SMART-Gilas to face young, tall Chinese training team in FIBA Asia Cup

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team will not have a showdown with the top team of China just yet.

The Asian basketball powerhouse will be sending its training team to the FIBA Asia Cup, where SMART-Gilas will also compete.

The Chinese squad, which is coached by the controversial Fan Bin, will still feature some top talent. Point guard Guo Ailun, an 18-year-old guard who played for Team China in the London Olympics, is expected to lead the charge, along with Yu Shulong, a 22-year-old point guard who also had a stint with China’s elite squad.

Dong Hanlin, an athletic 6-foot-10 forward who has drawn international attention, is expected to lead a bevy of Chinese big men, which also includes 20-year-old Li Muhao, who stands 7-foot-2, and 22-year-old 7-footer Zhonghao Xu. Several other members of the Chinese squad stands above 6-foot-10.

The Chinese team also features Zhao Tailong, the reigning slam dunk champion of the Chinese Basketball Association.

The team’s coach Fan Bin became the subject of controversy last year when he was still calling the shots for China’s youth squad. He was suspended by the CBA after players complained about his supposedly abusive behavior. He was reinstated several weeks later.

The FIBA Asia Cup, slated September 14 to 22 in Tokyo, Japan, is the second step for SMART-Gilas in its buildup for next year’s FIBA Asia Championship, where three seats for the 2014 FIBA World Cup are at stake. The Philippine team is coming off a rousing victory at the 34th William Jones Cup, bringing home the title for the first time in 14 years.

SMART-Gilas is scheduled to face China in its opening match on September 14. The Philippines and China are drawn with Lebanon, Uzbekistan, and Macau in Group A, while Iran, Chinese Taipei, Qatar, Japan, and India comprise Group B.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/smart-gilas-to-face-young-tall-chinese-training-team-in-fiba-asia-cup

Basketball growing at a rapid pace in Asia: Jeremy Lin

TAIPEI--Visiting NBA star Jeremy Lin said Monday that basketball in Asia might have been a little underdeveloped in the past, but the situation is different now and the game is growing at a rapid pace.

“I think there's a huge potential here,” said the 24-year-old point guard, who is in Taipei for a nine-day stay, during which he will hold a basketball training camp for young children and attend an evangelical gathering.

Lin, the first American-born NBA player of Taiwanese descent, said at the opening of the camp that the reason he came back to Taiwan is to promote the game and to share his insights with local children.

Asked if he thinks he is one of the top point guards in the NBA, Lin said he has never really tried to compare himself with all the other NBA point guards.

“When I look at my development, I just look at myself to see where I can get better, and I know I can get better,” Lin said, adding that he would rather focus on his personal improvement than being a top point guard right now.

David Lee, a power forward and center for the Golden State Warriors, who was invited to co-host the camp, echoed Lin's remarks, saying that one must have the right attitude to be successful in basketball.

“Trying to learn and keep getting better and better is the attitude you have to have if you want continue to stay in the league for a long time,” Lee said.

Lin seized the moment and made the most of it when he had spectacular breakout performances with the New York Knicks in February, he added.

The NBA sensation is back in Taiwan after having spent nearly three weeks in China and Hong Kong for basketball promotional events and Christian gatherings.

Lin celebrated his 24th birthday in Hong Kong on Aug. 23. He also shared his basketball skills and NBA experiences with youngsters and his fans during his five-day stay in Hong Kong.

After the four-day camp, Lin will hold a private charity event Aug. 31 and attend a sponsor's event the next day.

Lin will join an evangelical gathering hosted by a local television station Sept. 2 before his departure for the United States the following day.

Event organizers said in a statement that these activities may be cancelled for safety concerns if the media tries to document Lin's trip in “dangerous ways,” such as driving fast in pursuit of Lin, filming out of sunroofs or getting out of cars to snap shots at red lights.

The NBA sensation paid a short visit to Taipei earlier this month, during which local media kept a close eye on every single move Lin and his family made.

Lin, whose meteoric rise early this year with the New York Knicks attracted widespread attention, signed a three-year, US$25.1 million contract with the Houston Rockets last month after the Knicks failed to match the offer.

Source: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/sports/basketball/2012/08/28/352416/Basketball-growing.htm

Rain or Shine agrees to trade Buenafe to Meralco for first round pick

Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Tuesday, August 28, 2012 · 12:37 pm
Rain or Shine is set to trade shooting guard Ronjay Buenafe to Meralco in exchange for the Bolts’ 2014 first round pick, multiple sources told InterAKTV.
The deal is expected to be finalized and submitted to the PBA for approval shortly. Prior to the deal, Buenafe signed a three-year contract.
The two teams earlier had a tentative deal to swap picks in this year’s draft. Rain or Shine were in talks to trade its No. 7 pick to Meralco for the 2014 pick.
But the Elasto Painters found an opportunity to draft Chris Tiu with the pick, and decided to keep it for themselves.
Buenafe is coming off a season that saw him post career-lows in minutes played and scoring, likely due to Rain or Shine’s depth. But he was still a key cog in the Elasto Painters’ title run in the Governors’ Cup.
The Bolts have been active on the trading front this offseason, with reports that they have tried to deal for Alaska star guard LA Tenorio. With that trade falling apart, they focused their eyes on Buenafe, who gives them another shooter and slasher to complement Mac Cardona and Sol Mercado.
For the Elasto Painters, the deal gives them flexibility to give more playing time for Tiu, who is expected to play both guard positions for Rain or Shine. Last year, after drafting Paul Lee, the team also made similar moves, releasing RJ Jazul to Air 21 and sending Josh Vanlandingham to Powerade in a deal prior to the draft.
Under coach Yeng Guiao, Rain or Shine has had success dealing assets with a look toward the future. Two seasons ago, the Elasto Painters gave up stars Sol Mercado and Jay-R Reyes in a deal that netted them Buenafe, Beau Belga, Ronnie Matias, and two first round picks, one of which turned out to be Lee. The deal was the first step in the team’s buildup that culminated in its recent title.
Rain or Shine also announced that it has re-signed JR Quinahan, Ronnie Matias, Chito Jaime and Jonathan Uyloan.
“Quinahan has just signed a three-year deal, Matias was given a two-year deal while Jaime and Uyloan both were given one year each,” said team executive Mamerto Mondragon.
Mondragon added that Chris Tiu, the team’s prized rookie recruit, will officially sign a three-year deal on Wednesday.

Source:http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/rain-or-shine-agrees-to-trade-buenafe-to-meralco-for-first-round-pick

FAN ART : NORWOOD AS OBAMA

DAD SOMEDAY I WILL BE LIKE YOU!!

The HEART of Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0

“This might be the weakest Philippine team, the least prepared, and the smallest. But what it’s got is a big heart.Heart won it for us versus Japan, Korea, Iran, and the US. These guys just don’t know the meaning of quit.”
– Coach Chot Reyes, after beating the US, and winning the 34^th William Jones Cup .

HEART. This word repeated over and over again throughout the weak as the Smart Gilas 2.0 faced their very tournament together as a team at the 34^th William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan.

 The hash tag #Puso was often seen on the post-game tweets of LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado, Coach Chot Reyes, and the rest of the team as they battled through 8 different teams within a span of 9 days. And I believe, this HEART a.k.a.PUSO shall continue to be the driving force behind the campaign of Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0. to get to the FIBA World Cup 2014.  

This Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 squad, on paper, is not comprised with the cream of the crop of the Philippine Basketball Association but what they lacked in skill they more than made up for it the commitment, dedication, hardwork , and yes,HEART. We saw a team that came together for regular practices a mere 2 weeks before the tournament. A team, who had no aspirations of winning the tournament, whose main objective was to build the chemistry and camaraderie among themselves (players and coaches) both on and off the court, and was somehow able to over-achieve to extreme.  

A team whose last 5 of 7 wins came down the wire, whose victories was owed to the heroic exploits of its players whose composure and shooting accuracy seemed to increase when the final moments of the game arrives. A team whose players were willing to fights tooth and nail to bring glory to the nation whose name is printed on their chests… 

Next month, another tournament awaits and this time, the opponents will be eagerly waiting to challenge the team again. They have seen who the players are and have scouted what they can do, and they are more than eager to get that loss that they suffered.

We do not know what Coach Chot Reyes and the rest of the coaching staff will decide with regards to the current team roster. We do not know what adjustments they will make and whether other players will be included (and excluded) from the line-up, and a semi-new team will evolve. But regardless of the changing of total skills set of the players, one thing we can be assured of… that the aura that was carried by this last team will also be carried by the semi-new one. They will also NOT “know the meaning of quit”. They will also have the big HEART that will allow them to fight until they have nothing left… because that is the essence behind what makes our brand of basketball a passionate sport… it is not the sport of basketball per se’, but the HEART of the Filipino that beats within each player. 

That HEART which enables the nation to help each other through earthquakes and typhoons  and enables a communities to rebuild after the destruction of landslides and flash floods; it is that HEART which enables families to survive despite loved ones working abroad, that will endure all hardships for the hope of a brighter tomorrow;

it is that HEART that will fight oppression and discrimination to achieve independence and parity;it is thatHEART that knows there is a God that loves them, and that knowledge brings peace and assurance to a nation and people who are struggling to fight its way back to its former glory and splendor.

And it is that same HEART that transformed the “weakest … the least prepared, and the smallest” Philippine team into the 34^th William Jones Cup Champions. 

 

And though their quest is far from over, it is our HEART which enables us toBELIEVE that ANYTHING is POSSIBLE, that our goal is within reach, that finally, after decades of being stalled, we are now picking up speed towards that ultimate goal… the FIBA World Cup 2014!

Official Song of Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 

Sige Lang by Quest 

Sige Lang Lyrics

Eto nanaman tayo bagong simula

Huminga ng malalim alisin ang kaba

Tapos na ang kahapon, pwede nang itapon

Huwag lang ang mga aral dapat yan ay ibaon

Katulong mo sa panibagong hamon

May paparating na bagong alon

Pwede kang lamunin o pwede mong sabayan

Yung aral ng kahapon pwede ka nyang gabayan

Kung ako sayo tumayo ka na dyan

Huwag ka nang magpahuli kami ay sundan

Patungo sa liwanag, aabutin ang tala

Pagkatapos pakita sa mundo pusong nagbabaga

Upang lahat ay mamulat, sa aking susulat

Parinig sa lahat ang aking iuulat

Huwag ka nang mabahala ako ang bahala

kasangga natin si Bathala

Walang imposible

Sige lang ng sige

Abot mo ang mundo

malapit o malayo

Sama sama tayo

Hanggang sa dulo

ano man ang pagsubok

Hindi susuko

Alam kong kaya mo

Sige lang sige

Sige lang sige

Walang imposible

Nagniningning

Ang pangarap ng yong pusong

Humihiling

Na makalimutan ang kahapon

Sanay dinggin

Sigaw ng aking puso

Hindi sumusoko, hindi to susuko

Ilabas ang yong pangarap

Huwag mo yang itatago

Samahan mo ng sipag at tatag ng puso

Tumayo ko sa yong silya

Ikaw ngayon ang bida

Wala nang pipigil pa eto na eto na

Hanggat ako’y humihinga

Sugod lang laban pa

Pangarap abutin

Kumislap tulad ng mga bituin

Sige lang, di ka nagiisa

Sige lang sige pa 

Source:http://aimee829.tumblr.com/post/30309415761/the-heart-of-smart-gilas-pilipinas-2-0#comment-631537777

Trade talks back home fire up LA

Trade talks back home fire up LA By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

TAIPEI – In the end it was the smallest man with the biggest heart who made the difference for the Smart Gilas II team.

The 5-foot-8 LA Tenorio played like a man possessed in the last quarter, providing the spark and grit as the Nationals came back from 11 points down to draw level and eventually broke through over the formidable Americans as Smart Gilas won their fourth Jones Cup.

It was a dream finish for the former Atenean who fought the US team’s James Justice tit-for-tat under grinding pressure as the game stood in the balance in a gripping finale.

Tenorio pulled through in the clutch to preserve his own heroics and he did it by pushing back in his mind some pesky talks about an impending trade talks on the pro league where he was reportedly involved in.

“I was surprised. I just heard here our coaching staff talking with other teams for a trade involving me,” said Tenorio, the Alaska lead point guard in the PBA.

At the same time, Tenorio divulged his team nearly missed his services together with his Alaska teammates – Sonny Thoss and Mac Baracael – as there were alleged moves to disallow them from joining the Nationals here.

“I don’t know what exactly happened. As for me, there’s no way they can stop me since it is in my contract that I can opt to play for the Philippine team if chosen or invited,” Tenorio told The STAR.

“This is a dream for me though I’ve been part of the national pool that played in the Jones Cup before,” said Tenorio, among the amateur players included in the 2006 Phl squad.

Fresh from Ateneo then, the feisty guard didn’t remember much from those stints except playing only two games against Kazakhstan and Japan.

Past forward to 2012, Tenorio was the hands-down choice as MVP after playing tremendous games and emerging the Philippines’ hero in the championship match.

“It actually came to my mind before the game, and I was surprised it happened,” said Tenorio.

“We’re all tired. What I did was just keep on praying,” he added.

His prayers were answered, and the Nationals left for home yesterday with as newly minted Jones Cup champs.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=69&articleid=842635&keyword=sp_pba

A Jones Cup NOT for the faint of heart

By: Magoo Marjon

It’s not Pilipinas Basketball if it’s not come-from-behind.

With 36 seconds remaining in what was a gold-medal-or-bust game for the Philippines in the Jones Cup in Taiwan, Gilas was inbounding from the left side down by one point against Team USA. Sixteen seconds after, the ball found the bottom of the net after it left the tip of Alaska Ace LA Tenorio’s finger. The improbable was upon us, Gilas Pilipinas was sitting on a 76-75 lead with just exactly 19.9 seconds remaining.

With no timeouts left, the Americans marched the ball down the length of the floor, a shot goes up, all board, and out of the scrum of all 10 players in the box, the smallest Filipino emerges with the ball. Yes, it was Lewis Alfred Tenorio once again.

Talk about desire. Gilas Pilipinas trailed by as much as 14 points in the third quarter. They were still down by ten before the five-foot-eight-inch Tenorio somehow got a reverse lay-up to go against the 6’9 Scott VanderMeer of the USA before the third quarter whistle blew. And from then on, he was a man on a mission.

Down by eight to open the final frame, Tenorio went at it again. LA pulled up for an 18-footer, got a hand on the ball on the other end and knocked in a three-pointer to bring the Philippines to within three points.

The next time down the floor, Gabe Norwood tied it all up with his own version of a three while the Americans were scrambling on D. LA Tenorio ended up scoring 11 of his 20 points in that fateful fourth quarter, including the go-ahead basket, but we all still had to hold our collective breath as the USA had 0.9 secs to try and win it.

The inbound from the baseline found its way into the US frontcourt. The pass was perfect, going 90 feet, just over the outstretched arms of our 6’10 naturalized center Marcus Douthit. It was caught, The shot goes in the air. Time seemed to have stood still… until the ball hit the rim. It was sharp, the US missed it. After years and years of seeing shots like that go in for our opponents in international tournaments, it was hard to believe. I almost shed a tear.

History was teasing us

All week long in Taiwan, fate was testing us, history was teasing the basketball loving Filipino. On Tuesday, South Korea, of all teams, was down by three when they failed to send the game into overtime at the buzzer. Pilipinas won, 82-79. The following day, Japan missed a handful of three-point attempts as Gilas hung on to a four-point victory, 88-84.

Then on Friday, Iran was down by two. Their ace point guard, Kamrhani, dribbled the length of the floor off a missed Pilipinas free thow, stopped at the top of the key and let one fly. As time froze once again, what would’ve been the game winner bounced out. Gilas Pilipinas beat the mighty Mahram of Iran, 77-75.

Come Saturday, Gilas took on the best Chinese Taipei had to offer. After a ridiculously intense third quarter, Gilas was down by two entering the final frame. Then the Filipinos looked to break the backs of the hosts by unleashing a 15-4 run led by the man they call the Lieutenant, to take a 69-60 lead with just under six minutes remaining. We needed to win this one as the USA and Iran already lost earlier in the day.

Those two nations, together with South Korea, were at 5-2 (win-loss), while we were just half a game ahead at 5-1. Our opponents, Taiwan A, were right in the thick of the race at 4-2. So you know everybody was praying for Gilas to lose.

And the Taiwanese were more than ready to oblige, creeping within two points after a 7-0 blast. It was a dogfight the rest of the way until Gary David knocked one down from deep to see the Philippines take a 76-70 lead with just 40 seconds left on the clock. The rest was history as Gilas took their sixth victory.

Filipino perseverance saw us through

In every single one of those last five victories, our opponents had a sizable advantage at some point of those contests. But the Filipinos perseverance saw us through. The never-say-die spirit that has endeared Philippine basketball’s most popular team, Barangay Ginebra, to their legions of faithful as well as the PBA 37th season’s Powerade Tigers was definitely prevalent.

A team with no PBA MVPs saw the rise of Rain or Shine Elasto Painter Gabe Norwood, with his steady, all-around impact play throughout the tournament. His teammate, 2012 Governors' Cup Finals MVP Jeff Chan was also a huge revelation, with Larry Fonacier, Ranidel De Ocampo, Sol Mercado and Gary David also making their marks.

While Norwood would’ve been a solid choice, first-time National LA Tenorio was adjudged Jones Cup MVP after his spectacular play in the last two games. You couldn’t go wrong either way anyway.

The underdogs found a way to conquer the Jones Cup for the first time since the Centennial Team back in 1998 (and the fourth time in the tournament’s 34 editions). And they did it in a very Filipino way. Bucking the odds and just leaving everything they had on the floor.
In the end, they definitely deserve our sincerest gratitude. Thank you Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0. Maraming salamat for making our basketball-crazy people believe again.

And the best part is, this is just the beginning, the dawn of our rise back to prominence in the sport closest and dearest to our hearts and minds. - AMD, GMA News

Soucre: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/271379/sports/opinion/a-jones-cup-not-for-the-faint-of-heart

RIP Sec. Jesse Robredo

Paalam Sec. Jesse pero hindi kame magpapaalam sa mga aral na iniwan mo.

The late Secretary Jesse Robredo lies in state at the Basilica Minore Nuestra Seniora de Penafrancia in Naga City on Monday. Robredo, a Peñafrancia devotee, will be cremated on Tuesday after a state eulogy to be led by President Aquino and his Cabinet.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/image/images/08/27/12/robredos-remains-penafrancias-home

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. Last season, 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

Rondo Nagpa-SemiKal sa Pinas...

> Rajon Rondo is in Manila for a short visit, and he found time to get a trim at the Titan 22 barber shop at The Fort. “Pretty good, very relaxing,” said the Boston Celtics all-star guard.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/caption-this-rajon-rondo-gets-a-shave-at-the-fort

Jones Cup hero Tenorio showered with affection on SMART-Gilas return

LA Tenorio returned home a conquering hero on Monday, getting showered with cheers along with the rest of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team.

 The 5-foot-8 Alaska guard won Most Valuable Player honors in the 34th William Jones Cup after starring in SMART-Gilas’ conquest of the US in its last game, which assured the Philippines of the title.

 Tenorio expressed how much the game meant to him in a telephone interview with InterAKTV.

 “That’s the most memorable game of my career,” said Tenorio. “Hindi na Alaska dala-dala ko rito, hindi rin pangalan ko. Pilipinas dala-dala ko rito.”

 Aces team manager Joaqui Trillo expressed the company’s pride over Tenorio’s accomplishments for flag and country.

 “The Alaska organization is proud of his contributions and that’s a big thing for us,” said Trillo.

 The SMART-Gilas lineup to the Jones Cup featured three Alaska players: Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, and Mac Baracael, the most from any team in the league. Alaska coach Luigi Trillo said the three players made a lot of sacrifices for the national cause, making them deserving of the title. Curiously, the last Philippine squad to win the Jones Cup, the 1998 Centennial Team, also featured three Alaska players: Jojo Lastimosa, Kenneth Duremdes, and Johnny Abarrientos. Former Aces coach Tim Cone called the shots for the team, with SMART-Gilas coach Chot Reyes serving as his assistant.

 enorio, mean

while, is looking forward to donning national colors again. “Ang sarap pala ng feeling nung makapagsilbi sa bayan,” he said.

Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jones-cup-hero-tenorio-showered-with-affection-on-smart-gilas-return

Fil-Am gymnast Kyla Ross on Olympic gold medal: 'It was all worth it' By: KARLA MAQUILING August 27, 2012 3:30pm

Fil-Am gymnast Kyla Ross describes her winning of a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics as “thrilling,” “unbelievable,” and “exciting.”

 The 15-year-old gymnast helped the US Women’s Gymnastics Team bag the gold for the first time in 16 years at the 2012 Olympics in London.

 In an e-mail interview with GMA News Online, Ross said, “I wanted to laugh, cry, and scream all at the same time. It makes you feel everything you’ve ever done—gymnastics wise and personal decisions made—was all worth it.

” Her mother Kiana was born in Hawaii and has German, Filipino, Puerto Rican, and Chinese blood.

 Ross' maternal great-grandfather Tano was 16 when he left Pangasinan to work in a sugar plantation in Hawaii. Her great-grandmother came from Cebu. Ross’s father Jason is thus African-American and Japanese.

 From her Filipino side of the family, Ross learned hard work and responsibility. She hopes to come and visit the Philippines one day and see her maternal relatives and her Pinoy fans who have been rooting for her since day one.

 “I want to sincerely thank my Filipino fans for their love and support. I hope I can continue to make them feel proud of me,” said Ross, who loves pinakbet and halo-halo. Preparing for Olympics Ross, who claims to "love competing," said preparing for the Olympics was no easy task. “I had to stay focused. I trained 35 hours a week. My coaches, Jenny Zhang and Howie Liang, were very good at pacing me. I’m pretty good at eating healthy and staying away from junk food. My mother cooks nutritious meals so my diet didn’t change,” Ross shared. Ross' parents have always been very supportive of their children’s athletic interests. Kyla's brother plays baseball while her sister is a volleyball player. Their parents shuttle them to school and practice. “Both of my parents work very hard, and I know they have sacrificed a lot of time and money, but they never complain. I know it’s not easy for them but they always seem to get everything done,” she said. Her parents and brother, along with her grandparents and aunts from Hawaii, were at the stands cheering for her during the London Olympics. Back to normal Coming back home from the Olympics, she has settled back into her normal routine: gym training and getting ready for school opening in September. In the last four years that she has been with the USA National Gymnastics Team, Ross managed to attend regular high school while making time for training camps in Houston, Texas, and international assignments. During her down time, she squeezes in a few hours at night and early in the morning to do her homework. “My teachers give me assignments ahead of time when I need to travel. I have to stay organized, otherwise things can get crazy real fast,” she said. When not in school or training, Ross spends a lot of time baking and cooking with family. “I have a big extended family on both my mom’s and dad’s side. I love hanging out with them,” she shared. Growing up in a multicultural background, Ross said her family observes many different customs and traditions. - VVP, GMA News Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/271373/pinoyabroad/pinoyachievers/fil-am-gymnast-kyla-ross-on-olympic-gold-medal-it-was-all-worth-it

San Miguel boys eager to be a part of Gilas program

PBA superstar Arwind Santos and Petron teammate Marcio Lassiter as well as Smart Gilas old hand Jimmy Alapag have expressed willingness to join the national team program should their services be needed for the Fiba-Asia Champions Cup campaign in Japan next month. Speaking just hours after a Gilas team led by LA Tenorio and Marcus Douthit took the country’s first Jones Cup title in 14 years in Taipei, Santos said he was supposed to be a part of Chot Reyes’ team but had to beg off after failing to get the go-signal from management. Given the chance, the 6-5 forward with the unbelievable wingspan said he’s excited to don the national colors. “Di lang ako pinayagan sumama sa team, pero excited na ako maglaro sa national team. Siyempre, para yan sa bayan,” Santos told Spin.ph after playing in Asi Taulava’s charity basketball game on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Pasig City. “Gusto kasi ng team management na mag-concentrate muna ako sa pag-prepare namin sa All-Filipino. Pero, masaya ako kasi yung panalo ng Gilas II, panalo nating lahat iyan.” From all the players of the three San Miguel-controlled teams, it was only Enrico Villanueva of Ginebra who was allowed to suit up for the Gilas II team that went 7-1 in Taipei en route to the most significant achievement by a national basketball team since the Centennial Team’s victory in the same tournament back in 1998. The non-availability of San Miguel players had become a contentious issue in the lead-up to the Jones Cup, fanning the rivalry between SMC teams and those controlled by the PLDT group of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas head Manny Pangilinan. Caught in the crossfire was Marcio Lassiter, a Gilas original who ended up playing for Petron as a pro after a trade with the former Powerade team of Coca-Cola. “I salute the Gilas II team for a job well done. If I’m given a chance to play again, I’d love to be part of the program,” said Lassiter. “Playing in that kind of a tournament is tough because you get to match up with strong teams, then still have to deal with playing almost every day.” Alapag, back at full strength after an injury-plagued 2012 season, said he would like to sit down and discuss with Reyes how he could possibly help the Smart-Gilas II once the national squad flies back to Manila. “When they get back to Manila, I would like to talk with coach Chot and see how some of us could help the team further because we also have the Stankovic Cup (Champions Cup) this September. I would like to make myself available if they would need me for that tournament,” said the longtime national player and 2011 PBA MVP. Meantime, Talk ‘n Text team manager Aboy Castro, who served as one of Reyes’ assistant coaches in the national team from 2005-2007, is convinced the ongoing Smart-Gilas II program is the right formula that could help bring the Philippines back to respectability in the international stage. “Winning the Jones Cup is definitely a step in the right direction. That’s exactly what we need as we build up our basketball program. I think the right formula for the national team is putting together players who are 28-30 years old and reinforce them with a naturalized player,” said Castro. Source: Richard Dy, SPIN.ph