Rogers finally fit enough to make San Mig debut By Richard Dy

Matt Rogers missed San Mig's 75-79 debut loss to Barako Bull, 75-79 on Friday due to food poisoning, but he was well enough to be discharged from hospital the next day and practice with the team on Monday. Jerome Ascano

DEFENDING champion San Mig Coffee finally gets to unveil import Matt Rogers when the Mixers shoot for their first victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in a game against Petron on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rogers missed the Mixers’ 75-79 debut loss to Barako Bull, 75-79 on Friday due to food poisoning, but he was well enough to be discharged from hospital the next day and practice with the team on Monday.
“I feel a lot better. I’m excited to play my first game,” Rogers told Spin.ph.
San Mig coach Tim Cone said playing without Rogers in the team’s conference opener is definitely not the ideal way to start their title defense, but he already told his boys to throw that loss out of the window.
“We started in a hole without Matt. But he’s gonna play Wednesday. Of course, Petron also came off a loss but we still see them as one of the favorites this conference just like Talk ‘N Text,” said Cone.
The 6’10” Rogers, a product of the Southwest Baptist University, averaged 20.3 points for the Mixers in the team’s three tune-up games against the ABL team San Miguel Beermen, Air21 and Rain or Shine.
Rogers easily brings size, outside shooting and rebounding to the team, but he will have his hands full against Petron’s scrappy import Renaldo Balkman, who debuted with 23 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks in the team’s 92-94 loss to Globalport.
However, the Mixers will be facing a Boosters squad that has been hit once again by injuries. The latest casualty is Fil-Am gunner Chris Lutz, who will be out for about six weeks after suffering a rib injury in the loss to Globalport.
Marcio Lassiter, on the other hand, is a game-time decision though he has said he’s raring to get back to the court since his dangerous fall during their Philippine Cup quarterfinal game against San Mig Coffee.
With the conference format shifting to 14 games instead of the original nine, All-Star forward Arwind Santos said Petron has enough time to make the adjustments and get its campaign untracked.
“Kailangan lang kalimutan na itong nangyari. First game pa lang. Di naman ibig sabihing natalo kami, iyan na ang magiging resulta,” said Santos.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rogers-finally-fit-enough-to-make-san-mig-debut

An Open Letter to My Childhood Hero

Shared by dcaynap

To my Childhood Hero,

It's been 18 years since the first time I saw you on TV. They had accidentally switched the channel to 13 and it was a basketball match featuring Purefoods and San Miguel. I didn't know the game then, much more the players who were in it. I don't really know what made me stay glued to the television that long, but I clearly remember you and your intensity the whole game. You were in your uniform, jersey number 16. You weren't the "flashy" one in the team and neither were you the top scorer, but I remember how my heart stirred the moment I heard your moniker -- "The Captain" or "Captain Lionheart". I remember how, even at such a young age of 9, I distinguished that you weren't just an ordinary player. You were also a leader. And I knew then, that was exactly who I wanted to be.

The next thing I knew, I was holding a basketball the following day, dribbling and shooting away with boys. I didn't care if I was the only girl. I would run off to the neighbor's house every after school and play against their drivers. Of course they would hesitate at first, but when they see me driving past them for a layup and fearlessly bumping against them for a rebound, they would begin to take me seriously. I would not stop until early evening and I was drenched in sweat and could barely move my legs from exhaustion. I didn't care about anything, except for the adrenaline rush that playing basketball gave me every single time I touched the ball. 

I even kept a diary about you. I recorded all your games, how many points you made, your opponents, and facts about your team. 

I looked forward to watching all your games on TV, cheering for every basket you made. I would stick around the post-game interviews to listen to you talk and I remember feeling so inspired after. I remember how my heart would swell with pride every time they referred to you as "The Captain", how you would honor your teammates instead of yourself. I couldn't wait until the next time I held a basketball so I could expend all my energy into becoming even better, perhaps even become "The Captain" just like you.

That summer, God blessed me with that opportunity when I found out that our school had a summer program for basketball. There was no way I would miss it! I would commute everyday, with a backpack and basketball in hand. I would ride the jeepney to Singalong, walk to the gym and savor each moment that I could play. I would be the last one to leave the gym, all dirty from the dust that accumulated from the floor. But I didn't care. I practiced my shooting until my arms were sore. Then I would go home, play with my neighbors some more and before going to sleep, practice my shooting form while lying in bed. The next day I would do it all over again.

I got into the varsity team the following school year, as Co-Captain. I naturally tried to get your jersey number, but someone more senior than me chose it first. I wanted to trade after, but I became attached to the only number that was left in the roster then -- 5. From that point forward, I became "Caynap, No. 5". 

Basketball became my life, my first love, my best friend. It was my form of escape when the world became too much to handle. It was the one constant thing in my life for 10 years. I played from Grade 5 until I was in college. I wasn't particularly the best. I wasn't flashy. I didn't score the most points in a game, nor did I ever win any Mythical or individual award. But it didn't really matter to me because somehow I knew, it wasn't what was important. I realized that what gave me more joy was working behind the scenes and motivating my team instead of being on the limelight. I've always wondered where this mindset came from, and then I realized that you, unknowingly, taught me that.

Sometimes I wonder if you realize just how much of an impact you made in other people's lives by just being. Looking back, I realize how much of an inspiration you have been all these years. I treasured every single memento I had of you, most especially the first and only autograph you signed. I'm sure that you have signed millions of autographs in this lifetime, but to me, it meant the world! You were in Glorietta then, the old wing where they had setup an arcade across Toby's. I chased you down several booths, pretending I didn't care. Inside however, my heart was racing. I wanted to get your autograph, but I was glued to where I was standing. There were several other kids who went up to you, but I just stood  there and watched as you entertained all your other fans. "Ang swerve naman nila," I thought to myself. I was resolved not to approach you, but when you suddenly turned toward the exit, it occurred to me that it may also be the last time I would ever get to see you. I panicked and desperately tried to find a clean sheet of paper, but the only thing we could find was my Mom's calling card. Without thinking twice, I grabbed it and without looking at your face, I handed the business card over to you. You took it, asked for my name and signed. 

I took it back with trembling hands and fought the urge to jump up and down in front of you. I tried to walk straight as I left the arcade, but I couldn't hold back the smile that had formed on my lips. It felt like I was floating as I walked through the corridors and down the escalator. I remember staring at the tiny card you had signed, debating whether or not I should frame it. I had shown it off to my friends, telling them how Captain Lionheart had signed his autograph for me. I know it sounds crazy, like I'm some love-struck kid. I guess to some extent I really was.

Years later, I became the Captain of my High School team. I represented our school in different competitions, won some awards and even caught the eye of some college coaches. I decided to continue playing in college and was blessed with the opportunity to play in the UAAP. It was the most amazing 5 years of my life… I experienced basketball at its finest! I remember the first time I ever walked out of the dugout of Araneta Coliseum… It felt like I was walking on sacred ground. Is that how you would feel too? You must have played there a million times, I'm sure. But doesn't it take your breath away each time? How the dome just envelopes you into its grandness. I can never forget the first time my name appeared on the scoreboard atop, how I had to stop to take the moment in... I never wanted to forget. But the greatest feeling in the world was knowing that I was leading a team into that sacred place. I wasn't just any player, I was a Captain. That for me was the real honor and the most exhilarating feeling of all. I must have played a hundred basketball games, celebrated so many victories, but nothing can ever compare to being regarded as one of the Lady Eagle Team Captains, one of those who led our team to the first-ever UAAP Championship for Women's Basketball. It has been one of my biggest achievements in life. I enjoyed being part of a team, how I had grown alongside my teammates. Through sprained ankles and injured knees, grueling practices and weights training, I savored each moment I was given. I had my heart broken several times when we would lose hard-fought games, or I would get benched, taken out of the starting unit. But the memories I treasure the most are those that I spent with my teammates on the court, encouraging, praying and cheering each other on. It was in those solemn moments when they would seek my advice, listen to their pains and be with them in their struggles, that I got to understand how it is to truly love this game. 

So I guess, this is my way of thanking you… Captain. Because somehow, some way, I'd like to believe that I also found my way to becoming one. God drew my destiny that fateful day when I chanced upon your game on television. Your valiant display of leadership set the tone for how I wanted to live my life -- always outward, passionate, loyal, selfless, humble, God fearing. After 18 years, I finally got enough courage to tell you all this, to express my gratitude for shaping my life the way you have. Thank you for being the person I looked up to, for setting such a good example of how one should lead. Thank you for being my inspiration all these years. 

Thank you, Captain Lionheart. You are, and will always be, my childhood hero.

SOURCE: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s189/sh/8547202f-3b93-4a7d-8e07-1de908f2008d/c6f35d2c41afba18a8d41156b2d8e953

Pingris working double time as he prepares to take on Asia's finest big men By Snow Badua

“Kailangang mas magpalakas eh. Pag nakuha tayo (sa Gilas Pilipinas), mabigat ang pwesto na lalaruan natin,” says San Mig Coffee forward Marc Pingris. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee workhorse Marc Pingris on Monday bared that he’s now working double time on his conditioning to prepare himself for the tough task ahead - the Fiba-Asia Men’s Basketball Championship.
The 31-year-old native of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan said roadwork is now a nightly routine for him to complement his training with San Mig as he bids to be in the best shape of his life if he makes the 12-man team that will represent the country in the August 1-11 showpiece in Manila.
“Kailangang mas magpalakas eh. Pag nakuha tayo, mabigat ang pwesto na lalaruan natin,” said the bull-strong San Mig forward, considered a shoo-in for one of the power forward spots in coach Chot Reyes’ Gilas Pilipinas team.
Running is just one of the many extra work Pingris has been doing daily to hit top shape.
Aware that he will be up against much bigger opponents if he gets drafted for the team that will vie for a spot in next year’s Fiba-World Basketball Championship in Spain, the hard-nosed 6-foot-5 banger has also started a strict diet and scaled down his night life.
“Kaya ngayon pa lang, kailangan nang mag-double-up sa workout kaya ako tumatakbo gabi-gabi,” he said. “Mas disciplined ako ngayon. Ingat sa pagkain at lalong wala nang gimik sa gabi.”
Pingris also sees the current format of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as a chance to prepare himself for the expected constant banging he is bound to encounter during the Fiba-Asia meet.
“Sanay naman ako bumantay at sumabay sa malalaki, madalas nga ako magbantay ng import, di ba?” said Pingris, who is concentrating on perfecting his footwork and his post-up moves.
The San Mig forward said that playing in front of basketball-loving Filipinos during the tournament which the country is hosting for the first time in 40 years makes it even more imperative for him to be 100 percent.
Pingris also declined to make any prediction on the country's performance, saying “nasa amin nang players yun. Kailangang pag-trabahuhan namin yun. Mas gusto ko kasi `yung gagawin na lang kaysa sasabihin pa.”
But first things first, Pingris has to make sure to crack Gilas’ final 12-man roster.
“Kailangan makapasok pa rin muna ako sa 12-man lineup ni coach Chot (Reyes). Madami pa kami ngayon … at lahat hindi pa sure.”
And for him to realize that, Pingris says he will have to be better player.
“Even better than before,” he said.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/pingris-working-double-time-as-he-prepares-to-take-on-asias-finest-big-men

Secretive James keeps teammates guessing on new girl in his life By Snow Badua

“Very silent siya, kasi mas gusto niya pag-usapan siya as a basketball player dahil 'yun naman talaga siya eh," says Reena del Mundo, San Mig Coffee marketing head, of James Yap. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig superstar James Yap remained tight-lipped on the new girl in his life, but hinted that he may soon let the cat out of the bag.
“Relax ka lang, darating din tayo d’yan," chuckled Yap when Spin.ph caught up with him during the charity garage sale he held on Saturday at the Fabulous Autoshop along Granada Street in Quezon City.
Yap, 30, had earlier revealed to Spin.ph that he is "getting there" as far as having another relationship is concerned, over a year after the collapse of his marriage to actress and TV personality Kris Aquino.
There had been rumors that the soft-spoken native of Escalante, Negros Occidental is now dating an Italian-Australian stunner - talk Yap declined to confirm or deny.
Asked if the same lady was the reason he took a vacation in Milan, Italy last month during the post-Philippine Cup break (For photos of Yap during the vacation, click here: James recharges batteries), he laughed: “Ikaw na ang showbiz reporter."
He added: "Pero seriously, makikilala niyo rin siya."
So secretive is Yap about the girl that even his closest friends at San Mig Coffee have yet to meet her.
“Napakalihim niyan pagdating sa private life niya," said teammate Jerwin Gaco, who disclosed that among the Mixers it was only Marc Pingris who has seen the 'mysery girl' so far, albeit by accident.
“Aksidente pa ata 'yun noong nakita ni Marc … kasubuan na," said Gaco laughing.
Yap's marriage to Aquino was annulled last December. The relationship lasted five years and was marked by very public spats and controversy.
“Before and after that, talagang reserved si James pagdating sa mga relationships at private life niya," said Reena del Mundo, San Mig Coffee marketing head.
“Very silent siya, kasi mas gusto niya pag-usapan siya as a basketball player dahil 'yun naman talaga siya eh," added del Mundo. “If you notice, never siya nag comment about Kris and his personal relationships."
But del Mundo said Yap is always proud to talk about his celebrity son, James Junior (Bimby).

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/secretive-james-keeps-teammates-guessing-on-new-girl-in-his-life-v02

Inspired Barako Bull win completes shutout of three SMC-owned squads By Richard Dy

Barako Bull import Evan Brock had a relatively quiet debut until he made his mark in the end. Jerome Ascano

AN injury-ravaged Barako Bull leaned on the endgame heroics of new recruitJonas Villanueva, import Evan Brock and veteran forward Danny Seigle to pull off a 79-75 victory over an import-less San Mig Coffee on Friday night in the two teams' PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Villanueva, who arrived from San Mig just two weeks ago as part of the blockbuster five-man, 10-player trade, played with fire in his eyes, facilitating well and knocking down the key baskets against his former team.
Brock and Seigle then combined for nine of the team's last 10 points while helping the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions to just one basket inside the final two minutes to ice the win.
“It’s a very important win for us. Considering that San Mig was playing without an import, it’s still a great win for us,” said Rajko Toroman, Barako Bull’s coaching consultant.
The loss left the San Miguel organization winless in three games featuring its teams in two leagues, coming just after the setback suffered by Petron at the hands of newcomer Globalport and the Beermen's defeat to the Indonesia Warriors in the ABL.
Toroman said the team is going through a lot of adjustments, from injuries to key players, the entry of new faces due to the trade, plus a new system he introduced less than a month ago.
“We missed four players. Roger Yap will undergo surgery (back), while JC Intal, Sean Anthony, Celino Cruz and Eman Monfort are still injured as well. In this situation, we still had an amazing result,” said the 57-year-old Serb.
Seigle finished with just eight points, but he hit a three-pointer that opened a five-point lead for Barako Bull in the endgame as well as the two free throws that ended the Mixers' hopes.
Despite missing import Matt Rogers who is still confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center due to suspected food poisoning, the Mixers kept the Energy Cola in check for much of the contest.
James Yap carried the fight for the Mixers with 19 points while Rafi Reavis and PJ Simon added 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Toroman admits their import Brock is not be as explosive a scorer as the other imports, but the 6-9 lefty still led the Energy Cola with 18 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.
Josh Urbiztondo, another former San Mig Coffee guard, added 17 points for Barako Bull while going 5-of-10 from beyond the three-point arc.
The scores:
Barako Bull 79 - Brock 18, Urbiztondo 17, Villanueva 16, Macapagal 8, Seigle 8, Maliksi 7, Pennisi 5, Duncil 0, Kramer 0, Allado 0
San Mig Coffee 75 - Yap 19, Reavis 13, Simon 11, Najorda 8, Devance 6, Pingris 6, Mallari 5, Barroca 4, Alvarez 3, Gonzales 0
Quarterscores: 16-19, 38-36, 55-52, 79-75

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/inspired-barako-bull-win-completes-shutout-of-three-smc-owned-squads

Rogers and out as import ruled out of San Mig debut due to food poisoning By Snow Badua

According to team insiders, Matt Rogers had apparently eaten spoiled pasta on Thursday night and soon after complained of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and nausea. Jerome Ascano

BAD news for San Mig Coffee fans.
Import Matt Rogers will be forced to sit out when the Mixers begin their title defense in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday against Barako Bull after being downed by food poisoning.
A Spin.ph source said the 6-foot-11 slotman had apparently eaten spoiled pasta on Thursday night and soon after complained of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and nausea.
Rogers was immediately rushed to the Cardinal Santos hospital, where he is still confined at the moment.
“Sayang nga kasi talagang ang ganda ng ipinapakita niya sa laro these past few days,” said the same source. “Gusto pa naman niyang patunayan `yung worth niya.”
A former Spanish league campaigner, Rogers faces the tough task of duplicating the championship feat of the Mixers last season when they won the import-laden conference behind fan favorite Denzel Bowles.
Rogers actually was San Mig’s first choice for import last season but was unavailable, giving the young Bowles the opening to win best import honors and lead the team to the Commissioner's Cup championship.
The 25-year-old Rogers is expected to be confined until Saturday morning.
“Kailangan namin matiyak na safe siya before na ilabas siya sa ospital,” added the same source, who nonetheless assured Rogers will be ready to suit up in the team’s next game against Petron on Wednesday.
“Okay na siya by that time. Ngayon lang talaga di pwede kasi talagang dehydrated siya.”

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rogers-and-out-as-import-ruled-out-of-san-mig-debut-due-to-food-poisoning

San Mig begins title defense against Barako By Richard Dy

Head coach Tim Cone and the Mixers are eyeing loftier targets this time after making it to the semifinals of the Philippine Cup. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee begins its PBA Commissioner’s Cup title defense when it clashes with an improved Barako Bull five on Friday at the start of the import-laden, mid-season conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Mixers gave up Jonas Villanueva and JC Intal to the Energy Cola two weeks ago in a blockbuster five-team, 10-player trade. But in return, coach Tim Cone’s charges got 6-foot-4 rookie guard Alex Mallari, bruiser Leo Najorda, Lester Alvarez plus a future draft pick to boost its already formidable line-up.
On the other hand, aside from Villanueva and Intal, the Energy Cola also got high-flying Allein Maliksi and Jojo Duncil, injecting the much-needed young blood to their aging roster.
Cone said his team, which will parade former Texas Legends forward Matt Rogers as import, has been wrestling with the recent roster transition as he patiently teaches the newcomers the rudiments of the triangle offense.
“We haven’t really had a chance to work on defense yet. Our team still has a lot of work to be done, though we’re getting a little better,” said Cone, whose team tangles with Barako Bull in the 7:30 p.m. game.
Barako Bull also underwent major changes. Before the trade, former Petron team consultant Rajko Toroman was tapped to run Barako Bull as the George Chua-Bert-Lina owned franchise hopes to have a better showing in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Toroman, who will be assuming the active team consultant role for Barako Bull, has instilled his European-coaching style to the Energy Cola, which requires a lot of ball movement and perimeter shooting.
Barako Bull Import Evan Brock said everyone in the team has been picking up the system well and is confident they could play well against the Mixers.
“It’s a new system and we have a new coach. But he’s (Toroman) been taking time with us. Making sure we understand and learn the system the way we are supposed to learn it. I think we’re doing good,” Brock told Spin.ph, who averaged 17 points in the team’s five tune up games.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

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source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-begins-title-defense-against-barako-bull