the midst of the FIBA Asia Cup matches in Tokyo, where the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team is competing.
Barrios, along with PBA commissioner Chito Salud and former FIBA Asia secretary-general Moying Martelino, will be assisting Pangilinan in the presentation, which aims to seal the Philippines’ hosting of the event for the first time since 1973.
(InterAKTV is part of InterAksyon.com, the news website of TV5, which is chaired by Pangilinan.)
“I am upbeat and looking positively at our bid mainly because we, led by MVP, put in a lot of hard work behind” our presentation. It gives us extra strength when you know that the country is behind you,” said Barrios.
According to Barrios, Pangilinan was scheduled to fly from Hong Kong to Tokyo. The rest of the party flew to the Japanese capital Tuesday.
Last month, the SBP hosted FIBA Asia secretary-general Hagop Khajirian, who was reportedly impressed by the new SM Mall of Asia Arena, boosting the Philippines’ chances to host the event.
Salud believes the country has a good chance to win hosting rights.
“I am very optimistic. I believe Manila with all of our ardent and knowledgeable basketball aficionados will be the perfect host. Add to that all of our logistical support and capability made available by Mr. Pangilinan’s group of companies, there’s no doubt Manila will be the most appropriate host for the 2013 FIBA World qualifying tournament. They will experience the beauty of the Philippines and the warmth of real basketball fans,” Salud told InterAKTV in a text message.
Next year’s FIBA Asia Championship serves as qualifier for the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Three spots for Asian countries are up for grabs in the biennial cage competition.

Jamelle Cornley still in Manila for rehab, wants to defend title with Rain or Shine




AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan
It has been more than a month since Rain or Shine annexed the Governors’ Cup title, but Jamelle Cornley is still in the Philippines, whose culture he has completely embraced.
The tournament’s Best Import underwent knee surgery shortly after the Elasto Painters championship victory and has decided to stay in the Philippines to rehabilitate his injury.
Cornley suffered a meniscus tear in his knee in Game Six, but played through pain to lead Rain or Shine to a Game Seven triumph. He didn’t hesitate getting treatment in the country at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan.
“It was the same hospital where Larry [Rodriguez] and Paul Lee were treated, so I guess there won’t be a problem if I stay there and have my knee treated,” said Cornley, who said the Philippines is the best place to lounge around while he recovers. He would often show up to Rain or Shine practice in crutches just to cheer on teammates.
“I love the people, I love the culture and I love the Filipinos’ passion in the game of basketball. There’s no other people I’ve seen as crazy as Filipinos when it comes to basketball,” he said.
“I also love the way Philippine basketball is played. Unlike in America, basketball here is played using the bounce pass because they’re not that tall. But I like that.”
After recovery, Cornley plans to pursue opportunities abroad, but promises to be back for next year’s Governors’ Cup to help defend Rain or Shine’s title.
“I’m looking forward to it. I want to play and win another championship with Rain or Shine. We’re a family here,” he said.
But beyond playing in the PBA, Cornley wants to establish more permanent roots in the Philippines.
“People have warmly embraced me and that’s the reason why I’m thinking of making the Philippines my second home,” said Cornley.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jamelle-cornley-still-in-manila-for-rehab-wants-to-defend-title-with-rain-or-shine