Jr. NBA returns for a 6th year in the Philippines

The sixth year of the Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska tipped off at the British School Manila at Taguig City on January 19. The program will have coaching clinics and school clinics through the stops in Metro Manila, as well as in Dagupan, Lucena and Davao City for this year's edition, reaching out to over 400 schools and communities nationwide, targeting over 40,000 students, parents and coaches in the process.

The Jr. NBA is the league's international youth development program promoting basketball participation, teamwork and an active lifestyle. For the Philippines, it is free and open for players 10-14 years of age, with the differing clinics leading towards the Regional Selection camps in March and April, culminating with the fifty participants to National Training Camp on April 26-28 at the SM Mall of Asia. Out of those fifty, the ten best camp participants will comprise the Jr. NBA All-Star Team.

In addition, the ten finalists for the Coach of the Year will assist in the National Training Camp alongside NBA Asia Director of Basketball Operations Sefu Bernard, members of the Alaska Power Camp's coaches, led by PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa.

The past few years of the program has seen it partner with Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC). AMC President and CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Jr. notes Alaska's mission of nurturing talent and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports from an early age coincides with the objectives being put forth the by Jr. NBA program. This is echoed by NBA Philippines' Country Manager Carlo Singson, as he cited Alaska's central role in the growth of the Jr. NBA program in the committed development of the sport of basketball and those playing it in the Philippines.

Joining Alaska as partners with the Jr. NBA are Gatorade, Unilever brands Rexona and Master, Phoenix Petroleum, with supporting partners KFC and Spalding, media partners Basketball TV, NBA Premium TV and Studio 23. It also has the support of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP).


For more details, you can to the Jr. NBA website or check out the dedicated "like" page on Facebook.

The Pelicans

Nawlins will have a new monicker next season, as they will officially become the Pelicans instead of the Hornets.

Logo looks good. Like the "Bird-de-Lis."

Wonder if they will cede the (non-New Orleans) history of the Hornets to Charlotte if the Bobcats return to that nickname.

Metro Manila Basketball League champions decided

Divisional Champions were revealed this past weekend, as the 30th season of the SeaOil Metro Manila Basketball League came to a close at the San Beda College Gym in Mendiola.

On Saturday, Faith Academy secured the MMBL Division II crown 83-79 against Xavier's Team B. Neil De Cleene led the way with 21 points, Luka Van Opstal had a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds and graduating senior TJ Hardemann finished with 18 points, while leading the way for Xavier was Tyler Tio, who scored a game-high 35. The Vanguards win their 2nd title in the last three years.

On Sunday, Hope Christian High School added the MMBL Division I title by beating the San Beda Red Cubs, 93-87. The Tiong Lian side relied on Clint Doliguez and his 46 points to secure the win over the NCAA Juniors Champions. They already earned a title late last year with the inaugural Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship by beating the NCAA runners-up San Sebastian Staglets.

San Beda finished the day 0-for-3, as their C and D-squads lost their respective finals matchups as well. The Colegio de San Benildo Blazing Wolves defeated San Beda C, 77-64 to take the Division III crown. Under-16 prospect Jordan Sta. Ana led the way with 24 points, as skipper Gabby Alvendia had difficulty against San Beda big man Vince Saquian. Jayson Cervantes scored nine points in the final four minutes for the Christian Coronel-coached side.

Meanwhile, Team D went down against National University's Team C, 80-58 in the Division IV final. A 23-9 fourth quarter outburst by the Bullpups sealed the Red Cubs' fate. Oliver de Guzman scored 12 of his 18 in the final canto to lead his team, with Karl Peñano and Paul Pujante each adding 13. Shawn Velarde scored 23 points and John Mark Lagumen added 20 for San Beda.

According to the MMBL's Ato Badolato, San Beda coming out empty-handed this year meant that the competition has improved, thanks to better coaching and training of fundamentals. It also encourages the growth of the league, knowing that domination by the NCAA powerhouse is not a guarantee.

The Trequartista Sweeper - Dissecting UAAP Season 75 women's football

I decided to delve further into the case of this season's women's football standings, not only because there are only five teams in it, but also delving into whether UP is really still alive or not. This was after watching the results last Sunday and after telling UP women's football coach Kleng Cacacho about it. Thus, I went fact-checking whether I was providing false hope.

The table below reflects the standings after the first round. Do note that only the top two teams can advance to the finals.

TEAM	TOTAL	GAMES	WIN	DRAW	LOSS	GOAL	GOAL	GOAL
	POINTS	PLAYED				FOR	AG'ST	DIFF.
1.  FEU	8	4	2	2		6	0	6
2.  ADMU	7	4	2	1	1	5	2	3
3.  UST	7	4	2	1	1	7	6	1
4.  DLSU	3	4		3	1	2	4	-2
5.  UP	1	4		1	3	0	8	-8

If the Lady Maroons had swept the next round, they would finish with 13 points, which would have made them safe, provided the other schools do not hit 14 points, which would happen with FEU winning twice, or Ateneo or UST winning twice and a draw.

Now UP lost to Ateneo, 1-0 and UST lost to La Salle, 2-1. Thus, this is now the rankings after the matches last week.

TEAM	TOTAL	GAMES	WIN	DRAW	LOSS	GOAL	GOAL	GOAL
	POINTS	PLAYED				FOR	AG'ST	DIFF.
1.  ADMU	10	5	3	1	1	6	2	4
2.  FEU	8	4	2	2		6	0	6
3.  UST	7	5	2	1	2	8	8	0
4.  DLSU	6	5	1	3	1	4	5	-1
5.  UP	1	5		1	4	0	9	-9

The loss against Ateneo placed the Maroons in an interesting pickle. Sweeping the rest of the matches will get them to ten points, the same number of points as Ateneo, so they will have to hope that no one else other than Ateneo gets to more than ten. Is it still feasible? Yes, but on my initial interpretation, they'll need to win out AND for Ateneo to win out AND for FEU, La Salle and UST to play out their matches against each other to draws.

FEU - vs DLSU, Ateneo, UP and UST = 2 pts = 10pts
UST - vs Ateneo, UP and FEU = 1 pt = 8 pts
La Salle - vs FEU, Ateneo and UP = 2 pts = 8 pts

Last Sunday, La Salle and FEU played out to a goalless draw, and so did Ateneo against UST. Here is the updated standing after the latest results.

TEAM	TOTAL	GAMES	WIN	DRAW	LOSS	GOAL	GOAL	GOAL
	POINTS	PLAYED				FOR	AG'ST	DIFF.
1.  ADMU	11	6	3	2	1	6	2	4
2.  FEU	9	5	2	3		6	0	6
3.  UST	8	6	2	2	2	8	8	0
4.  DLSU	7	6	1	4	1	4	5	-1
5.  UP	1	5		1	4	0	9	-9

Ateneo drawing with UST still meant that UP still needs to win all of its matches AND hope that Ateneo wins all of its matches AND for UST and FEU to end up with a draw when they play each other on February 10.

So yes, there is still a chance for UP, a small chance. But that is a chance worth taking and hoping for the Lady Maroons.


January 27, 2013

Women:

1:00 PM - UP vs UST
3:00 PM - FEU vs Ateneo

February 3, 2013

Women:

1:00 PM - FEU vs UP
3:00 PM - DLSU vs Ateneo

February 10, 2013

Women:

1:00 PM - UST vs FEU
3:00 PM - UP vs DLSU

2013 Australian Open coverage on AKTV begins Jan 22

Tennis fans in the Philippines will have the chance to watch their favorite players on free tv, as AkTV will be presenting coverage of the 2013 Australian Open.

Starting on January 22, AkTV will be kicking off their coverage of the Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific with quarterfinal action in the men's singles, starting at 5:30 PM (via satellite) that day and on January 23. They will then show the men's semifinals on the 24th and 25th at the same time.

The women's final will be shown live on January 26, at 4:00 PM, with the men's final to be shown at the same time on January 27.

The coverage will be accompanied by local commentators and analysis. AkTV Sports Manager Vitto Lazatin notes the thrust that AkTV has in providing a Filipino perspective on international sporting events. Vitto adds that this will broaden the appeal of the sport to the Filipino audience.

Already booking his seats in the quarterfinals is top-seed Novak Djokovic, who virtually needed everything he got to take care of Stanislaus Wawrinka. Awaiting him in the quarters is Tomas Berdych. Also in the quarters is Olympic champion and US Open winner Andy Murray, who will be facing the unseeded Jeremy Chardy.

The women's draw has some familiar names in the quarters, like defending champion Victoria Azarenka, who faces Svetlana Kuznetsova, and former Aussie Open losing finalist Li Na, who faces Agnieszka Radwanska. Also in the bracket is Maria Sharapova, who will be facing countrywoman Ekaterina Makarova. Maria had earlier dispatched Venus Williams, and might have the chance to dispatch sister Serena, if the American can take care of her quarterfinal opponent, Sloane Stephens.

Awaiting the singles' champions is $2.5 million in prize money, the biggest that they have offered.

UAAP Season 75 Juniors Football Rosters

Name denoted in italics means said individual is a rookie.

Ateneo de Manila University

Xavier Carlos Alvaro C. Alcuaz
Paolo Gabriel R. Alilam
Miguel Antonio G. Almazan
Jose Roberto A. Andres
Christian Michael S. Castillo
Daniel Luis J. De Jesus
Ferdinand E. Dulatre II
Alfonso Jose O. Escalona
Javier Augustine O. Gayoso
Leonard Jason D. Gusilatar
Jin Daniel A. Montemayor
Marcus Jacob A. Moulic
Julio Rinaldo D, Nemeno
Jose Paolo C. Oracion
Timothy Caleb L. Perdigon
Julian Vincent A, Roxas
Jose Celerino R. Rustia
Felino L. Sanchez III
Jose Ignatius Mikael C. Soriano
Nicholas Marco R. Untalan

De La Salle - Zobel

Emilio R. Acosta
Marlo V. Aguilar
Noel Timothy L. Brago
Thomas Emmanuel O. Brenner
Jaime Ricardo C. Bunyi
Javier Fernando G. Coscolluela
Joshua L. Longa
Eduardo Miguel G. Lopez
Andreas S. Maniquis
Mikel Romano J. Maniquis
David Rafael B. Mariano
Rafael Luis L. Montelibano
Lance Jermaine A. Montenegro
Erven Francis G. Patron
Rae Elner F. Reyes
Jeremiah Raphael P. Rocha
Trent Joseph F. San Diego
Luis Alfonso V. Santos
Jason Davy C. Tabberrah
Lukas Sebastian L. Wintermahr

Far Eastern University

Harold C. Alcoresa
Christian M. Bacara
Janryl J. Balanueco
Geno Bryan B. Beruela
Christian G. Betanio
Dominique Canonigo
Diomar A. Caruscay
Dave P. Deloso
Marvin Gadaingan
Ray Joseph E. Joyel
Gilbert L. Mendoza, jr.
Audie B. Menzi
Resty H. Monterona
Harley L. Nuncio
Chester Gio A. Pabualan
Dave T. Parac
John Renz P. Saldivar
Orlan Joseph C. Togores
Jay O. Ugdamina

University of Santo Tomas

John Paul T. Aguirre
Luis Miguel Alaban
Jerahmeel B. Arregadas
Joshua Fujiyama T. Cabangal
Russell V. Calo
Manuel M. Chuajap, jr.
Julian Mariano N. Clarino
Ferdinand A. Cuevas
Rafael Patrick F. Cunanan
Jerold Louis M. Facturanan
Miguel Faustino D. Garcia
Ian S. Hukom
Maynard Kyle B. Joaquin
Harvey F. Maitem
Wee Hansei D. Meridor
Nikko A. Palacio
Anthony Edcel M. Perez
Emmanuel A. Robrigado
Carlos Jose G. Sarical
Christian Kelsie J. Turgo

UAAP Season 75 Updated Football Schedule

Schedule posted below is the 2nd round for men's and women's football and the first round of juniors action.

January 17, 2013

Men:

10:00 AM - UE vs FEU
1:00 PM - NU vs UP
3:00 PM - UST vs DLSU

January 19, 2013

Juniors:

1:00 PM - UST vs FEU
3:00 PM - DLS-Z vs Ateneo

January 20, 2013

Men:

10:00 AM - UST vs NU
1:00 PM - Ateneo vs UP
3:00 PM - DLSU vs UE

Women:

1:00 PM - DLSU vs FEU
3:00 PM - Ateneo vs UST

January 23, 2013

Men:

10:00 AM - FEU vs DLSU
1:00 PM - UE vs NU
3:00 PM - Ateneo vs UST

January 26, 2013

Juniors:

1:00 PM - DLS-Z vs UST
3:00 PM - Ateneo vs FEU

January 27, 2013

Men:

10:00 AM - UP vs UST
1:00 PM - NU vs FEU
3:00 PM - UE vs Ateneo

Women:

1:00 PM - UP vs UST
3:00 PM - FEU vs Ateneo

January 31, 2013

Men:

10:00 AM - UP vs UE
1:00 PM - Ateneo vs FEU
3:00 PM - NU vs DLSU

February 3, 2013

Men:

10:00 AM - DLSU vs Ateneo
1:00 PM - UST vs UE
3:00 PM - FEU vs UP

Women:

1:00 PM - FEU vs UP
3:00 PM - DLSU vs Ateneo

February 6, 2013

Men:

10:00 AM - Ateneo vs NU
1:00 PM - DLSU vs UP
3:00 PM - FEU vs UST

February 10, 2013

Women:

1:00 PM - UST vs FEU
3:00 PM - UP vs DLSU

QF cast complete for PFF-SMART Nat'ls

The quarterfinal cast is set for the PFF-SMART Club Nationals with the close of the Round of 16 matches this weekend throughout the country.

Seven of the eight winners are linked with the United Football League, including recent UFL Cup invitee General Trias International FC. The all-Korean side emerged with a 3-1 victory over Baguio United FC in what was described as a "foggy, sloppy and soggy" afternoon at the Benguet State University. Yi Young "Justin" Park opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, but Joseph Lingwayon found an equalizer before halftime. Jeong Mu "Alex" Lee put GTI ahead early in the second half, then fully securing their quarterfinal appearance with Jeong Woo "Tony" Lee scoring the insurance goal in the 85th minute.

Highlighting the dominance of the UFL was their 4/4 performance on Saturday, with the Loyola Meralco Sparks illustrating it with an 8-0 thrashing of Luzon Regional winners Flame United at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

In spite of some upgrades via the temporary acquisition of some players from the 2011 UFL Cup Champions Air Force, they were hopelessly overmatched by the Sparks, who celebrated the return of Matthew Hartmann from his year-long suspension from official football activity by the Philippine Football Federation.

He started out in the defensive midfield position in new head coach Vincent Santos' starting XI, the spot deftly handled by the now-recalled to Pachanga Anto Gonzales. Their other major new acquisition, Freddy Gonzalez, started out on the bench, but made his entry after 57 minutes to replace Chad Gould.

Matthew's brother Mark opened the floodgates with a brace in the 17th and 25th minute, before James Younghusband slotting in a 3rd goal at the 38th minute. Matthew and UFL Cup Top Goalscorer Phil Younghusband alternated goals in the second half (Matthew's were in the 49th, 72nd and 86th, while Phil's were from the 67th and 76th) to provide the final outcome.

The Mindanao Regional winners did not fare better, as Romgarjal FC was felled by Green Archers United, 6-1 at the JRSU Sports Complex in Dapitan City. The souped up side did not take long to make an immediate impact, Jovanie Simpron opened scoring within the first minute of play. They doubled the lead four minutes later, thanks to Reynald Villareal. Although Romgarjal's Aldren Daga-ang managed to pull one back in the 20th minute, GAU's potent strikeforce of Tating Pasilan (36th) and Emelio Caligdong (40th) added to the scoring to make it a 4-1 tally after the first half. Dominic Mensah added a fifth goal in the 55th minute, before coach Rodolfo Alicante decided to insert his reserves minutes later.

Recent TOYM awardee Caligdong added another goal before the match ended for the final tally.

In Aboitiz Field, Pachanga Diliman slipped past their old Division II rivals Cebu Queen City United, 3-1. Guam international Jason Cunliffe supplied the game-winner in the 67th minute, while new acquisition Ojay Clarino scored the insurance goal in the 88th minute. Both sides had played out to a 1-1 standstill after 45 minutes, with goals from Joven Bedic in the 38th minute and Samson Olaniyi a minute into first half injury time.
  
On Sunday, the UFL guaranteed itself two more berths at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with a matchup featuring Division I teams.

The first part of the doubleheader saw Pasargad through to the next round with a 2-1 win over Army. Pasargad scored twice, c/o Jahambaksh Taher and Emmanuel Mbata, before the tide turned thanks to Promise Jolomi being sent off for two yellow cards. Army then turned on the offensive, eventually pulling one back c/o Ricardo Becite, but the match featured a heavy dose of physicality and intensity.

The second part featured Global FC outlasting a game and gritty Nomads side 2-1. John Jofre's side repulsed the UFL Cup runners-up's offense, with Friso Klok making save after save. Carlie de Murga finally broke the deadlock after 70 minutes, then Sam Fogg inadvertently headed in a goal into his own net twelve minutes later. Bafio Magassa scored one for Nomads near the end of the match, but time ran out and the reigning league champions advanced to the quarterfinals.

It could have been 8/8 for the UFL, but the last and perceived to be the strongest provincial qualifier left in the competition made the biggest impact of them all.

Visayan Regional champions and Negrense powerhouse Ceres FC pulled out a 1-0 victory over their Ilonggo rivals and newly-minted UFL Cup champions Penson Stallion Gilligan's FC. Kim Jung Mook scored the lone goal just before the halftime whistle in front of their home fans at Panaad Stadium.

The men of Freddie Lazarito, led by Jason Cordova and Joshua Beloya, held and kept Stallion in check all day long. Although Stallion managed to find an equalizer late, the goal was disallowed due to a referee's decision.

The victory for them means a trip to Manila this weekend for the team of the Yanson brothers, where they will face Global FC to open the QFs on Saturday, January 19 at 4 pm. It will be followed by the matchup of Kaya FC against Loyola Meralco at 630 pm.

On Sunday, the 20th of January, it will be a rematch-filled doubleheader with Pachanga-Diliman and Green Archers United kicking this off at 4pm. Both teams met in the UFL Cup Quarterfinals, where the Archers needed penalties to advance to the semis. Meanwhile, the nightcap features Pasargad against General Trias International FC, which met at the UFL group stage. GTI escaped with a 1-1 draw to formalize their entry in the knockout stages of the UFL Cup and eliminated Pasargad in the process.

 

Blog Outsourcing - January 15, 2013 edition

The Professional Football Hall of Fame released its finalists for the Class of 2013.

The PFBHoF Selection Committee, whose composition can be seen here, selected fifteen players from the modern era, and two players from the pre-1988 era (chosen by the Senior Committee, a subcommittee within the Selection Committee)

They can select a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 7 to comprise the incoming class, so if you were there, who would you bat for inclusion from these guys?

Larry Allen (OL for Dallas)
Jerome Bettis (RB for Pittsburgh)
Tim Brown (WR and Returner for Oakland and Tampa Bay)
Chris Carter (WR for Philadelphia, Minnesota and Miami)
Curley Culp (DT for Kansas City, Houston and Detroit)
Eddie DeBartolo (Owner, San Francisco 49ers)
Kevin Greene (LB/DE for Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Carolina and San Francisco)
Charles Haley (DE/LB for San Francisco and Dallas)
Art Modell (Owner, Cleveland Browns / Baltimore Ravens)
Jonathan Ogden (OT for Baltimore)
Bill Parcells (Coach for New York (NFC), New England, New York (AFC) and Dallas)
Andre Reed (WR for Buffalo and Washington)
Dave Robinson (LB for Green Bay and Washington)
Warren Sapp (DT for Tampa Bay and Oakland)
Will Shields (OG for Kansas City)
Michael Strahan (DE for New York)
Aeneas Williams (CB/S for Arizona and St. Louis)

Here forth are the links after the jump.

On FIBA-Asia and Manila

We got ourselves some good news the past couple days, as FIBA-Asia finally realized the folly of giving the hosting rights to a country with issues on security.

But now what? That will be the challenge that the SBP will entail in hosting this competition.

1. 800-1,000 athletes and officials from 16 countries will be descending into the NCR. It will be fascinating how logistically prepared we are going to be. I have seen how we have prepared for hosting a four-nation tournament, albeit in a different sport. Imagine four times that. Also, this comes with the additional amount of fans who intend to fly in to watch.

2. Who will be participating. As hosts, we earned a slot. The FIBA-Asia Cup champions also earn a slot, with Iran winning last year's tournament. These open up an additional slot each for Southeast Asia and West Asia in the competition.

The FIBA-Asia Cup also helps determine additional slots for FIBA-Asia, as it rewards zones that do well in that competition. In last year's case, it benefited East Asia, as thanks to Japan finishing 2nd, and China and Chinese-Taipei finishing 5th and 6th, East Asia netting themselves an additional three slots aside from their normal two slots. Qatar's third place finish meant the Gulf zone gets another slot, making it three.

Thus, the zonal breakdown of the participants are as follows:

Central Asia (a.k.a. _____-stan region) = 1 slot
South Asia = 1 slot
SouthEast Asia = Philippines and 2 more slots
West Asia = Iran and 2 more slots
East Asia = 5 slots
Gulf Asia = 3 slots

The Gulf zone already had their qualifiers via the GCC Championships. with Qatar successfully defending their title. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia finished 2nd and 3rd, earning their tickets to Manila.

All other zones have not provided details on their qualifying, save for the West Asian zone, which will have their qualifiers this February in Tehran.

3. Who are we sending? Well, we all know the rub on this one, right? Hopefully, with the competition in Manila, it would knock someone sense into certain people. It's also an interesting ploy to have the schedule cleared for the competition, as the request by MVP to the collegiate leagues. It'd also be interesting how we would deal with the SEABA qualifiers, knowing that we already secured our slot.

Kaya FC books 1st QF seat in PFF-SMART Club Nationals

c/o Interaksyon website

United Football League side Kaya FC kicked off the Round of 16 campaign of the PFF-SMART Club Nationals with a 5-0 blowout over Mindanao Regionals runners-up M'lang FC at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronodal on Wednesday afternoon.

Nate Burkey opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, receiving a cross from Eric Dagroh and booting it past the M'lang goalkeeper. He would double the advantage almost 30 minutes later, converting a penalty after Dagroh was fouled inside the box.

The last goal in the first half came from newly-signed midfielder Chris Greatwich, who made it 3-0 in the 34th minute, thanks to another cross, this time from Eddie Mallari.

The second half saw the league runners-up cruise their way to victory, with a fourth goal from Swede Dario Dakic in the 84th minute and an own goal a minute later from M'lang's Daryll Bantayan.

Maor Rozen's side advances to the January 19 quarterfinals, where they will either face Loyola Meralco or Flame United. The clash of the UFL stalwarts and the Luzon Regional winners will take place on January 12, 4PM at Rizal Memorial.

The other matches scheduled on Saturday are Luzon regional runners-up Baguio United FC against General Trias International FC at Benguet State University, Mindanao Regional champions Romgarjal FC hosting a souped-up Green Archers United side bannered by new additions Chieffy Caligdong and Jovanie Simpron at the Rizal Memorial State University Field in Dapitan City, and old UFL Division II rivalry between Pachanga Diliman and Cebu Queen City United FC at Cebu's Aboitiz Field. All kickoffs are pegged at 3PM.

The remaining matches will take place on Sunday with a doubleheader at Rizal Memorial Stadium, featuring PSG FC (formerly known as Pasargad FC) against Army at 4PM, then Global FC kicking off their title defense against Nomads FC at 6:30PM. The lone provincial match that day features UFL Cup champions Penson Stallion Gilligan's FC against Visayan Regional champions Ceres FC at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

PFF-SMART Club Nationals Rosters (Part 2)

Here are the remaining seven teams comprising the Round of 16 teams.

Loyola Meralco Sparks FC

Ref Cuaresma (GK)
Phil Younghusband (FW)
James Younghusband (MF)
Mark Hartmann (FW)
Matthew Hartmann (MD)
Byeong Yeol Jeong (MD)
Min Ho Park (DF)
Chad Gould (DF)
Simon Greatwich (MF)
Roxy Dorlas (DF)
PJ Fadrigalan (DF)
Alex Elnar (DF)
Davide Cortina (MD)
Jake Morallo (MD)
Jayson Cutamora (DF)
Mark Sorongon (GK)
Rodrigue Nembot (MD)
Jowon Jang (MD)
Joo Wong Jang (MF)
Patrick Ozaeta (DF)
Marco Poli (GK)
Alfredo Gonzalez (FW)

Baguio United FC

Earle Nestor Fernandez (GK)
Chima Ojoko (GK)
Goodwin Pugong (DF)
Godwin Ugedi (DF)
Samuel Lim Mendoza, jr. (DF)
Daniel Agbanyo (DF)
Arvin Ogbinar (MF)
Rykart Neri, jr. (MF)
Friday Okoro (MF)
Marked Lusung (MF)
Mark Signabon (MF)
Joseph Lingwayon (ST / MF)
Mohanad Farah (ST / MF)
Vanzekin Imonah (MF / DF)
Zau Ring Jat Ma Le (DF)
Randy Manaoang (MF)
Richard Medina (ST / MF)
Pablo Chawi, jr. (DF)
Dionisio Martes, jr. (DF)
Rommel Bautista (DF)
Ahmed Aman Abubaker (MF)
Jaymark Zamora (DF)
Arnel Carbonell, jr. (DF)
Jade Canlas (MF)
Whoto Hopo (MF)

Philippine Army

Roel Gener (MF)
Jeofrey Lobaton (F)
Nestorio Margarse, jr. (MF)
Victorino Troyo (GK)
Luisito Brillantes (F)
Wilson Dela Cruz (D)
Ronel Gener (D)
Edward Sacapano (GK)
Laurense Bedua (MF)
Rodrigo Betita (D)
Relan Bretana (F)
Ricardo Becite (MF)
Meliton Pelayo (F)
John Cain (D)
Eduardo Gempisaw (D)
Romano Vestal (F)
Rommel Villaruel (D)
Gil Villanueva (D)
Joshua Singson (GK)
Estorque Perciniplis (F)
Kevin Binas (MF)
Jake Rodrigazo (D)
Efren Pabilona (D)

Green Archers United

Arnie Pasinabo (MF)
Arvin Soliman (DF)
Ronnie Aguisanda (DF)
Nikko Paolo Villa (MF)
Patrick Bocobo (ST)
Emelio Caligdong (MF)
Aryee Nii Ayi (MF)
Reynald Villareal (DF)
Floriano Pasilan, jr. (ST)
Diego Garcia (MF)
Elvin Marcellana (DF)
Luigi Celdran (DF)
Martin Villaflor (GK)
Ivan Fraire (GK)
Shag Shapay Johnson (MF)
Arvin Gaspe (DF)
Gabriel Olowoyeye (MF)
Jun Mark Saraga (DF)
Sean Lee (MF)
Lawrence Obinna (MF)
Elle Cagayanan (MF)
Dominic Mensah (DF)
Jovanie Simpron (MF)
Jake Hugo (DF)
Tommy Escoltero (DF)

General Trias International FC

Seo Seung Seok (GK)
Kim Gu Young (DF)
Jeon Shin Seok (MF)
An Hyo Geon (FW)
Song Ji Hun (DF)
Min Young Gi (MF)
Moon Byung Hyun (DF)
Lee Jae Ho (DF)
Nam Gi Won (DF)
Lee Jeong Mu (MF)
Song Woo (FW)
Lee Hyeon Seung (FW)
Min Seung Yeon (MF)
Kang Dae Han (DF)
Park Yi Young (MF)
Cha Won Jae (MF)
Hong Seong Wook (GK)
Lee Jeong Woo (FW)

Flame United FC

Alvin Obero (FW)
Cristituto Pino (DF)
Julius Lorilla (FB)
Jumar Dexisne (MF)
Kaiser Keen Orcine (FB / MF)
Abel de Castro (MF / FW)
Perry Camba, jr. (GK)
Jun Mojado (FW)
Alberto Familiar, jr. (FB / MF)
Clinton Bonghanoy (DF)
Mario Titoy (MF)
Angelito Guengon (MF / DF)
Herbert Bayona (DF)
Romnick Echin (DF)
Jerome Cuyos (FW)
Bernard Lelis (GK)
Carl Aranez (MF)
Kingsley Ezeobi (FW / MF)
J-Veemar Limboc (FB)
Vincent Salazar (FB / MF)
John Michael Corsiga (MF / FB)
Alvan Banta (MF)
Harold Bayona (DF / MF)
Yanti Barsales (FW)
Joebel Bermejo (MF / DF)

Global FC 

Marwin Janver Angeles (MF)
Misagh Bahadoran (MF)
Jerry Barbaso (DF)
Kevin Capolei (MF)
Jeffrey Christiaens (MF)
Carlos de Murga (MF)
Izzeldin Elhabib (FW)
Ange Tressor Guisso (DF)
Yu Hoshide (MF)
Valentine Kama (DF)
Maverick Madayag (GK)
Lexter Maravilla (DF)
Alex Obiang (FW)
Demitrius Omphroy (MF)
Paolo Pascual (GK)
Patrick Reichelt (MF)
Roland Sadia (GK)
Denis Wolf (FW)
Delon Patrick Yao (DF)
Marvin Angeles (MF)
Matthew Uy (MF)
Badreldin Elhabib (MF)
Diego Sandoval (FW)
Nino Ochoterena (DF)

PFF-SMART Club Nationals Rosters (Part 1)

Here are 9 of the 16 teams participating in the PFF-SMART Nationals

Kaya FC

Nate Burkey
John Reginald Caballero
Eric Dagroh
Dario Dakic
Ali Kore Goudja
Chris Greatwich
Toshiya Hosoe
Sean Iliff
Alu Kigbu
Edward Mallari
Junior Munoz
Vincent Ocampo
Masanari Omura
Andres Lorenzo Pinga
Jonahan Romero
Saba Sadeghi Garmaroudi
Kross Ubiam
Antonio Ugarte

Pasargad FC

Hamed Hajimendi
Jahambaksh Zabihi Taher
Emmanuel Mbata
Charles Ujam
Promise Jolomi
Jay Torres
Emil Muncada
Ricardo Padilla
Michael Nelson
Consthan Divine Harris
Vasseba Toure
Younousse Yaogo
Angelo Marasigan
Gerald Orcullo
Reza Ataei
Francis Dee Sumudivilla
Mehdi Soltani
Reza Amirkhizan
Paul Adrian Concepcion
Mark Anthony Fernandez
Milad Behgandom
Shayan Jafari Dastjerdi
Masoud Shadide

Nomads FC

Jeff Blake (GK)
Kristian Jorgensen (DF)
Jose Luis Lozano (DF)
Daniel Williams (DF)
Nicolas Hacker (MF)
Sam Fogg (MF)
Steven Borrill (MF)
Michael Cardoso (F)
Philip Connolly (F)
Adrien Semblat (MF)
Jason Arroyo (MF)
Camille Adrien Cremet (MF)
Paolo Enrile (MF)
Bafio Magassa (DF)
Aaron De Rama (MF)
Ferdinand Obama (DF)
Luis Infante (F)
Friso Klok (GK)
Enrique Ortiz (GK)
James Woldring (F)
Randy Musters (DF)
Bahaeldin El-Habbib (MF)
Loic Toullec (F)
Celestino Ravelo (MF)
Fidelis Nnabuife (F)

M'Lang FC

Mark Ray Agustin (DF)
Stevhen Anotado (DF)
Steven Anotado (ST)
Ian Sonza (MF)
Jeffrey Cabalianga (DF)
Rolence Camiring (MF)
Marlon Cancel (DF)
Nicolas Gempisaw (MF)
John Gumban (DF)
Juven Benitez (MF)
Romnick Inojales (GK)
John Mark Jamelo (GK)
Eric Jasangas (MF)
Greg Lavega (GK)
Stephen Lavega (MF)
Warlin Travilla (DF)
Merlito Alcalde jr. (ST)
Jaylord Lalantacon (ST)
Dave Deroy (DF)
Jack Sales (MF)
James Salinas (MF)
Jomar Ursua (MF)
Lloyd Chavez (ST)
Bert Saril (DF)

Ceres FC

Abelardo Solinas, jr. (MF)
Jason Panhay (MF)
J Baguioro (MF)
Lemuel Unabia (DF)
Joshua Beloya (MF)
Louis Michael Casas (GK)
John Timothy Bolo (DF)
Sim Hyung Min (DF)
Kim Jung Mook (MF)
Joel Bedia, jr (MF)
Richard Sumabong (DF)
Jason Cordova (DF)
Choi Gun Hee (MF)
Yoon Byeong Jun (ST)
Hyoun Jae Jun (GK)
Jose Emmanel Thomas Diel (DF)
Anthony Tongson (DF)
Rolando Ian Treyes (MF)
Hanesin Prince Antony (ST)
Peter Long (ST)
Daniel Sandoval (MF)
Danny Claxton (DF)
Park Keon Hyeong (DF)
Jaime Poderoso jr (ST)
Jemuel Ariola (ST)

Cebu Queen City United FC

Charles Villarta (GK)
Benjamin Sanchez (GK)
Bryan Eborda (D)
Limhar Baunsit (D)
Ramon Gonzales (D)
Frederick Isic (D)
Carlos Bolo (D)
Marion Cubelo (D)
Ryoji Inoue (D)
Carlito Abadia, jr. (D)
Junard Aguilar (M)
Siegfried Apurado (M)
Samson Olaniyi (M)
Jhonny Dalman (M)
Ariel Cahilig (M)
Joseph Rodriguez (M)
Rommel Cuizon (M)
Rene Menchavez, jr. (M)
Jade Paghubasan (F)
Dan Villarico (F)

Romgarjal FC

John Michael Bastasa (DF)
John Lloyd Bastasa (DF)
Ivan Bayaton (FW)
Ryan Buenaflor (FW)
Aldren Daga-Ang (MF)
Ronelo Gitigan (DF)
Allain Jay Gumela (MF)
Finn Bryan Gumela (MF)
Rudjeven Lumacang (GK)
Ryldred Mag-Aso (DF)
Renando Mantua (FW)
Lendon Loi Marcojos (DF)
John Anthony Omandam (DF)
Sergio Alexis Pellerin (MF)
John Michael Samonte (GK / DF)
Jemenrex Sebaga (MF)
Allan Simbahon (DF / MF)
Joey Valdevia (MF)
Russel Vena (MF)
Cyrie Icalina (DF)
Mark Lumbay (DF)
Jeffrey Arquiza (MF)
Oliver Manalo (DF)
Lloyd Vincent Mendoza (MF)
Franklin Bantilan (FW)

Pachanga Diliman FC

Jerome Stefan Leung
Stephen Custodio
Kim Bersales
Kenneth Villaluz
Yves Ashime
Anto Gonzales
Andrew Santiago
John Edward Rances
Ojay Clarino
Jason Cunliffe
Nathan Octavio
Robert Canedo
Jay Eusebio
Ariel Zerrudo, jr.
Ernest Appiah
Allen Serna
Ian Mariano
Osseynou Diop
Jose Andoni Santos
Jovin Bedic
Mohammad Jahanarai

Stallion FC

Wilson Munoz (GK)
Bervic Italia (D)
Joaquin Garcia (D)
Jason de Jong (MF)
Nam Yeul Woo (D)
Andrew Bryan Peterson (MF)
Antonio Albor, jr. (MF)
Lee Won Hyung (MF)
Rufino Sanchez (A)
Ruben Doctora, jr. (A)
Park Bo Bae (MF)
Jhenver Vergara (MF)
Nathaniel Boblo (D)
Kim Il Hyo (MF)
Jimmy Vergara, jr. (MF)
Jomar Lestingio (A)
Pi Yong Jae (D)
Louie Jay Sobrevega (GK)
Romeo Martinez, jr. (MF)
Lee Joo Young (A)
Vince Braga (A)
Bruno Gabriel Santos (GK)
Jeremy Taylor Hohn (TF)
Cyrus Andre Mohseni (TF)
Kim Da Bin (D)

New Year, New Look

Due to some unforseen circumstances (like Google locking up the old site), I have decided on giving the sports blog a little makeover.

Hopefully, reworking the site means it looks better. Also means, hopefully, I can get to put more content to it in the future.

MMBL season in halfway point, San Beda, Chiang Kai Shek lead the way

Familiar names dominate the different divisions of the 30th season of the SeaOil Metro Manila Basketball League (MMBL), led by perennial high school powerhouse San Beda.

The NCAA juniors champions under Britt Reroma own a 6-0 record in Division I-A, while the UAAP juniors champions Far Eastern University is in second place with a 5-2 record, a game ahead of Chiang Kai Shek.

Division I-B is the only division in the MMBL where its teams tote a blemish on their record, with Hope Christian High School and National University share the lead with a 4-1 record. A half-game back is Xavier with a 3-1 record.

Hope Christian High School ended the year toting two trophies that will certainly boost their confidence for the 2nd half of the MMBL season, recently bagging the juniors' division of the Fr. Martin's tournament, as well as winning the first-ever Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) last month against the San Sebastian College-Recoletos in The Arena in San Juan.

Meanwhile, the B-squads of San Beda, NU and the University of Santo Tomas lord over Division II. The Red Cubs own a 7-0 record, which leads Division II-A, with the Bullpups a game back with a 6-1 record.  The Tiger Cubs lead Division II-B with a 6-0 record, followed by Xavier's B-team with a 3-1 record.

It had been announced late last year that the MMBL's champions for Division II will join the top three teams of Division I as NCR's representatives for the NBTC National High School Championships, or more familiarly known as the Elite League.
     
Completing the cast of division leaders are College of San Benildo-Rizal (Division III-A), San Beda College-Alabang (Division III-B), National University's Team C (IV-A) and Xavier's Team B (IV-B).

In the inagural girls division, Chiang Kai Shek owns a 7-0 record, with La Salle-Zobel in second with a 5-1 win-loss slate.

The MMBL matches will resume this month at these venues:  San Beda College, International School-Manila, St. Stephen's High School and the PhilSports Arena.

The standings as of January 3, 2013:

Division 1-A

San Beda College-A                                    6-0
Far Eastern University-FERN A                   5-2
Chiang Kai Shek College-A                         4-3
Colegio San Juan de Letran                          3-2
De La Salle Zobel-A                                    3-2
Our Lady of Fatima University                      1-3
University of Santo Tomas A                        1-3-1
Adamson University                                     0-7

Division 1-B

Hope Christian High School                                   4-1
National University                                                4-1
Xavier-A                                                               3-1
Ateneo High School                                               2-2
San Sebastian College Recoletos                           2-3
Malayan Institute of Technology                             1-4
University of the Philippines Integrated School       0-4

Division II-A

San Beda College-B                       7-0
National University-B                      6-1
Faith Academy-A                           3-2
De La Salle Zobel-B                       3-4
Far Eastern University-FERN B      2-4
Arellano University                         1-2-1
Chiang Kai Shek College-B            1-4
Uno High School                             0-5

Division II-B

University of Santo Tomas-B                  6-0
Xavier-B                                                3-1
San Sebastian College Recoletos-B        3-2
Emilio Aguinaldo College                        2-2
St. Stephen’s High School-A                  2-3-1
International School Manila-A                 2-3
Kings Montessori School                        0-6

Division III-A

College of San Benildo-Rizal            7-0
San Beda College-C                        5-1
Escuela de Sofia of Caloocan           4-1
Rich                                                 4-2
St. Jude Catholic School                  2-4-1
Trinity University of Asia                   1-4
Southridge School-A                        1-5
Gymnazo Christian School                0-6

Division III-B

San Beda College Alabang-A          7-0
Colegio de San Agustin-Biñan         4-1
Reedley International School           4-2
Lourdes School of Mandaluyong     3-2
St. Andrew’s School                       3-3
International School Manila-B         2-4
Southridge School-B                      0-3-2
Australian International School        0-6

Division IV-A

National University-C                     7-0
ESPS                                             5-1
Chiang Kai Shek College-S            4-2
SNCA-B                                       4-2
La Consolacion College-Manila      3-4
Southridge School-C                      2-5
Dominican College Sta. Rosa          1-4-1
St. Stephen’s High School-B           0-7

Division IV-B

Xavier School                                 6-0
La Salle College-Antipolo               5-1
San Beda College-D                       5-1
St. James Academy                        4-2
The Seed Montessori School          2-4
Faith Academy B                            2-5
Our Lady’s Angels School              0-6
Quezon City Science High School   0-5

Girls

Chiang Kai Shek College-               7-0
De La Salle Zobel                           5-1
La Salle College-Antipolo               4-2
Uno High School                            3-3
Faith Academy                               2-4
Casimiro Ynares Memorial School  1-3
St. Jude Catholic School                 1-6
Hope Christian High School            0-4

PFF-SMART Club Nationals Round of 16 set next week

On the same day as the press conference for the home leg of the Philippines against Singapore in the AFF Suzuki Cup, the offices of the Philippine Football Federation in Pasig City was the venue for the draw of the PFF-SMART National Club Championship's Round of 16.

Witnessing the drawing of lots were representatives from some of participating teams, as well as SMART Sports executive Epok Quimpo. Cyril Dofitas from the PFF and Richie Gannaban handled the actual draw proper.

The 16 teams who made it this far came from eight different clusters as designated by the PFF (two from Luzon, four from Mindanao and one each for the Visayas and the National Capital Region), each of whom had their own qualification process.

The recently concluded UFL Cup formed the basis of qualification for the NCR Cluster, where the UFL teams that made the quarterfinals secured their berths to the competition, led by recently crowned UFL  Penson Stallion Gilligan's FC and this competition's defending champions and losing UFL Cup finalists Global FC (then competing under the name Teknika). In addition, the two best third place teams from the Group Stage, in Pasargad and Nomads, also secured their spots in the Round of 16, thus bringing the number of UFL sides to eleven.

The eleventh UFL side in the competition is Cebu Queen City United FC, who opted to not participate in the UFL Cup and went through the Visayan leg of the PFF-SMART Nationals instead. The UFL Division II side finished second to Ceres FC. Completing the provincial sides are Flame United FC and Baguio United FC for Luzon, while Romgarjal FC and M'lang FC will represent Mindanao.

Round of 16 rules have mandated that any UFL side drawing a provincial team will be mandated to travel to the base of the provincial team, except for Flame United. The Cavite-based side will play their match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The two match-ups involving the NCR cluster by itself will also have their matches at the said venue.

The draw yielded the following matchups:

Negros-based Ceres FC drew Stallion in what arguably could be the most interesting fixture in the Round of 16. The winner would face the winner of the Nomads-Global FC matchup, thus setting up a possible UFL Cup final rematch in the PFF-SMART quarterfinals.

Cebu Queen City United drew Pachanga-Diliman FC for their matchup, a revival of their UFL Division 2 rivalry, with Pachanga earning the promotion into Division 1, now infused by players who played for Diliman that finished second ahead of CQCUFC. The winner of that matchup will face the winner between UFL Cup semifinalists Green Archers United and Romgarjal FC.

The other purely NCR matchup will feature Pasargad and Army, whose winner will face the winner of the matchup between the lone northern Luzon representative Baguio United FC and impressive newcomer General Trias International FC.

The last pairings involve Flame United FC against Singapore Cup semifinalists Loyola Meralco Sparks and M'lang FC against Kaya FC. That M'lang-Kaya matchup will kick off the Round of 16 action as they play on January 9, 3pm at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronodal. The rest of the matches will be played on January 12 or 13, as seen below.

January 12 matches:

General Trias International FC @ Baguio United FC: 3pm kickoff at the Benguet State University in La Trinidad.

Green Archers United FC @ Romgarjal FC: 3pm kickoff at the Jose Rizal Memorial State University in Dapitan.

Pachanga-Diliman FC @ Cebu Queen City United FC: 3pm kickoff at the Aboitiz Field in Cebu

Loyola Meralco Sparks FC @ Flame United FC: 4pm kickoff at Rizal Memorial Stadium

January 13 matches:

Penson Stallion Gilligan's FC @ Ceres FC: 3pm kickoff at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod

Pasargad FC vs Philippine Army FC: 4pm kickoff at Rizal Memorial Stadium

Nomads FC vs Global FC: 630pm kickoff at Rizal Memorial Stadium

The bracketing looks like this:

The lineups for the teams in this competition will be set by January 7.