From: Snow Badua
September 7, 2012
Mr. Angelico T. Salud
Commissioner
Philippine Basketball Association
Dear Comm. Salud:
We, a group of Coca-Cola/Powerade Tigers players and staff, would like to inform you of our situation with Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. As you well know, the Coca-Cola franchise has recently been sold to Mr. Mikee Romero’s group, Sultan 900. This is after our Team Governor, Mr. Ronnie Asuncion repeatedly told us during team meetings, when rumours of the franchise being sold to the San Miguel Corporation were ripe, that the company has not and will not sell the team until we win another championship. Our problem is that Sultan 900 absorbed all of the active players but left out almost everyone else including the management, staff, reserves (Coca-Cola Ambassadors) and utilities. All of us who were left out still have 1 year left on our contracts with the Coca-Cola Company.
These contracts, we were told by Mr. Asuncion, would also be taken in by Sultan 900 but most of us found out just a day before Global Port’s first practice started that we wouldn’t be absorbed. In fact one of us, Mr. George Ella, was already going to practice for 2 weeks and then he was informed he would not be part of the new team anymore. Before all this happened, we were told again repeatedly by Mr. Asuncion in a team dinner where he announced the sale, not to worry about our contracts because we would be taken cared of, either by being absorbed or by mutual agreement to a buy-out of our contracts.
After a month of being informed that the franchise had been sold, we were all called to the Coca-Cola Head Office to meet with Mr. Asuncion on a one-on-one basis. So last Thursday and Friday, August 30 & 31, most of us met with Mr. Asuncion and lo-and-behold, were surprised that our contracts would not be honoured. He gave us all different reasons but he basically said that when the franchise was sold, our contracts became null and void. What he did was offer all of us some sort of “financial assistance” equivalent to one month’s pay for every year of service. This financial assistance would amount to anywhere from 1 to 6 months pay for all of us. The utilities (ball boys) were offered an equivalent of 7 to 11 months pay and all of them accepted as they could not afford to wait for a lengthy settlement.
All of us other players and staff have refused this financial assistance being offered to us because it is way below what is left on our contracts and what we feel is rightfully ours. Since all of us refused to sign that day, Mr. Asuncion said one of the following to us: “This is a 1-hour/1-day/1-week offer only and if we would not sign within his arbitrary time frames, he would see us in court.” We feel this is very unjust considering all the years of loyal service we have given the company and the brand name.
We, the players and staff, feel aggrieved by the situation at hand as what Coca-Cola is offering totals to an amount which is only 25% of what they rightfully owe us. We also feel that the situation since the rumoured sales of the franchise had been swirling has been grossly mismanaged. We were kept in the dark until the last minute and we were not able to plan our lives and livelihood accordingly. So a lot of us are left jobless with the impending doom of a long court case in front of us.
We, the undersigned, would like to appeal to your good office for some help regarding our situation. We would appreciate if you could help us in getting our story heard especially by the sports media. Getting our story heard and out in public might help re-open the negotiating table with Coca-Cola, as Mr. Asuncion gave us a take it or leave it deal when he last talked to us. We would also like to add a request that the equity of the franchise be withheld until the issue at hand is settled.
Sincerely,
Rodney Santos
Cesar Catli
Ronjay Enrile
Dale Singson
Kenneth Duremdes (Team Manager)
Gerard Francisco (Asst. Team Manager)
George Ella (Asst. Coach)
Julio Veloso (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
Dr. Pablo Santos (Team Physician)
Cris Nieto (Team Coordinator)
Lester Pascua (Team Asst.)
Rheysson Cornilla (Physical Therapist)
Benigno Espeleta (Physical Therapist)
Labels
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Undermanned Gilas 2.0 beats Qatar in tune-up
EVEN without three key players, Smart Gilas-Pilipinas 2.0 handily beat Qatar in their tune-up game Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig before both teams depart for the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan next week.
The Nationals won the match, 78-71, even in the absence of Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, and Gary David.
Norwood and Chan are currently in Bangkok together with the entire Rain or Shine team for a short vacation as part of management’s treat following the franchise’s breakthrough PBA championship in the last Governors Cup.
David meanwhile, was in the hospital to be with her wife who just gave birth to their youngest child.
But even then, the Nationals had no problem disposing the visiting Qataris, who are bracketed separately from the Filipinos in the Sept. 14 to 22 meet.
Coach Chot Reyes gave every Gilas member enough playing time led by Jones Cup MVP LA Tenorio.
“My hats off to the players. It seems like they really enjoy playing with each other,” said Gilas team manager Butch Antonio.
The Nationals are bracketed with China, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, and Macau in Group A, while the Qataris are with Iran, Chinese-Taipei, Japan, and India in Group B.
The top three teams to finish in the eight-day meet will earn outright slots to next year’s Fiba-Asia Men’s Championship.
Smart Gilas 2.0 is coming off a successful championship stint in the Williams Jones Cup cagefest in Taipei two weeks ago.
source:http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/undermanned-gilas-2.0-beats-qatar-in-tune-up-v02
The Nationals won the match, 78-71, even in the absence of Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, and Gary David.
Norwood and Chan are currently in Bangkok together with the entire Rain or Shine team for a short vacation as part of management’s treat following the franchise’s breakthrough PBA championship in the last Governors Cup.
David meanwhile, was in the hospital to be with her wife who just gave birth to their youngest child.
But even then, the Nationals had no problem disposing the visiting Qataris, who are bracketed separately from the Filipinos in the Sept. 14 to 22 meet.
Coach Chot Reyes gave every Gilas member enough playing time led by Jones Cup MVP LA Tenorio.
“My hats off to the players. It seems like they really enjoy playing with each other,” said Gilas team manager Butch Antonio.
The Nationals are bracketed with China, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, and Macau in Group A, while the Qataris are with Iran, Chinese-Taipei, Japan, and India in Group B.
The top three teams to finish in the eight-day meet will earn outright slots to next year’s Fiba-Asia Men’s Championship.
Smart Gilas 2.0 is coming off a successful championship stint in the Williams Jones Cup cagefest in Taipei two weeks ago.
source:http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/undermanned-gilas-2.0-beats-qatar-in-tune-up-v02
Ward wins by TKO over Dawson in 10th round
OAKLAND, California—Andre Ward knocked down Chad Dawson three times before winning on a technical knockout in the 10th round to defend his WBC-WBA super middleweight titles Saturday to the delight of his hometown crowd.
Ward (26-0, 14 KOs) knocked down Dawson (31-2, 17 KOs) late in the third round and early in the fourth to take control of the fight and finished him off with a combination at 2:45 of the 10th.
Dawson, the WBC light heavyweight champion, moved down a weight class from 175 pounds to 168 to take on Ward. Dawson was also willing to fight in Ward's hometown of Oakland, where an enthusiastic crowd had previously cheered Ward on to four wins.
But Dawson proved to be no match for Ward.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/boxing/news/ward-tkos-dawson-in-10th-round-v02
Ward (26-0, 14 KOs) knocked down Dawson (31-2, 17 KOs) late in the third round and early in the fourth to take control of the fight and finished him off with a combination at 2:45 of the 10th.
Dawson, the WBC light heavyweight champion, moved down a weight class from 175 pounds to 168 to take on Ward. Dawson was also willing to fight in Ward's hometown of Oakland, where an enthusiastic crowd had previously cheered Ward on to four wins.
But Dawson proved to be no match for Ward.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/boxing/news/ward-tkos-dawson-in-10th-round-v02
We won't stand in way of stars' participation in PH team, says Eala
NOLI Eala said San Miguel Corp. is not closing the door on lending some of the top players under its umbrella to the Smart-Gilas 2.0 team of coach Chot Reyes.
While admitting that chemistry is important in international play, Eala believes guys like top PBA defensive player Arwind Santos, point guard Alex Cabagnot and gunner Marcio Lassiter, all from Petron, can help make the national team better in the future.
“It has never been the (San Miguel Corp.) management’s position to prevent our players from playing in the national team. But then, it’s up to them (Reyes and staff) to decide if they want to add them to the team or not,” SMC’s director for sports told Spin.ph.
Reyes recently turned down SMC’s offer to lend its players to the Smart Gilas 2.0 bound for the Fiba Asia Cup scheduled from September 14-22 in Tokyo, saying the offer came “too late.”
Nevertheless, Eala is confident that with the current Gilas 2.0 roster, Reyes’ crew is competitive enough to make its mark in a tough bracket that includes powerhouse squads China and Lebanon.
“Kaya ni (coach) Chot iyan. Magaling naman siya,” added Eala.
Eala said the presence of Barangay Ginebra playmaker and Jones Cup hero LA Tenorio in the Tokyo-bound team is proof enough that SMC will not be a hindrance to the country’s dream of global basketball prominence.
Enrico Villanueva, another former Ginebra player who was recently traded to Barako Bull, was also part of the Jones Cup-winning team.
Smart Gilas 2.0 already resumed its regular team practice on Monday. The squad is scheduled to leave early next week for Japan’s capital in time for the Fiba Asia Cup.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/we-wont-stand-in-way-of-stars-participation-in-ph-team-says-eala
While admitting that chemistry is important in international play, Eala believes guys like top PBA defensive player Arwind Santos, point guard Alex Cabagnot and gunner Marcio Lassiter, all from Petron, can help make the national team better in the future.
“It has never been the (San Miguel Corp.) management’s position to prevent our players from playing in the national team. But then, it’s up to them (Reyes and staff) to decide if they want to add them to the team or not,” SMC’s director for sports told Spin.ph.
Reyes recently turned down SMC’s offer to lend its players to the Smart Gilas 2.0 bound for the Fiba Asia Cup scheduled from September 14-22 in Tokyo, saying the offer came “too late.”
Nevertheless, Eala is confident that with the current Gilas 2.0 roster, Reyes’ crew is competitive enough to make its mark in a tough bracket that includes powerhouse squads China and Lebanon.
“Kaya ni (coach) Chot iyan. Magaling naman siya,” added Eala.
Eala said the presence of Barangay Ginebra playmaker and Jones Cup hero LA Tenorio in the Tokyo-bound team is proof enough that SMC will not be a hindrance to the country’s dream of global basketball prominence.
Enrico Villanueva, another former Ginebra player who was recently traded to Barako Bull, was also part of the Jones Cup-winning team.
Smart Gilas 2.0 already resumed its regular team practice on Monday. The squad is scheduled to leave early next week for Japan’s capital in time for the Fiba Asia Cup.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/we-wont-stand-in-way-of-stars-participation-in-ph-team-says-eala
'Boardroom setback' serves as Tamaraws' prime motivation
THE decision of the UAAP board to deny Far Eastern University of its controversial win over National University last week has only motivated the Tamarawsto win their game against University of the East on Saturday.
Coach Bert Flores said it was only fitting for his team to prove something after the board decision didn’t go their way.
“Mas Ganado kami kasi gusto naming i-prove na karapat-dapat kaming manalo,” said Flores following FEU’s 83-78 win over UE in the main game of the seniors basketball tournament double-header at the MOA Arena.
On Friday, the UAAP board ordered the replay of FEU’s 77-75 victory over National University as it found the game video not conclusive enough to back the referees' decision to count the winning lay-up of RR Garcia.
The board decision likewise overruled the verdict of league commissioner Ato Badolato’s denying an earlier protest filed by NU.
Flores admitted he was saddened by the sudden turn of events.
“Board decision ‘yun, wala tayong magagawa at wala tayong comment diyan. Medyo malungkot lang kami dahil pinagpaguran din [ng mga players] ‘yung panalo,” Flores said.
The veteran FEU coach also said that every game is now important for the Tamaraws, who, at 8-3, stand half-a-game behind second-running University of Santo Tomas.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/boardroom-setback-serves-as-tams-prime-motivaiton
Coach Bert Flores said it was only fitting for his team to prove something after the board decision didn’t go their way.
“Mas Ganado kami kasi gusto naming i-prove na karapat-dapat kaming manalo,” said Flores following FEU’s 83-78 win over UE in the main game of the seniors basketball tournament double-header at the MOA Arena.
On Friday, the UAAP board ordered the replay of FEU’s 77-75 victory over National University as it found the game video not conclusive enough to back the referees' decision to count the winning lay-up of RR Garcia.
The board decision likewise overruled the verdict of league commissioner Ato Badolato’s denying an earlier protest filed by NU.
Flores admitted he was saddened by the sudden turn of events.
“Board decision ‘yun, wala tayong magagawa at wala tayong comment diyan. Medyo malungkot lang kami dahil pinagpaguran din [ng mga players] ‘yung panalo,” Flores said.
The veteran FEU coach also said that every game is now important for the Tamaraws, who, at 8-3, stand half-a-game behind second-running University of Santo Tomas.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/boardroom-setback-serves-as-tams-prime-motivaiton
Petron rookie Mallari takes all the bumps and bruises in stride
JUST two preseason games into his pro career, Petron Blaze rookie Alex Mallari has already experienced a rude awakening on how physical the PBA game can be.
And the cat-quick Fil-American guard has an ankle sprain, a numb front tooth and small cuts in his arms to prove it.
“The guys we played are a lot bigger, stronger and I really got hit a lot with elbows and their hips,” the 6-4 Mallari recounted to Spin.ph after getting all banged up in matches against Rain or Shine and Alaska Milk.
Mallari has gotten a taste of the physical nature of the game since his D-League days with the three-time champion NLEX Road Warriors, but he swore it doesn’t come close to the physicality of the pro league game.
During Petron’s first preseason game Thursday at the Acropolis gym against Rain or Shine, the Elasto Painters’ burly slotman Beau Belga made sure Mallari would not emerge from every drive to the basket unscathed.
Mallari said later he felt like he got “targeted a lot” during the 98-103 loss to Rain or Shine.
Against Alaska on Friday, the third pick overall in the last rookie draft got hit in the mouth after figuring in a scramble for the loose ball near the end line against Aces forward Gabby Espinas.
Espinas was slapped with a flagrant two call for the play that came during the halfway mark of the final period, resulting in an automatic ejection on the Alaska enforcer.
“I told Gabby not to be too emotional. It was probably his emotions that got the best of him,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, whose charges pulled off a 90-84 win over the Boosters in the preseason game held at the Reyes gym.
“But the positive thing about it was that [Espinas] wanted to win, even if it’s just a preseason game,” Trillo added.
Mallari, however, is taking it all in stride, saying the bumps and bruises were just reminders of what he will have to face as a PBA player.
“I know there’s gonna be a lot more banging and bruises along the way because that will always be part of the game. But then, I have to be mentally tough,” he said.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/petron-rookie-mallari-takes-all-the-bumps-and-bruises-in-stride
And the cat-quick Fil-American guard has an ankle sprain, a numb front tooth and small cuts in his arms to prove it.
“The guys we played are a lot bigger, stronger and I really got hit a lot with elbows and their hips,” the 6-4 Mallari recounted to Spin.ph after getting all banged up in matches against Rain or Shine and Alaska Milk.
Mallari has gotten a taste of the physical nature of the game since his D-League days with the three-time champion NLEX Road Warriors, but he swore it doesn’t come close to the physicality of the pro league game.
During Petron’s first preseason game Thursday at the Acropolis gym against Rain or Shine, the Elasto Painters’ burly slotman Beau Belga made sure Mallari would not emerge from every drive to the basket unscathed.
Mallari said later he felt like he got “targeted a lot” during the 98-103 loss to Rain or Shine.
Against Alaska on Friday, the third pick overall in the last rookie draft got hit in the mouth after figuring in a scramble for the loose ball near the end line against Aces forward Gabby Espinas.
Espinas was slapped with a flagrant two call for the play that came during the halfway mark of the final period, resulting in an automatic ejection on the Alaska enforcer.
“I told Gabby not to be too emotional. It was probably his emotions that got the best of him,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, whose charges pulled off a 90-84 win over the Boosters in the preseason game held at the Reyes gym.
“But the positive thing about it was that [Espinas] wanted to win, even if it’s just a preseason game,” Trillo added.
Mallari, however, is taking it all in stride, saying the bumps and bruises were just reminders of what he will have to face as a PBA player.
“I know there’s gonna be a lot more banging and bruises along the way because that will always be part of the game. But then, I have to be mentally tough,” he said.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/special-reports/petron-rookie-mallari-takes-all-the-bumps-and-bruises-in-stride
Mom of player banned for attack on son's rival
THE UAAP board has slapped a season ban on a mother of a player for attacking the rival of his son during a game in the country's premier college league.
Carlota Afuang, mother of University of Santo Tomas cager Melo Afuang, has been barred from watching any of the league's games this season after hitting Adamson’s Roider Cabrera in the head during the two teams' game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the second round.
Although he didn’t see what exactly transpired, Adamson coach Leo Austria said Cabrera complained that he was hit from behind by Afuang's mom while he sat on the bench during the game.
“Pinuntahan daw sa bench tapos sinapok,” said Austria, who speculated that the attack was triggered by the physical play during the game. “Marami raw ang nakakita. Kaya after the game, tinawagan ko ‘yung pari ng UST just to inform them na pagsabihan nila.”
La Salle’s Henry Atayde, a member of the league's technical committee, said the board decided to ban Afuang after studying the merits of the case.
“Allegedly, she said that tinap lang niya. Pero ang sabi ng affidavit ng bata at ng team, binatukan at minura siya,” said Atayde after Friday’s UAAP board meeting at Club Filipino.
This was not the first time that the UAAP board has slapped a ban on a non-athlete although the past incident was much graver.
In 2005, De La Salle official Manny Salgado hit then-Far Eastern University star Arwind Santos in the head right after Game One of the UAAP finals that season. Salgado was slapped with a lifetime ban by the board.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/mom-of-player-banned-for-attack-on-sons-rival
Carlota Afuang, mother of University of Santo Tomas cager Melo Afuang, has been barred from watching any of the league's games this season after hitting Adamson’s Roider Cabrera in the head during the two teams' game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the second round.
Although he didn’t see what exactly transpired, Adamson coach Leo Austria said Cabrera complained that he was hit from behind by Afuang's mom while he sat on the bench during the game.
“Pinuntahan daw sa bench tapos sinapok,” said Austria, who speculated that the attack was triggered by the physical play during the game. “Marami raw ang nakakita. Kaya after the game, tinawagan ko ‘yung pari ng UST just to inform them na pagsabihan nila.”
La Salle’s Henry Atayde, a member of the league's technical committee, said the board decided to ban Afuang after studying the merits of the case.
“Allegedly, she said that tinap lang niya. Pero ang sabi ng affidavit ng bata at ng team, binatukan at minura siya,” said Atayde after Friday’s UAAP board meeting at Club Filipino.
This was not the first time that the UAAP board has slapped a ban on a non-athlete although the past incident was much graver.
In 2005, De La Salle official Manny Salgado hit then-Far Eastern University star Arwind Santos in the head right after Game One of the UAAP finals that season. Salgado was slapped with a lifetime ban by the board.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/mom-of-player-banned-for-attack-on-sons-rival
FEU official slams Board decision on FEU-NU game
A TOP Far Eastern University sports official took to microblogging site Twitter his frustration over the UAAP Board’s decision to replay the Tamaraws’ controversial game over National University last week.
Mark Molina, the FEU athletic director, criticized the decision of the Board on his Twitter account @marqmolina.
“Board of non-basketball people overruled the basketball comm.. they hired on a technical matter. Dapat board na din refs for remaining games,” Molina tweeted.
On Friday, the UAAP Board ruled a replay of the Tamaraws’ contested victory over the Bulldogs last Sept. 2 after concurring that RR Garcia’s last gasp, game-winning lay-up was inconclusive.
The replay will be played on Sept. 23.
Meanwhile, UAAP commissioner Ato Badolato preferred not to comment on the Board’s action overruling his decision.
Badolato, who carved his niche as a multi-titled champion coach of the San Beda juniors team, earlier denied the protest of NU contesting Garcia’s game-winning lay-up after making another review of the controversial play.
For the record, this is not the first time the Board decided for a game to be replayed.
In 2005, the Board similarly ordered a replay of the game between De La Salle and University of the East which the Archers won on an improbable buzzer-beater by wingman Cholo Villanueva.
The basket by Villanueva came after La Salle sued for a timeout with 1.8 seconds left. The Warriors however, protested that a timeout should not have been called since the Green Archers had already inbounded the ball before the play was stopped..
The UAAP technical committee upheld UE’s protest and replayed the game, which the Green Archers still won.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/feu-official-slams-uaap-board-decision
Mark Molina, the FEU athletic director, criticized the decision of the Board on his Twitter account @marqmolina.
“Board of non-basketball people overruled the basketball comm.. they hired on a technical matter. Dapat board na din refs for remaining games,” Molina tweeted.
On Friday, the UAAP Board ruled a replay of the Tamaraws’ contested victory over the Bulldogs last Sept. 2 after concurring that RR Garcia’s last gasp, game-winning lay-up was inconclusive.
The replay will be played on Sept. 23.
Meanwhile, UAAP commissioner Ato Badolato preferred not to comment on the Board’s action overruling his decision.
Badolato, who carved his niche as a multi-titled champion coach of the San Beda juniors team, earlier denied the protest of NU contesting Garcia’s game-winning lay-up after making another review of the controversial play.
For the record, this is not the first time the Board decided for a game to be replayed.
In 2005, the Board similarly ordered a replay of the game between De La Salle and University of the East which the Archers won on an improbable buzzer-beater by wingman Cholo Villanueva.
The basket by Villanueva came after La Salle sued for a timeout with 1.8 seconds left. The Warriors however, protested that a timeout should not have been called since the Green Archers had already inbounded the ball before the play was stopped..
The UAAP technical committee upheld UE’s protest and replayed the game, which the Green Archers still won.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/feu-official-slams-uaap-board-decision
Jaworski, Patrimonio lead PBA legends Dubai visit, but Duremdes steals spotlight
Alfonso Ramirez, special to InterAKTV · Saturday, September 8, 2012 · 5:06 pm
The legends, who fell behind by as much as eight points in the first half, banked on the troika of Duremdes, Vince Hizon and Marlou Aquino in mounting an 11-0 run at the start of the third period to snatch the lead for good.
Aquino took advantage of his 6-foot-9 frame and produced 20 points, mostly from inside, and controlled the boards to contain the scrappy hosts that included former PBA player Ruben dela Rosa and others who saw action in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball League (MBA).
Duremdes and Aquino led a star-studded legends squad that also included Alvin Patrimonio, Ato Agustin, Jojo Lastimosa, Vince Hizon, Noli Locsin, Bonel Balingit, and Bobby Jose.
“Kung laro lang, kaya pa naman natin kaso nauubos tayo sa [daily] practice,” Duremdes, the 1998 PBA MVP who retired in 2008, told InterAKTV.
Earlier, the Philippine Expat Basketball Conference (PEBC), which organized the weekend visit of the PBA legends, “retired” the number 7 in honor of Philippine basketball’s living legend, Robert Jaworski.
“Mr. Senator, we are officially retiring jersey number 7 which means no one will be allowed to use your legendary number in PEBC-sanctioned tournaments here in Dubai,” Gerry Martinez of the PEBC said during the programme that preceeded the exhibition game.
In response, Jaworski – whose jersey was retired by the PBA exactly two months ago – thanked the organizers and said: “OK lang na gamitin ninyo ang number 7 basta sa kabutihan.”
The scores:
PBA Legends 109 – Kenneth Duremdes 40; Marlou Aquino 20; Alvin Patrimonio 13; Vince Hizon 12; Noli Locsin 11; Jojo Lastimosa 6; Bonel Balingit 4; Bobby Jose 3
Dubai All Stars 105 – Nonoy Sayon 16; Al Federiso 15; Jayson Araneta 14; Khalifa Salem 10; Ruben dela Rosa 10; Archie Cruz 8; Lito Callueng 6; Alex Miclat 5; Jeff Roque 5; Alfie Gesta 4; Alwyn Flores 4; DJ de Jesus 4; Roel Hugnatan 2; JR Go 2
source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/jaworski-patrimonio-leads-pba-legends-dubai-visit-but-duremdes-steals-spotlight
We won't stand in way of stars' participation in PH team, says Eala
NOLI Eala said San Miguel Corp. is not closing the door on lending some of the top players under its umbrella to the Smart-Gilas 2.0 team of coach Chot Reyes.
While admitting that chemistry is important in international play, Eala believes guys like top PBA defensive player Arwind Santos, point guard Alex Cabagnot and gunner Marcio Lassiter, all from Petron, can help make the national team better in the future.
“It has never been the (San Miguel Corp.) management’s position to prevent our players from playing in the national team. But then, it’s up to them (Reyes and staff) to decide if they want to add them to the team or not,” SMC’s director for sports told Spin.ph.
Reyes recently turned down SMC’s offer to lend its players to the Smart Gilas 2.0 bound for the Fiba Asia Cup scheduled from September 14-22 in Tokyo, saying the offer came “too late.”
Nevertheless, Eala is confident that with the current Gilas 2.0 roster, Reyes’ crew is competitive enough to make its mark in a tough bracket that includes powerhouse squads China and Lebanon.
“Kaya ni (coach) Chot iyan. Magaling naman siya,” added Eala.
Eala said the presence of Barangay Ginebra playmaker and Jones Cup hero LA Tenorio in the Tokyo-bound team is proof enough that SMC will not be a hindrance to the country’s dream of global basketball prominence.
Enrico Villanueva, another former Ginebra player who was recently traded to Barako Bull, was also part of the Jones Cup-winning team.
Smart Gilas 2.0 already resumed its regular team practice on Monday. The squad is scheduled to leave early next week for Japan’s capital in time for the Fiba Asia Cup.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/we-wont-stand-in-way-of-stars-participation-in-ph-team-says-eala
While admitting that chemistry is important in international play, Eala believes guys like top PBA defensive player Arwind Santos, point guard Alex Cabagnot and gunner Marcio Lassiter, all from Petron, can help make the national team better in the future.
“It has never been the (San Miguel Corp.) management’s position to prevent our players from playing in the national team. But then, it’s up to them (Reyes and staff) to decide if they want to add them to the team or not,” SMC’s director for sports told Spin.ph.
Reyes recently turned down SMC’s offer to lend its players to the Smart Gilas 2.0 bound for the Fiba Asia Cup scheduled from September 14-22 in Tokyo, saying the offer came “too late.”
Nevertheless, Eala is confident that with the current Gilas 2.0 roster, Reyes’ crew is competitive enough to make its mark in a tough bracket that includes powerhouse squads China and Lebanon.
“Kaya ni (coach) Chot iyan. Magaling naman siya,” added Eala.
Eala said the presence of Barangay Ginebra playmaker and Jones Cup hero LA Tenorio in the Tokyo-bound team is proof enough that SMC will not be a hindrance to the country’s dream of global basketball prominence.
Enrico Villanueva, another former Ginebra player who was recently traded to Barako Bull, was also part of the Jones Cup-winning team.
Smart Gilas 2.0 already resumed its regular team practice on Monday. The squad is scheduled to leave early next week for Japan’s capital in time for the Fiba Asia Cup.
source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/we-wont-stand-in-way-of-stars-participation-in-ph-team-says-eala
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