Tuesday, September 4, 2012
BARROCA TRADE RUMOR, PINABULAANAN NG SAN MIG COFFEE
MARIING PINABULAANAN NI SAN MIG COFFEE MIXERS TEAM MANAGER ALVIN PATRIMONIO ANG KUMAKALAT NA ULAT NA NASA TRADING BLOCK DI’UMANO SI INCOMING SOPHOMORE GUARD MARC BARROCA.
SA PANAYAM NG PTV SPORTS, NILINAW NI PATRIMONIO NA WALANG TEAM NA KUMAKAUSAP SA KANILA UKOL SA PLAYER SWAPPING AT LALONG WALA SILANG INI-INITIATE NA GANITO.
IGINIIT RIN NI PATRIMONIO NA MAS GUSTO NIYANG I-MAINTAIN ANG KANILANG CURRENT ROSTER, LALO PA’T MAAYOS NAMAN ANG KANILANG MGA BAGONG ACQUISITIONS NA SINA ROOKIE ALDRECH RAMOS AT FREE AGENT GUARD CRIS PACANA.
ASAM NG DATING BMEG LLAMADOS NA MAGING ISA ULIT SA MGA WINNINGEST TEAMS SA BUBUKSANG 38TH SEASON NG PBA SA SEPTEMBER 30.
Souce:http://www.facebook.com/PTV4SPORTS
Sound advice from Jolas
Jojo Lastimosa, right, doesn't hesitate to step in when he feels nephew Carlo Dan is going astray. Jerome Ascano
ASIDE from having a famous basketball name and a familiar number at the back of your jersey, there's also one other advantage in being a basketball-playing Lastimosa.
You have a famous uncle who can help straighten you out when you go astray.
Carlo Dan Lastimosa said he is proud to carry on the family's proud basketball tradition started by his dad Danny and uncle Jolas, and thankful for the advice and nuggets of wisdom handed down from time to time by his famous uncle.
“Nag-usap kami ni tito, sabi niya tumatanda na ako at ayusin ko daw yung buhay ko at ‘wag yung pa-easy easy lang. Alam niya na meron pa ako mai-improve,” said Lastimosa, who was happy to see Jolas watch from ringside during College of St. Benilde's loss to San Sebastian on Monday.
Carlo's dad, Danny, was a burly forward who played alongside Jolas in the Mama's Love team that became a crowd darling in the old Philippine Amateur Basketball League. The stint served as the launch pad of Jolas who went on to have a successful pro career that saw him become a member of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players.
Jolas remains deeply involved in the game running clinics for former team Alaska, playing on the legends circuit and doing TV commentary work, and is in the best position to help guide the blossoming career of his nephew, one of the top scorers in the NCAA who wears his uncle's No. 6 jersey number.
A known straight shooter, Jolas doesn't hesitate to step in when he feels the young Lastimosa needs to be straightened out.
“Lately, I didn’t like what I’m seeing with his antics on the court, drawing attention to himself. I told him that kung di siya magbabago hanggang dyan na lang siya,” said the former Alaska star.
“I told him that at this stage, you’re zero, you have no right to complain to your coach or your teammates on what’s going on,” he added.
Jolas said he sees a bright future for his nephew and he doesn't want to see him let the talent go to waste.
“Your popularity could only go as far,” said Jojo on the sidelinesof the St. Benilde-San Sebastian match. “But what is important is how you carry yourself and people will respect you for who you are and not for your popularity. Always be grounded and humble.”
More than basketball, Jolas wants his nephew to stand out in the game of life.
“I’m prouder of Carlo as a person than him being a basketball player although I can see him create his own niche and he’s doing what he likes,” added the PBA 1988 Rookie of the Year.
Source:http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/sound-advice-from-jolas
You have a famous uncle who can help straighten you out when you go astray.
Carlo Dan Lastimosa said he is proud to carry on the family's proud basketball tradition started by his dad Danny and uncle Jolas, and thankful for the advice and nuggets of wisdom handed down from time to time by his famous uncle.
“Nag-usap kami ni tito, sabi niya tumatanda na ako at ayusin ko daw yung buhay ko at ‘wag yung pa-easy easy lang. Alam niya na meron pa ako mai-improve,” said Lastimosa, who was happy to see Jolas watch from ringside during College of St. Benilde's loss to San Sebastian on Monday.
Carlo's dad, Danny, was a burly forward who played alongside Jolas in the Mama's Love team that became a crowd darling in the old Philippine Amateur Basketball League. The stint served as the launch pad of Jolas who went on to have a successful pro career that saw him become a member of the PBA's 25 Greatest Players.
Jolas remains deeply involved in the game running clinics for former team Alaska, playing on the legends circuit and doing TV commentary work, and is in the best position to help guide the blossoming career of his nephew, one of the top scorers in the NCAA who wears his uncle's No. 6 jersey number.
A known straight shooter, Jolas doesn't hesitate to step in when he feels the young Lastimosa needs to be straightened out.
“Lately, I didn’t like what I’m seeing with his antics on the court, drawing attention to himself. I told him that kung di siya magbabago hanggang dyan na lang siya,” said the former Alaska star.
“I told him that at this stage, you’re zero, you have no right to complain to your coach or your teammates on what’s going on,” he added.
Jolas said he sees a bright future for his nephew and he doesn't want to see him let the talent go to waste.
“Your popularity could only go as far,” said Jojo on the sidelinesof the St. Benilde-San Sebastian match. “But what is important is how you carry yourself and people will respect you for who you are and not for your popularity. Always be grounded and humble.”
More than basketball, Jolas wants his nephew to stand out in the game of life.
“I’m prouder of Carlo as a person than him being a basketball player although I can see him create his own niche and he’s doing what he likes,” added the PBA 1988 Rookie of the Year.
Source:http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/sound-advice-from-jolas
The Final Score: Marcus Douthit on being Pinoy, naturally
Right after the Philippines defeated Iran in the Jones Cup, Marcus Douthit said someone from Iran gave him an offer to play for a club team. He told them he had a contract with Smart Gilas. He said they were offering him a chance to leave and play elsewhere, for more money, for a life possibly better than the life he has now.
Marcus told them, “No thanks.”
“Because it’s not about money,” Marcus stressed. “I won’t leave a situation to go chase more money when in the long-term, I’m looking at something different. This is more for my family than it is for me.”
Douthit lives in the Philippines. His kids go to school in Taguig. His wife goes to Shopwise to buy groceries. He brings cupcakes to school. She hosts parties for friends. Just like they’re home.
I asked Marcus, “Do you still get homesick?”
Marcus shook his head and quickly answered, “No.”
Douthit’s answer seemed more instinctive than prepared. He smiled afterwards, like he realized how easier it was to say no instead of yes.
“The only reason I go home [Syracuse in the United States] is to attend to business,” Marcus shared. “Because I have everything I need here. So it’s not like I’m missing out on so much. It’s just like home.”
Home. During our conversation, Marcus said “home” several times. Home didn’t refer to upstate New York. Home referred to the Philippines, for now. But If I believed in what he suggested, home refers to the Philippines, for possibly a long time.
“Since last year, I’ve started to make the Philippines my home.” See, Marcus says that word again. “I’ve started to do more things here. This situation here is like the best situation that I can be in.”
A document says Marcus is a Naturalized Filipino. I don’t know what it means really. I find it easier to understand that he competes with Pilipinas on his chest. That he prefers to live here. That he insists on having his children study here. He doesn’t have a single drop of Filipino blood. He can’t speak Filipino. He can’t stand balut. Yet to me, he seems more Filipino than what custom dictates.
Somebody offered Marcus more money and the chance to leave. Why is he still here? It’s not because of Pinoy food or the stuff people buy in Greenhills or the DVDs they sell in Metrowalk. He admires how Filipinos respect their elders. He’s amazed at how Filipinos smile through adversity. He says, “I’ve never been to a place like this.” So he stays because he chooses to.
“People used to ask me a lot ‘Are you going to stay and live here?’ and I used to always react with ‘Oh no, no’ and I was being honest,” Marcus admitted. “But now after living here, I’ve started to learn things and see how things work, I definitely just want to stay here after I’m done with basketball.
“I don’t want to play nowhere else.” - AMD, GMA News
Marcus told them, “No thanks.”
“Because it’s not about money,” Marcus stressed. “I won’t leave a situation to go chase more money when in the long-term, I’m looking at something different. This is more for my family than it is for me.”
Marcus Douthit (center) seen here as an import with the Air21 Express in the PBA, is proud to represent the Philippines as a naturalized Filipino.KC Cruz
Douthit lives in the Philippines. His kids go to school in Taguig. His wife goes to Shopwise to buy groceries. He brings cupcakes to school. She hosts parties for friends. Just like they’re home.
I asked Marcus, “Do you still get homesick?”
Marcus shook his head and quickly answered, “No.”
Douthit’s answer seemed more instinctive than prepared. He smiled afterwards, like he realized how easier it was to say no instead of yes.
“The only reason I go home [Syracuse in the United States] is to attend to business,” Marcus shared. “Because I have everything I need here. So it’s not like I’m missing out on so much. It’s just like home.”
Home. During our conversation, Marcus said “home” several times. Home didn’t refer to upstate New York. Home referred to the Philippines, for now. But If I believed in what he suggested, home refers to the Philippines, for possibly a long time.
“Since last year, I’ve started to make the Philippines my home.” See, Marcus says that word again. “I’ve started to do more things here. This situation here is like the best situation that I can be in.”
A document says Marcus is a Naturalized Filipino. I don’t know what it means really. I find it easier to understand that he competes with Pilipinas on his chest. That he prefers to live here. That he insists on having his children study here. He doesn’t have a single drop of Filipino blood. He can’t speak Filipino. He can’t stand balut. Yet to me, he seems more Filipino than what custom dictates.
Somebody offered Marcus more money and the chance to leave. Why is he still here? It’s not because of Pinoy food or the stuff people buy in Greenhills or the DVDs they sell in Metrowalk. He admires how Filipinos respect their elders. He’s amazed at how Filipinos smile through adversity. He says, “I’ve never been to a place like this.” So he stays because he chooses to.
“People used to ask me a lot ‘Are you going to stay and live here?’ and I used to always react with ‘Oh no, no’ and I was being honest,” Marcus admitted. “But now after living here, I’ve started to learn things and see how things work, I definitely just want to stay here after I’m done with basketball.
“I don’t want to play nowhere else.” - AMD, GMA News
Source:
NU protest thrown out
Bulldogs coach Eric Altamirano said with the video evidence 'inconclusive,' the rightful call should have been to let the game go into overtime. Jerome Ascano
THE UAAP basketball commissioner on Wednesday threw out National University's protest, upholding FEU's victory on a last-gasp basket by RR Garcia.
Basketball commissioner Ato Badolato said on Wednesday Garcia’s basket was made just in time. NU, however, can still decide to bring the case to the UAAP Technical Committee.
“The protest was denied,” said Badolato. “Obviously, ‘yung bola left the hand of RR Garcia in time upon the review of the game.”
Badolato said that he reviewed the game using the same camera angles that was shown during the television broadcast and it revealed that the ball was released before the clock expired.
Garcia’s game-winner lifted Far Eastern University to a 77-75 win over the Bulldogs on Sunday, the Tamaraws’ eighth win in 11 outings.
Spin.ph is still trying to get the side of NU as of posting time.
Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/nu-protest-thrown-out
Chief to hand down protest verdict
source:http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/waiting-game-as-badolato-weighs-merits-of-bulldogs-protest
THE question on whether RR Garcia’s controversial game-winning layup should stand or not will have to wait as UAAP basketball commissioner Ato Badolato sought more time to decide on the merits of National University’s protest over its loss loss to Far Eastern University on Sunday.
“I need more time to review,” said Badolato, who received NU's formal protest on Tuesday and plans to come out with his decision on Wednesday.
Garcia’s last-gasp basket in FEU's 77-75 victory on Sunday is being contested by the Bulldogs, who claim that the ball was still in the finger tip of Garcia when time expired and therefore should not have counted.
Several photos taken from different angles of Garcia’s layup have spread on the internet over the last few days and so far, reactions have been mixed.
A former UAAP basketball commissioner contacted for comment said he, too, felt the shot was also too close to call.
“When [I watched it] live, I thought it should not have been counted. When I saw the replay, I was still not sure whether it’s counted or not,” said the former official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The former UAAP commissioner speculated that had the game gone into overtime, both teams would not have made a fuss about the controversial final-second play.
“I guess that if the game extended into overtime, no one will contest the decision,” said the ex-commissioner, who despite the controversy praised, Badolato for the way he is handling the league so far.
Several photos taken from different angles of Garcia’s layup -- including this video grab by uaapsports.tv -- have spread on the internet over the last few days and so far, reactions have been mixed. PBA seeks banner year
The
successful title quest of underdog team Rain or Shine and the entry of a
new team in Global Port are expected to firm up competition and make
the games more exciting when the 38th season of the Philippine Basketball Association kicks off beginning Sept. 30.
League commissioner Chito Salud singled out both franchises as possible contenders capable of giving the regular PBA top guns a run for their money in the coming new season.
The Elasto Painters already proved their worth in the last Governors’ Cup when they stunned favorite B-MEG Llamados (now San Mig Coffee) in the deciding Game 7 of the Finals to win their breakthrough championship.
Meanwhile, the Batang Pier of team owner Mikee Romero are expected to pick up from where their predecessors—the Powerade Tigers—left off as they continue to build their roster this off-season following the acquisition of two-time Most Valuable Player Willie Miller to team up with scoring champion Gary David.
“Global Port and Rain or Shine, these are competitive teams. They have good rosters, and our fans want good teams to be able to challenge perennial favorite in San Miguel, B-MEG, and Talk `N Text,” said Salud, who was the main special guest in Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Assciation Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
At the same time, the commissioner said the recent off-season, four-team trade involving Miller, sophomore star JV Casio, and ace playmaker LA Tenorio, would somehow help further achieve parity in Asia’s pioneering pro league.
Balance competition after all, has been one of the major reasons for the PBA’s continued success the past few seasons, including last year when it achieved a record gross sales of more than P100 million.
“The new trade that has been approved, I sincerely believe, would strengthen the overall competitiveness balance of the league, and in terms of credentials and lineup, it would be more exciting for the PBA and the fans,” stressed Salud in the session presented by Smart, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
source:
League commissioner Chito Salud singled out both franchises as possible contenders capable of giving the regular PBA top guns a run for their money in the coming new season.
The Elasto Painters already proved their worth in the last Governors’ Cup when they stunned favorite B-MEG Llamados (now San Mig Coffee) in the deciding Game 7 of the Finals to win their breakthrough championship.
Meanwhile, the Batang Pier of team owner Mikee Romero are expected to pick up from where their predecessors—the Powerade Tigers—left off as they continue to build their roster this off-season following the acquisition of two-time Most Valuable Player Willie Miller to team up with scoring champion Gary David.
“Global Port and Rain or Shine, these are competitive teams. They have good rosters, and our fans want good teams to be able to challenge perennial favorite in San Miguel, B-MEG, and Talk `N Text,” said Salud, who was the main special guest in Tuesday’s session of the Philippine Sportswriters Assciation Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
At the same time, the commissioner said the recent off-season, four-team trade involving Miller, sophomore star JV Casio, and ace playmaker LA Tenorio, would somehow help further achieve parity in Asia’s pioneering pro league.
Balance competition after all, has been one of the major reasons for the PBA’s continued success the past few seasons, including last year when it achieved a record gross sales of more than P100 million.
“The new trade that has been approved, I sincerely believe, would strengthen the overall competitiveness balance of the league, and in terms of credentials and lineup, it would be more exciting for the PBA and the fans,” stressed Salud in the session presented by Smart, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
source:
With LA, Kings Are Much Stronger
September 05, 2012
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MANILA, Philippines — As dust slowly settles from the swirling trades that blanketed the Philippine Basketball Association a few days ago, which of the ballclubs showed foresight in wheeling-and-dealing and which ones got blindsided and fell prey to the sweet talk of those who came bearing gifts?
From the onset, Barangay Ginebra looks like a frontrunner among the beneficiaries of player movements after it landed point guard LA Tenorio from the Alaska Aces following a complicated maneuver that involved two other teams.
But is it?
Tenorio joining Mike Cortez, Jayjay Helterbrand and Rob Labagala at the backcourt strengthens not only that position but also turns the Kings into a guard-saddled fortress where playmakers will be fighting for minutes for the chance to distribute the ball and produce highlights worthy of making it to the Top 10 plays on TV.
Siot Tanquingcen, the Ginebra coach, will be able to test his juggling skills as soon as the 38th season takes off. In fact, already he has been talking of “sacrifices” and “adjustments” players will have to make.
Tanquingcen could be referring to Tenorio, the guy he dealt away when both of them were still with San Miguel a few years back. But he could just as well be addressing his holdover point guards in preparation for LA Confidential’s eventual takeover at the starting spot.
Tenorio had never been shy about admitting how much he was affected by the departure of former Alaska coach and now B-Meg mentor Tim Cone, who had nurtured his career after a lackluster rookie season with the Beermen.
How well he and Tanquingcen can work things out to make Tenorio set aside thoughts of a reunion with Cone and his triangle offense should manifest itself right in the Philippine Cup.
“He’s a big piece in our plan to contend for a finals slot,” said Tanquingcen. “But it’s very early in the pre-season to say anything because like any deal, the player will have to adjust to the system.”
JV Casio, the 2011 No. 1 draft pick, should have no problem adjusting to the system of Alaska coach Luigi Trillo after Casio’s stint at Powerade.
Unlike Tenorio, whose heart apparently went out Alaska’s door with Cone, Casio has no baggage to deal with and should thrive at the corporate-like atmosphere of the ultra-organized Aces, something akin to how former Tigers governor JB Baylon ran things at Powerade.
EXCITING SEASON
The successful title quest of underdog team Rain or Shine and the entry of a new team in Global Port are expected to firm up competition and make the games more exciting when the 38th season of the PBA kicks off beginning Sept. 30.
League commissioner Chito Salud singled out both franchises as possible contenders capable of giving the regular PBA top guns a run for their money in the coming new season.
The Elasto Painters already proved their worth in the last Governors Cup when they stunned favorite B-Meg Llamados (now San Mig Coffee) in the deciding Game 7 of the Finals to win their breakthrough championship.
Source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/372266/with-la-kings-are-much-stronger
PBA legends band together for ‘Court of Inspiration’ project
Six members of the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players have banded together for a common cause to inspire younger generations of basketball players around the country.
Led by the PBA’s “Point Laureate” Ronnie Magsanoc, a group composed of Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, Jerry Codinera, Jojo Lastimosa, and Johnny Abarrientos will spearhead the Court of Inspiration project, a program that will tap volunteers to provide basketball courts around the Philippines.
The project, bankrolled by Alaxan FR, will be supervised by an engineer, but will involve contributions from people within the respective barangays. It is part of Unilab’s larger effort called Galing Mo!, which aims to rally the bayanihan spirit among Filipinos across the country.
““What’s meaningful about this project is that this court is their own as they were the ones who built, second, it was meant to last and third it will be up to them how they can face the challenge of using this basketball court as a source of inspiration in changing their lives,” said Magsanoc.
Humble beginnings
Lastimosa said efforts like the Court of Inspiration is something that’s close to the hearts of all the players involved in the project.
“Wala sa aming lahat na pinanganak na mayaman,” said Lastimosa, the former team captain of the Alaska dynasty in the 1990s who now oversees the company’s grassroots basketball program. “Lahat kami dumaan sa hirap. I came from the province and most of the time played basketball on the streets, same as these guys who also grew up playing basketball elsewhere. But we used that as a way to change our lives.”
Magsanoc still recalls his modest basketball-playing roots alongside Paras, who was his teammate in their early days in San Beda.
“Dati, candy nga lang halos kinakain namin at tubig. Sumasakay kami ng jeep ni Benjie, kadalasan hindi pa kami nagbabayad,” said Magsanoc in jest. “But what we’re saying is that kung kaya mong tiisin ang gutom and be able to still play basketball, walang imposible sa mga gustong mag-sikap at mag-tagumpay.”
Play anywhere
As kids, the PBA legends played just about anywhere just to get their basketball fix. Abarrientos, who grew up in La Loma, Quezon City, started playing the game using a tennis ball on a small ring attached to a concrete wall.
“Maraming aray rin ang tiniis ko,” said the 1996 PBA Most Valuable Player. “Bumabangga kasi kami sa pader habang naglalaro, pero balewala sa amin yun kasi gusto naming gumaling sa basketball.”
Codinera said it hardly mattered what kind of playing conditions were available to the,.
“Kahit lupa o semento, naglalaro kami,” said Codinera, who was known as the Defense Minister during his career. “Maswerte nga kami kahit paano may nalalaruan kami, kaya noong inalok kami to join this project, hindi kami nagdalawang isip. Marami kaming matutulungan na mga lugar na walang basketball court and we would want to serve as inspiration to them.”
Giving back
Patrimonio, a four-time MVP with Purefoods, said the project was an opportunity for the players to thank the people who supported them during their careers.
“It’s one way of giving back to the people and bless them,” he said.
The Court of Inspiration project has already started in five areas: Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Butuan, and Sarangani. It will have its next pit stops in the provinces of Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Tacloban and Zamboanga City.
Source:http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/pba-legends-band-together-for-court-of-inspiration-project
League in good hands with new generation of stars, say PBA legends
September 05, 2012
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For some of the greatest Filipino players to ever play the game of basketball, the PBA is in good hands with the influx of young talent such as sophomores JVee Casio and Paul Lee and rookies Chris Tiu and Calvin Abueva joining the league’s established stars.
“They’re the third wave of stars playing in the PBA,” said Ronnie Magsanoc, who was selected as one of the league’s 25 Greatest Players during its silver anniversary in 2000. “Eto na yung James Yap intertwining with players like Casio, Chris Tiu, Abueva, Paul Lee.”
For Magsanoc, the first wave of stars came during the league’s inception, when pioneers like Robert Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, Philip Cezar, and Atoy Co ruled the PBA. The second wave came during the late ’80s, when talented players such as himself, Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codinera, Jojo Lastimosa, and Benjie Paras, among many others.
Lastimosa said that the entry of new stars ensures a bright future for the PBA.
“They’re coming at a perfect time. These guys, Chris Tiu, Casio, Abueva, Paul Lee, they will serve as the foundation of the PBA for the next few years,” said Lastimosa. “And these guys are the players with impact.”
Patrimonio, one of the most popular players in PBA history, sees the entry of Tiu into the PBA fold as a big boost for the league.
“Malakas yung hatak niya sa fans. It’s good for the league,” said Patrimonio.
Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/league-in-good-hands-with-new-generation-of-stars-say-pba-legends
Altas' Vidal gets nod from sports scribes
FOR carrying the Altas to joint third in the standings, Perpetual Help guard Jett Vidal earned the NCAA Player of the Week honors.
Vidal came through with an explosive show against Jose Rizal University, shooting a career-high 32 points as the Altas overpowered the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers, 88-72, in the 88th NCAA men’s basketball tournament Monday night at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
It was scintillating performance by Vidal as he helped the Altas avenge their first round loss to the Bombers and forge a tie with their victims in third spot with an 8-4 record.
The big game earned him the citation from the sportswriters covering the oldest collegiate league in the country.
“He’s a veteran and I trust him to make shots,” Altas coach Aric del Dosario said.
Vidal went five for 10 beyond the arc and also had six rebounds and three steals in 34 minutes of action.
After finishing the first half with 12 points, the senior guard caught fire in last two quarters and hit 20 points, 10 each in the third and fourth periods.
“I just thought about how I can help the team,” said Vidal, who has earned the monicker “Jettsanity” in reference to his streak-shooting ways. “All the hours of work in practice just paid off.”
China and ABL clubs beckon as Asi weighs new Meralco offer
September 05, 2012
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A CLUB in the Chinese league and another Asean Basketball League squad have expressed interest in hiring Asi Taulava, widening the options of the free agent man-mountain as he weighs a new deal offered by Meralco.
Taulava's mother team Meralco has junked a previous one-year offer in favor of a better two-year deal for the 6-9 slotman, who his agent said is being eyed by at least three ABL squads as well as by Foshan Long in the professional Chinese Basketball Association.
PBA team Barako had also been mentioned as one of Taulava’s next possible destinations.
Taulava’s agent Sheryl Reyes told Spin.ph that her ward is weighing the best possible option that would be favorable for his family, especially since his wife Anna May is pregnant with their fourth child.
“Asi is currently consulting with his wife regarding the many offers he is receiving. Recently, we received a call from Foshan Long, a CBA team which is interested in giving him a two-year contract to play in China. That’s one option Asi is considering though it would entail a relocation for him and his family,” Reyes said.
The Foshan Lions are one of 17 teams participating in the tough CBA league, where the best players from China play along with American imports.
Reyes refused to divulge the three ABL teams interested in availing of the 39-year-old Fil-Tongan’s services.
Meantime, Meralco Bolts new team manager Butch Antonio said their two-year offer to the 14-year league veteran also comes with other perks.
"Initially, we offered Asi a one-year deal. But later on, we came to the decision of giving him a two-years contract extension instead. Asi asked us to give him some time to think about it and talk about it also with his wife, and we respect him for that,” Antonio told Spin.ph.
Antonio said team management is even willing to help Taulava plan for his post-basketball career, adding the Fil-Tongan may eventually become part of one the businesses that involve Meralco owner Manny Pangilinan.
“Of course, our group has a lot to offer to Asi. In fact, what he did recently in the charity game to help flood victims reveals a certain aspect of Asi. And we hope he would consider what we would offer him,” added Antonio, who also serves as the project director of the MVP Sports Foundation.
Taulava, who broke into the PBA as a direct-hire Fil-foreign player for Mobiline (now Talk ’N Text), averaged 10.8 points and 10.1 rebounds in the recent Governors Cup where he helped the Bolts to a semifinal appearance.
The many-time national player won the MVP award in 2003.
Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/china-and-abl-beckon-as-taulava-weighs-new-meralco-offer-
Gilas gunners need to be spot-on in Fiba-Asia event, says Lassiter
Marcio Lassiter said Smart Gilas 2.0 should continue to polish their outside shooting since it will go into the Tokyo tournament as one of the shortest teams in the field. Jerome Ascano
WITH Smart Gilas 2.0 bunched in a tough group in the coming FIBA Asia Cup (formerly Stankovic Cup), Marcio Lassiter said Chot Reyes' national team should show the same hunger to be able to carry the momentun of their epic Jones Cup championship run into the Tokyo tournament.
Lassiter, a Gilas original who saw action for the Rajko Toroman-coached team that finished in fourth place in the 2010 Fiba Asia Cup held in Beirut, Lebanon, said Reyes' nationals face tough odds as they slug it out against the some of the strongest national teams in Asia.
“Of course, winning in Stankovic Cup won’t be easy. Teams have bigger and taller players. We really had to play our guts out out there," Lassiter told Spin.ph.
"We are small compared to other countries, but it’s important that our team believes in Coach Reyes’ system. I know they are preparing now, but they need to continue to show the same mentality of winning and the same hunger.”
The San Francisco-born Lassiter said Smart Gilas 2.0 should also continue to polish their outside shooting since it will go into the tournament as one of the shortest teams.
Gary David, Jeff Chan, Fonacier and Jones Cup MVP LA Tenorio are expected to provide scoring from the outside just like they did in the Jones Cup, where the Philippines finished with a 7-1 win-loss record en route to the championship in the annual tournament held in Taipei.
The sweet-shooting Lassiter, who now plays for Petron, said he hopes to be of service to the national team in the future. He believes his two-year experience in international play will be an asset to the national team’s continued quest for global prominence.
Smart Gilas 2.0 is in the same bracket as China, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and Macau in Group A in Tokyo with Qatar bracketed in Group B along with Iran, Taiwan, India and host Japan.
Source:http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/gilas-gunners-hold-key-in-fiba-asia-event-says-lassiter
Lassiter, a Gilas original who saw action for the Rajko Toroman-coached team that finished in fourth place in the 2010 Fiba Asia Cup held in Beirut, Lebanon, said Reyes' nationals face tough odds as they slug it out against the some of the strongest national teams in Asia.
“Of course, winning in Stankovic Cup won’t be easy. Teams have bigger and taller players. We really had to play our guts out out there," Lassiter told Spin.ph.
"We are small compared to other countries, but it’s important that our team believes in Coach Reyes’ system. I know they are preparing now, but they need to continue to show the same mentality of winning and the same hunger.”
The San Francisco-born Lassiter said Smart Gilas 2.0 should also continue to polish their outside shooting since it will go into the tournament as one of the shortest teams.
Gary David, Jeff Chan, Fonacier and Jones Cup MVP LA Tenorio are expected to provide scoring from the outside just like they did in the Jones Cup, where the Philippines finished with a 7-1 win-loss record en route to the championship in the annual tournament held in Taipei.
The sweet-shooting Lassiter, who now plays for Petron, said he hopes to be of service to the national team in the future. He believes his two-year experience in international play will be an asset to the national team’s continued quest for global prominence.
Smart Gilas 2.0 is in the same bracket as China, Lebanon, Uzbekistan and Macau in Group A in Tokyo with Qatar bracketed in Group B along with Iran, Taiwan, India and host Japan.
Source:http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/gilas-gunners-hold-key-in-fiba-asia-event-says-lassiter
Salud hoping to see Painters, Batang Pier rock existing PBA order
THE successful title run of underdog Rain or Shine and the entry of nwecomer Global Port are expected to spice up competition when the 38th season of the PBA kicks off on September 30.
League commissioner Chito Salud said the two franchises are capable of giving the league's traditional powers a run for their money in the coming new season.
The Elasto Painters already proved their worth in the last Governors Cup when they stunned favorite B-Meg Llamados (now San Mig Coffee) in the deciding Game Seven of the Finals to win their breakthrough championship.
Meanwhile, the Batang Pier of Mikee Romero are expected to pick up from where their predecessors - the Powerade Tigers - left off as they continue to build their roster this offseason following the acquisition of two-time league MVP Willie Miller to team up with scoring champion Gary David.
“Global Port and Rain or Shine, these are competitive teams. They have good lineups, and our fans want good teams to be able to challenge perennial favorites San Miguel, B-Meg, and Talk `N Text,” said Salud, who was the main special guest in Tuesday’s session of the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
At the same time, the commissioner said the recent four-team trade involving Miller, sophomore star JV Casio, and ace playmaker LA Tenorio will help Asia’s pioneering pro league achieve parity.
Balanced competition, after all, has been one of the major reasons for the PBA’s continued success the past few seasons, including last year when it achieved record ticket sales of more than P100 million.
“The new trade that has been approved, I sincerely believe, would strengthen the overall competitive balance of the league, and in terms of credentials and lineup, it would be more exciting for the PBA and the fans,” stressed Salud in the session presented by Smart, Shakey’s, and Pagcor.
“For the past two years, the fans have spoken loud, they want fast-paced action, they want balanced competition, and they always want new faces, fresh talent that will continuously challenge the status quo that is set by our veterans, and who will continuously elevate the level of play in basketball.”
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