The lowdown of Sports5's NCAA coverage

The NCAA opened their collegiate basketball season last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, opening with San Beda and San Sebastian taking victories.

Here is how Sports5 will handle the coverage:

1. The first three weekday gamedays (today, July 2 and 4) will have their telecast start at 12nn for the first game and 2pm for the second. (Both games will be shown LIVE on AksyonTV, with TV5 only showing the second game LIVE. 

2. The normal schedule (starting this weekend) will be Saturdays at 2:30pm, MWF at 2pm and 4pm. Same weekday protocols as seen on 1.

3. Livestreaming of games will take place. Details are on here, while encore telecasts can be seen on HYPER..

4. Handling play-by-play duties will be either of these guys: Magoo Marjon, Aaron Atayde, James Velasquez, Chiqui Reyes and Nikko Ramos.

5. Handling analyst duties: Ronnie Magsanoc, LA Mumar, Xavier Nunag, Don Allado, RenRen Ritualo, Eric Reyes, Richard del Rosario and Dominic Uy.

6. Doing courtside work: Justin Sulit, Mara Aquino, Denise Tan, Apple David and Ai dela Cruz.

I hope that covers all that.

Wesley Johnson, Raptors Dance Pak also to arrive for NBA 3X Philippines

The cast of visitors for NBA 3X just grew larger, over the weekend, with the official announcement that Wesley Johnson and the Raptors Dance Pak will be joining DeMar DeRozan this upcoming weekend, July 4-6, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

Johnson, the 4th overall pick of the 2010 Draft, can't wait to get to Manila to meet the Filipino NBA fans, who he views as among the most passionate in the world. Having spent the past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged over 9 points and 4 rebounds last season, he is excited to be representing the team at the upcoming NBA 3X Philippines event. Wesley is aware that the Lakers is among the most popular teams in the country, although he would be an unrestricted free agent by the time he arrives in the country.

Johnson and DeRozan will make appearances and interact with fans via clinics and community events alongside the NBA 3X event itself, which is presented by Sprite. In addition to the 3X event, there will be entertainment c/o musical performances, as well as NBA merchandise giveaways, via slam dunk contests, 3-point shootouts, skills challenges, basketball clinics, and autograph sessions.

The 3X proper will have eight divisions for both men and women, including a Celebrity Division that will involve well-known local entertainment personalities. Registration for the events is still ongoing, but it is on a first-come. first-serve basis. The previous iteration last year saw over 170 teams participate.

Along with presenting partner Sprite, official partners of NBA 3X Philippines 2014 include adidas, Smart Communications and PLDT, KFC and Phoenix Petroleum, with Acer and Spalding serving as supporting partners. Official NBA broadcasters are ABS-CBN Sports + Action and Basketball TV. For more details and inquiries, check out their Facebook page.

NCAA Season 90 1st round schedule

Schedules are as of June 15. Games noted in italics are Juniors games:

June 28, Saturday, MOA Arena

1130am - Opening Ceremonies
1pm - JRU vs San Beda
3pm - San Sebastian vs Letran

June 29, Sunday, San Juan Knights Gym

12nn - JRU vs San Beda
2pm - San Sebastian vs Letran

June 30, Monday, San Juan Arena

10am - UPHSD vs Mapua
12nn - UPHSD vs Mapua
2pm - Arellano vs Lyceum
4pm - Arellano vs Lyceum

July 2, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

10am - EAC vs LSGH
12nn - EAC vs DLSU-CSB
2pm - San Sebastian vs JRU
4pm - San Sebastian vs JRU

July 4, Friday, San Juan Arena

10am - Letran vs Lyceum
12nn - Letran vs Lyceum
2pm - San Beda vs Mapua
4pm - San Beda vs Mapua

July 5, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - UPHSD vs San Sebastian
230pm - UPHSD vs San Sebastian

July 7, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs EAC
2pm - Arellano vs EAC
4pm - JRU vs DLSU-CSB
6pm - JRU vs LSGH

July 9, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Lyceum vs San Beda
2pm - Lyceum vs San Beda
4pm - Mapua vs Letran
6pm - Mapua vs Letran

July 11, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - LSGH vs San Sebastian
2pm - DLSU-CSB vs San Sebastian
4pm - UPHSD vs EAC
6pm - UPHSD vs EAC

July 12, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Beda vs Arellano
230pm - San Beda vs Arellano

July 14, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Letran vs JRU
2pm - Letran vs JRU
4pm - Lyceum vs Mapua
6pm - Lyceum vs Mapua

July 16, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - LSGH vs UPHSD
2pm - DLSU-CSB vs UPHSD
4pm - San Sebastian vs EAC
6pm - San Sebastian vs EAC

July 18, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs Mapua
2pm - Arellano vs Mapua
4pm - JRU vs Lyceum
6pm - JRU vs Lyceum

July 21, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - EAC vs San Beda
2pm - EAC vs San Beda
4pm - DLSU-CSB vs Letran
6pm - LSGH vs Letran

July 23, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - UPHSD vs JRU
2pm - UPHSD vs JRU
4pm - San Sebastian vs Arellano
6pm - San Sebastian vs Arellano

July 25, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Mapua vs LSGH
2pm - Mapua vs DLSU-CSB
4pm - EAC vs Lyceum
6pm - EAC vs Lyceum

July 26, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs UPHSD
230pm - Arellano vs UPHSD

July 28, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Beda vs LSGH
2pm - San Beda vs DLSU-CSB
4pm - Mapua vs San Sebastian
6pm - Mapua vs San Sebastian

July 30, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - UPHSD vs Lyceum
2pm - UPHSD vs Lyceum
4pm - Letran vs EAC
6pm - Letran vs EAC

August 1, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Sebastian vs San Beda
2pm - San Sebastian vs San Beda
4pm - Letran vs EAC
6pm - Letran vs EAC

August 2, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Lyceum vs LSGH
230pm - Lyceum vs DLSU-CSB

August 4, Monday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Arellano vs Letran
2pm - Arellano vs Letran
4pm - EAC vs Mapua
6pm - EAC vs Mapua

August 6, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

12nn - San Beda vs UPHSD
2pm - San Beda vs UPHSD
4pm - Lyceum vs San Sebastian
6pm - Lyceum vs San Sebastian

August 8, Friday, San Juan Arena

12nn - EAC vs JRU
2pm - EAC vs JRU
4pm - DLSU-CSB vs Arellano
6pm - LSGH vs Arellano

August 9, Saturday, San Juan Arena

12nn - Letran vs UPHSD
230pm - Letran vs UPHSD

August 11, Monday, San Juan Arena

2pm - JRU vs Mapua
4pm - JRU vs Mapua

August 13, Wednesday, San Juan Arena

2pm - San Beda vs Letran
4pm - San Beda vs Letran

NCAA Season 90 Juniors Rosters

Arellano University

Juniel Balbarona
Ira Spencer Bataller
Karl Vincent Cabahug
Robert Dean Clemente
Dominic De Lara
Guilmer Dela Torre
Anaclito Dulatre
Mark Anthony Enriquez
Krystoffer Gonzalo
Maiko Elis Juico
Primo Manaloto III
Joshua Kyle Manalac
John Joseph Peralta
Jason Strait
John Kenneth Zamora

Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Jerrick Balanza
Kenneth Bryant Bernardo
Enrique Caunan Jr.
Carlo Miguel Dava
Rhayniel John David
Klyve Audric Dungan
Tommy York Gedaria
Joshua Christian Gonzales
Romero Roberto Nicolas Magsino V
Kenneth Matthew Maneze
Gian Marasigan
Jerus Ramirez
Jacob Gabriel Reyes
Johann Red Rubite
Miguel Villasis

La Salle Greenhills (a.k.a College of Saint Benilde)

Mark Don Victor Alcala
Bryeo Bernhard Bunyi
Michael Louise Dela Cruz
John Winifred Gob II
Ian Joseph Herrera
Miguel Carlo Lanot
Alain Jethro Madrigal
Rodney Jaye Manuel
Prince John Carlo Ollano
Renzo Rein Pagulayan
Ricci Paolo Rivero
Rafael Louis Salonga
Amando Emanuel San Juan II
Luis Miguel Velasco

Jose Rizal University

Gian Myron Abrigos
Toby Brian Agustin
Patrick Gabriel Anonuevo
Christan Paolo Anore
King Genrev Astrero
Andrei Simoun Dada
Mark Justine Dela Virgen
Mark Dexter Deloria
Joco Estrada
Darious Duane Estrella
Jamil Garcia
Julius Raphael Rodas
Ross Jacob Ross
John Lloyd Sta. Maria
John Jairuz Torre

Mapua Institute of Technology

Dennel Jay Aguirre
Warren Bonifacio
Vince Louis Cabural
Emmanuel Calderon
Sherwin Concepcion
Michael Vincent Enriquez
Sean Aaron Dela Cruz
Noah Tracy Lago
Raymund Pascua
Jomari Rivera
Neil Russel
Jasper Salenga
David Velvez
Laurenz Paul Victoria
Franz Oliver Yco

San Beda College

Niko Angelo Abatayo
Samuel Abuhijle
Kenneth Louie Alas
Pedro Alfaro III
Ayron Apolto
Alberto Bordeos, Jr.
Joshua Andrei Caracut
Norrish Marc Decapia
Marc Joper Diputado
Prince Alexis Etrata
Mark Anthony Clyde Framil
Evan Jacob Furaque
Rensie Geralao
Eduardo Velasquez, Jr.
Gerald Jasper Zamora


San Sebastian College-Recoletos

Jose Mari Miguel Alfaro
Jesse Bardaje, Jr.
Mario Emmanuel Bonleon II
Jasneth Causon
Jeremy Cruz
Regille Kent Ilagan
Jasper Philip Magno
Jethro Glewellyn Malamug
Aoki Rile Mercado
Johnson Miasco
Lorenzo Fernando Navarro
Enrico Gabriel Ong
John Daniel Paclarin
Augustus Ceasar Padigdig
Chester Sera Josef

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta

Victor John Glenn Alarcon
Louis Gabriel Balatbat
Reginald Jason Balisi
Raphael Jose Chavez
Kyle Delmer Manaligod
Ken Mark Miranda
Sean Andrew Neri
Jeszir Sison
Khristian Danreb Tan
John Anthony Umali
Noel Villaceran
Gian Franco Yaco
Phillip Given Yaco

Emilio Aguinaldo College

Patrick Bacani
Roland Baliquig, Jr.
Angelo Rod Beduria
Mark Lester Castillo
Marwyn Catusalem
Edlor Cayabo
Maui Cruz
Enrico Silverstre Dungca
Kaile Xavier Falcon
Justin Philip Gentile
Reymundo Justan, Jr.
Arold Wendel Ligot
Evan Jim Montilla
Jose Antonio Piopongco
Junniel Tayomora

Lyceum of the Philippines University

Fernard Jassen Agdon
Fernard Jastin Agdon
John Raphael Bautista
Marc Kenneth Castaneda
Generoso Cecilio
Sergie Giourgiou Glipo
Mclaude Guadana
Chester Clyde Jungco
Miguel Amiel Lagman
John Reynhold Menil
Kent Richmond Pere
Jorge Martin Romanes
Makki Jandee Santos
Alvin Troy Tropicales
Joshua Wong

NCAA Season 90 Seniors rosters

Arellano University:

Keith Jasper Agovida
Nichole John Bangga
Julius Salvador Cadavis
Prince Renmer Caperal
Isiah Ciriacruz
Allen Enriquez
Donald Gumaru
Levi Hernandez
Dioncee Holts
Jiovani Jalalon
Zachary James Nicholls
David Ortega
Christian Mari Palma
Nard John Pinto
Ralph Chrysler Salcedo

Colegio de San Juan de Letran:

Felix Apreku, Jr.
John Paul Calvo
Fidel Albert Castro
Mark Cruz
Chrisantoni De La Pena
Jamil Joseph Gabawan
McJour Luib
Rey Benedict Nambatac
Reynaldo Publico, Jr.
Kier John Quinto
Kevin Kent Racal
Reneford Ruaya
Reuben Chester Saldua
Daryl Singontiko
John Von Jovi Tambeling

De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde:

Anton Louis Altamirano
RJ Edward Argamino
Roberto Bartolo Jr.
Ralph Jeffrey Deles
Ervin Justin Flores
Jonathan Grey
Travis-Jerome Jonson
Jose Lorenzo Mercado
Raphael Romeo Nayve
Jeffrey Ryan Ongteco
Freddy Pajarillaga, Jr.
Mark Andre Romero
Jose Alfonso Saavedra
Luis Antonio Miguel Sinco
Juan Paolo Taha

Jose Rizal University:

Abdul Razak Abdul Wahab
Jaycee John Asuncion
Kristian James Astilla
Marco Paulo Balagtas
Schever Anthony Benavides
King Benemerito
John Ervin Grospe
Michael Mabulac
Genesis Manuel
Clint Munez
Gio Nicolo Lasquety
Philip Criszam Paniamogan
Juan Edilfierto Salaveria
Dave Richard Sanchez
Bernabe Teodoro

Mapua Institute of Technology:

Exeqiel Biteng
Jerome Canaynay
Jeson Ray Cantos
Joseph Emmanuel Eriobu, Jr.
Andrew Estrella
Hesed Leo Jose Gabo
James Galoso
Carlos Isit
Raphael Joesh Layug
Darrel Dave Magsigay
Jobert Medina
Jessie Saitanan
Justin Oliver Serrano
Jomari Tubiano
Ronnel Villasenor

San Beda College:

Van Adam Abatayo
Lancelot Mikhail Abuda
Oladie Jubril Adeogun
Baser Amer
Jeramer Cabanag
Arthur De La Cruz
Ryusei Koga
Jaypee Mendoza
Javee Mocon
Kyle Pascual
Roldan Sara
Anthony Paul Semerad
David John Semerad
Michole Sorela
Ranbill Angelo Tongco

San Sebastian College-Recoletos:

Eulo Ryan Aquino
Earvin Oliver Alvarez
Bobby Balucanag
Michael Calisaan
Israel Ivan Camasura
Ryan Paule Costelo
Jovit Dela Cruz
Jerick Fabian
Bradwyn Guinto
Justine Louie Mercado
Jon Kervin Ortuoste
Jaymar Perez
Spencer Pretta
Jeffrey Santos
Rhanzelle Yong

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta:

Justine Matthew Alano
Harold Miguel Arboleda
Juneric Baloria
Nestor Bantayan, Jr.
Gabriel Dagangon
Gerald Dizon
Ric Gallardo
Joel Jolangcob
Kervin Lucente
Kevin Oliveria
Kieth Llowel Pido
Flash Gordon Sadiwa
Antonio Romulo Tamayo
Earl Scottie Thompson
John Genmar Ylagan

Emilio Aguinaldo College:

Ariel Aguilar
Jack Lord Arquero
Jozhua Macdaniel General
Cedric Benjamin Happi Noube
Al-Rashid Indin
Igee Bobbie King
Jan Niccolo Jamon
Christ Fernan Mejos
Sidney Nelson Onwubere
Faustine Pascual
Mannelle Jinsen Quilanita
Edsel Roy Saludo
John Lenyer Santos
Jerald Serrano
John Marco Tayongtong

Lyceum of the Philippines University:

Wilson Baltazar
Jebb Bulawan
Seraj Aldin El-Mejrab
Joseph Angelo Gabayni
Shane Albert Ko
Tirso Lesmoras, Jr.
Rhoel Maconocido, Jr.
Allyn Mark Malabanan
Guy Mellon Mbida Essono
Aziz Faycal Mbomiko Issah
Christian Paul Pamulaklakin
Paul John Soliman
Jeremiah Taladua
Dexter Wilbur Zamora

FOX Sports Philippines to telecast 2014 Wimbledon

Starting tonight at 6:30pm, Fox Sports Philippines will be showing the third tennis Grand Slam of the year, the 2014 Championships at Wimbledon.

Andy Murray is looking to repeat his title conquest last year, a triumph long overdue for British tennis fans, who had been waiting for the chance to extinguish the ghost of 1936, until the Scot's clincher against Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic has a chance at redemption this year, with the World #2 seeded first at the All-England Club. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal is seeded second. Roger Federer is seeking his eight title, this time seeded fourth behind the two aforementioned and the third seed Murray.

On the distaff side, there is will be no title defense, as reigning champion Marion Bartoli retired from the sport not long after her triumph over Sabine Lisicki. The German is seeking a return trip to the finals as the 19th seed.

Serena Williams is seeded first in the draw, with Li Na seeded second. Newly minted French Open champion Maria Sharapova is seeded fifth, behind the lady she beat in Roland Garros, Simona Halep (3rd) and Agnieszka Radwańska (4th).

Meanwhile, Filipino tennister Treat Huey (alongside his British partner Dominc Inglot) is seeded tenth in Gentlemen's doubles.

Fox Sports PH coverage starts with the first round tonight, with the Quarterfinals pegged to begin on July 1. The final will take place on July 5 & 6. They will have daily highlights at 8am.

Fox Sports is seen on channel 31 on Sky and Destiny Cable, channel 48 on Cignal TV and in over 200 local cable operators nationwide. For high definition viewing, Fox Sports Plus HD is on channel 176 on Sky and channel 121 on Cignal TV. Full telecast schedule is available via tv.foxsportsasia.com.

Projecting the upcoming 2014 PBA Draft Order

The upcoming draft is ticketed to be an interesting one, so just like last year, I have already made the decision to execute the projection on the draft order.

I am basing this still on the explanation given to me last year by Fidel Mangonon III on draft computations.

40% goes to All-Filipino, 30% each for the import-laced ones.

Here are the current finishing positions from the previous two conferences, as well as the quarterfinals of the ongoing one.

10 - Air 21
9 - Meralco
8 - Alaska
7 - Globalport
6 - Barako
5 - TNT
4 - Petron / San Miguel
3 - Ginebra
2 - Rain or Shine
1 - SanMig

10 - Globalport
9 - Barako
8 - Ginebra
7 - Meralco
6 - Alaska
5 - San Miguel
4 - Air21
3 - Rain or Shine
2 - TNT
1 - SanMig

10 - Globalport 

9 - Meralco

8 - Barako Bull

7 - Air21

6 - Ginebra
5 - San Miguel
4 - Alaska
3 - TNT
2 - SanMig Coffee or Rain or Shine
1 - Rain or Shine or SanMig

4
3.6
3.2
2.8
2.4
2
1.6
1.2
.8
.4

3
2.7
2.4
2.1
1.8
1.5
1.2
.9
.6
.3

Air21 = 4+1.2+2.1 = 7.3
Alaska = 3.2+1.8+1.2= 6.2
Barako = 2.4+2.7+2.4 = 7.5
Ginebra = 1.2+2.4+1.8 = 5.4
Globalport = 2.8+3+3 = 8.8
Meralco = 3.6+2.1+2.7 = 8.4
Petron / San Miguel = 1.6+1.5+1.5 = 4.6
Rain or Shine = .8+.9 = 1.7
SanMig = .4+.3 = .7
TNT = 2+.6+.9 = 3.5

Globalport = 8.8
Meralco = 8.4

Barako = 7.5
Air21 = 7.3

Alaska = 6.2

Ginebra = 5.4
Petron / San Miguel = 4.6
TNT = 3.5
Rain or Shine = 1.7
SanMig = .7

As such, my projection for the upcoming 2014 PBA Draft order is as follows:

1 & 2. Globalport / Meralco
3. Barako Bull
4. Air21 (or soon-to-be NLEX? will be NLEX, as the PBA has given it's ok on the sale)
5. Alaska
6. Barangay Ginebra
7. San Miguel
8. Talk 'N Text
9. Rain or Shine
10. SanMig Coffee
11 & 12. Kia / Blackwater

The winner of the Globalport / Meralco draft lottery drafts first in the first (and subsequent odd ones) round, while the loser drafts first in the second (and subsequent even ones) round.

It is assumed that the expansion team that will pick first in the dispersal draft will not be picking eleventh in the PBA draft, as it pertains to Kia / Blackwater. It is also assumed that they will alternate picks as well, much like the two worst teams.

EDIT: It has been pointed out by Job de Leon about this quote from a Karlo Sacamos piece:

The league has also given to the three new teams — apart from the 11th ,12th, and 13th picks — the first, second, and third selections of the second round, as well as the remaining picks from the third round onwards in the Rookie Draft on August 24.

Integrating the trades of picks (EDIT: as well as recently-concluded and controversial Draft Lottery), the draft order of the two rounds are as follows:

1st round:

1. Globalport
2. Rain or Shine (from Meralco)
3. Barako Bull
4. NLEX
5. Alaska 
6. Barangay Ginebra
7. SanMig (from San Miguel via Barako)
8. Barako Bull (from Talk 'N Text)
9. Rain or Shine
10. Barako Bull (from SanMig)
11 & 12. Kia / Blackwater

2nd round:

1 & 2. Blackwater / Kia
3. Alaska (from Meralco)
4. Rain or Shine (from Globalport)
5. Barako Bull
6. Alaska (from NLEX)
7. Alaska 
8. Barako Bull (from Barangay Ginebra)
9. Alaska (from San Miguel via Meralco)
10. Talk 'N Text
11. Rain or Shine
12. San Miguel (from SanMig Coffee via Barako)

As such, the breakdown of the top 24 picks are as follows:

Alaska and Barako Bull will each have a total of five picks in the first two rounds.
Rain or Shine will have a total of four picks in the first two rounds.
The expansion franchises each have a couple of picks in the first two rounds.
Globalport, NLEX, Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel, TNT, and SanMig will each have a pick, while Meralco does not have a pick in the first two rounds.

And with that, you may proceed with your mock draft/s.

NBA 3X to return to the Philippines, DeMar DeRozan to attend

He is coming here in July.

3-on-3 basketball returns to the Philippines with the 2014 NBA 3X Philippines, presented by Sprite.

Also supporting this event are official partners adidas, Smart Communications and PLDT, KFC and Phoenix Petroleum.

Acer and Spalding serve as supporting partners, while the official NBA broadcasters are ABS-CBN Sports + Action and Basketball TV.

The 4th edition of this event combines competitive 3-on-3 basketball with authentic NBA entertainment for fans this coming July 4-6.

Toronto Raptors swingman DeMar DeRozan will be coming over to the country to headline the event and assist with running the basketball clinics. The USC alum helped the Canadian side to their best regular season in franchise history, taking the Atlantic Division crown and leading the team in scoring and minutes during the postseason, where they fell short in a competitive seven-game series against the Brooklyn Nets.

DeMar is excited for his first visit to the country and experience its unique culture. He adds that "Filipinos are world-renowned for their passion for the NBA and I can’t wait for this exciting showcase of their basketball skills."

To take place at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall (with the PICC serving as an alternative venue), NBA 3X Philippines will feature around eight divisions, with an under-18 and under-16 division for both boys and girls, and an under-13 for boys. There is also an open division for both men and women, as well as a Celebrity division.

Alongside the basketball, there will be some fan activities, including a dunk contest, 3-point shootouts, skills challenges, autograph sessions, and basketball clinics. There will also be performances, as well as NBA merchandise giveaways. 

NBA Asia's Philippines Country Manager Carlo Singson says that the NBA 3X Philippines is their way of continuing their goal of providing its loyal supporters with an authentic means to engage with the league, whether via events, programming, NBA.com or social media. He adds that it has been a historic year of activities for Filipino NBA fans, highlighted by the first NBA preseason game in the region, as well as the first-of-its-kind NBA Cafe Manila.

Coca-Cola Philippines' Marketing Manager for Sparkling, Teejae Sonza, says that they are glad to be able to support programs encouraging people to play basketball, staying physically active, improving strength and endurance, achieving energy balance, and drinking Sprite.

For more information on NBA 3X Philippines 2014 presented by Sprite and to register for the 3x3 tournament, log on to www.nba3x.com/philippines. Fans can also get updates on the event by following the NBA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nba_philippines and through Facebook at www.facebook.com/nba3xasia and www.facebook.com/philsnba.

Master Game Face All-Star rosters finalized

It is official. After speculation from certain sectors, it was officially announced that Minnesota Timberwolves big man Kevin Love will be coming to Manila on June 21 for the 2nd Master Game Face Challenge.

Although he has been in the attention as he possibly plots his imminent future with the likelihood of exercising his opt out clause in 2015, he will be the center of attention at the halftime show for the Master Game Face Challenge, where he will be in a skills challenge as well as face off in a three-point shootout against PBA players.

Love will be accompanied by a group of dunkers that will help entertain the crowd attending the all-star game.

Unilever's Male Grooming manager Jonathan Pua expressed his excitement with the arrival of Love in the country, noting that "he will elevate Master Game Face to a higher level" this year.

Aside from the announcement, a couple of highly anticipated events took place at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on Saturday afternoon.

First, Team Manila, represented by Arellano University, beat Team Davao 15-8 to take Master Game Face 3-on-3 Barangay Challenge.

Second, Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris completed their teams that will face each other in the game.

After six weeks of voting, the draft finally took place that sees both teams pick six PBA players to complement the collegiate stars already on both sides.

Team Chris selected Ranidel de Ocampo, Jeff Chan, Mike Cortez, Jimmy Alapag, Cliff Hodge, and Alex Nuyles. They join UAAP stars Jeron Teng, Chris Newsome, Mike Tolomia, and Kevin Ferrer, as well as NCAA standouts Rome dela Rosa, Mark Cruz, and Zach Nichols. Tiu wanted a combination of youth and experience with his group.

Team Marc selected Gary David, Mark Barroca, Larry Fonacier, Jared Dillinger, Jeric Teng, and Paul Artadi. They join UAAP standouts Andre Paras, Roi Sumang, Jericho Cruz, and Jeoffrey Javillonar, as well as NCAA stars Baser Amer, Kevin Racal, and Josan Nimes. Pingris express confidence with his new additions.

The Master Game Face All-Star Challenge will take place on June 21, 7pm at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. It will be televised LIVE on TV5 and tickets can be purchased via Ticketnet (911-5555 or www.ticketnet.com.ph).

Tickets are priced at Php120 for General Admission, Php240 for Upper Box, Php420 for Lower Box, Php820 for Patron A and Php930 for Patron B.

In addition, tickets can be acquired by purchasing 1 Master® 100g Facial Wash and 1 Master® Face Cleanser 135ml at participating SM Supermarkets.

For more details, check out www.MasterPhilippines.com.ph and facebook.com/MasterPhilippines, as well as follow their Twitter and Instagram accounts.

The Gatorade #Unreal Football Experience might just include you

Want to be #UNREAL like Lionel? Read on...

A week ago, Pepsico Marketing Manager Mikey Rosales revealed at the launch of the Green Fury flavor of Gatorade about the chance at what he calls the "unreal football experience."

He then asked to play this particular clip on the screen.



Mikey is referring to the Gatorade Unreal Around The World Contest, which you can check out on GatoradeFootball.com for complete details.

Five footballers will have a chance to have a memorable football experience, spread across three continents and six countries.

They will first spend it in the United States, specifically at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute inside the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Moving to England, they will get to train at the fabled Liverpool Academy, followed by a behind-the-scenes look inside the Emirates Stadium during an exhibition football match involving Arsenal.

In Spain, they will get to experience being inside not just Camp Nou, but also the legendary La Masia of FC Barcelona.

Completing the European swing will be a trip to Milan, where they will be given an all-access look with the rossoneri of AC Milan.

Buenos Aires, Argentina opens the South American leg with a chance to train at the Nutrition Lab of continental club powerhouse Boca Juniors. They will also have the chance to meet club legends then and now.

The last part of the trip features a visit to Rio de Janeiro to see Flamengo play at the Maracanã and get some VIP access. Completing the experience will be something in relation with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).

How can one have the opportunity to have that experience?

One, make a 30-second to two-minute video clip showing your football skills.
Two, submit it along with the pertinent details, which includes a short essay on how you are trying to be a better player.

Clips will be judged on football handling skills, creativity and originality, and dedication and passion to improve performance via hard work.

Interested peeps have until 11:59 PM on June 12 (in Manila, that translates to 11:59 am of June 13) to submit an entry. The Philippines is among those who can submit entries, so take advantage of an #Unreal experience.

Radyo5 92.3 FM to air LIVE PBA games

Starting this Monday with the Air21 vs SanMig game, the PBA will now be heard LIVE on FM radio.

Radyo5 92.3 NEWS FM will be the latest radio station to broadcast RadyoPBA action. Thanks to its sister stations 101.9 NEWS FM in Cebu & Davao, 102.3 NEWS FM in Bacolod, and 97.5 NEWS FM in General Santos City, PBA on FM radio will have a national reach. The broadcast will also be streamed online via Interaksyon.com.

It will complement the ongoing radio coverage that is currently on DZSR Sports Radio 918 on the AM band, which also has a nationwide reach via its satellite stations (DZEQ 999 in Baguio, DZMQ 576 in Dagupan, DWRB 549 in Naga, DYLL 585 in Iloilo, DYMR 576 in Cebu, DZMR 1170 in Zamboanga, DXIM 936 in Cagayan de Oro, and DXRP 666 in Davao.

This move will be especially handy for many PBA fans who are on the go and have their mobile phones with FM radio capability.

Kudos to Sports5 head Chot Reyes for this long-overdue move.

TV5 to show the third CLEAR Dream Match

Bragging rights are on the line on Saturday night, as Phil and James Younghusband face each other to see who is better between the two siblings in the third CLEAR Dream Match.

The Loyola Meralco Sparks talismans have each won one against the other, with this game to be the rubber match. Phil won the first, 5-1. James won the second, 4-1.

Like last year, CLEAR will be bringing in a couple of legends to spice up the match. In this case, thanks to their tie-up with Manchester United, they will be bringing in a couple of Red Devil legends. Thanks to Team Phil winning the online fan voting, they had the chance of picking first, going with midfielder Paul Scholes. Team James, naturally, will have Andy Cole on his side as his legend.

The only other major difference with this edition compared to the previous two is the absence of celebrities. Save for six participants who gained entry via the CLEAR-Manchester United Football camp, all the footballers present came from the United Football League.

The University of Makati Football Field will once again be the host of the CLEAR Dream Match, which will be televised LIVE at 8pm on TV5.

Team composition below:

Tickets are still available.

Gatorade launches special edition "Green Fury"

Gatorade Green Fury

In time for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup and coinciding with its worldwide "UNREAL" football campaign, Gatorade released a limited edition flavor called "Green Fury."

Already available in your nearest stores and supermarkets, the kiwi-flavored Green Fury was officially launched in the Philippines this past Monday at the Gatorade Blue Pitch in Makati, with the support of Chelsea FC Soccer School Philippines, Adidas, and the Center for Health Research and the Sports Science Department of the University of Santo Tomas.

Highlighting the football aspect of the flavor is that Argentine footballer Lionel Messi is featured on the bottle, joining the likes of Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade as sporting figures with such a feat.

Pepsico Marketing Manager Mikey Rosales says that the Green Fury is "one way of showing Gatorade's support for football." He cited the fact that they are supporting four United Football League Div I clubs (Loyola, Kaya, Green Archers, and Stallion) and have three national team stalwarts among its brand ambassadors (the Younghusband brothers and Emelio Caligdong). Phil, James and Chieffy, according to him, exemplify the message that Gatorade wants to convey to everyone, that "with every ounce of work and sweat, you too can turn in an unreal performance on the pitch."

Photo from the launch. c/o Gatorade PH's Facebook page

Rosales adds that international sporting figures being associated with Gatorade like Messi, his fellow Argentine Sergio Aguero and Brazilian David Luiz and Spaniard Sergio Ramos highlights the notion that Gatorade hydrates like no other.

ASEAN Basketball League releases 2014 schedule

 Ooi Ban Sin of Westport Malaysia Dragons guarding Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers guard Desmond Oh Wei Jie

After a long delay, the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League will finally take place this July, albeit without a Philippine team on its docket.

Six teams from five countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia Vietnam and Singapore) will duke it out starting July 16 to determine who will be the king of ASEAN basketball.

Newcomers Hitech Bangkok City will host Westports Malaysia Dragons at the Thai Japanese Association Stadium to open the league, with last year's losing finalists Indonesia Warriors facing the Saigon Heat at the CIS Arena in Ho Chi Minh City. Completing the first round of matches are the other newcomers, Indonesian side Laskar Dreya against the JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers at the OCBC Arena in the city-state on July 20.


The schedule is composed of a home-and-away schedule, with teams hosting the opponent twice. There will be a total of 60 matches to take place, with the top four teams to advance to the playoffs that is to take place in November.

You can check further details on the schedule of the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League on its website, http://www.aseasnbasketballleague.com.

NBA Cafe to host the NBA Finals Viewing Party

As always, Solar Entertainment, specifically from Basketball TV, NBA Premium and Solar SportsDesk, will have its usual NBA Finals viewing party, in partnership with the NBA Philippines.

This time, the venue for the party will be at the snazzy NBA Cafe inside SM Aura in Taguig. Its 16 TV screens spread all across the facility ensures everyone will not miss the rematch between the San Antonio Spurs and the defending champions Miami Heat.

Hosting the party will be our friends from Solar, and games will take place during lulls to enhance the viewing experience. There will be prizes and freebies at stake.

The NBA Cafe has crafted a specific menu for this postseason, and now that it is the Finals, they stepped it up further by crafting another set menu,



Just like the previous menu, guests can opt to order a la carte as well.

The NBA Cafe opens before the actual mall does, so fans can actually get there earlier to be ready for the actual event.

Here is the Finals schedule:

Game 1 - June 6 (9am)
Game 2 - June 9 (8am)
Game 3 - June 11 (9am)
Game 4 - June 13 (9am)
Game 5 - June 16 (8am)
Game 6 - June 18 (9am)
Game 7 - June 21 (9am)

For more information, call 556-1683 or go to www.facebook.com/nbacafemanila.