Doing a Humble Bola? - The 2013 PBA Draft positioning Part 3

See Part 1 and Part 2 here.

Why do a part 3? Well, this is to integrate who owns which pick. Thanks to Snow Badua's Instagram account, we have an idea.



So this is the status as of the moment.

A21 (in actuality, BGK) and GBP (in actuality, SMC) will be participating in the lottery, with A21 securing two envelopes and GBP having just one.
BRK (in actuality, ROS) then picks third, followed by some order between BGK (in actuality, BRK), PBB (in actuality, BRK) and MER (in actuality, BRK) (depending on subsequent results), then TNT (in actuality, GBP) and ALA, then finishing with either ROS or SMC (depending on subsequent results).

As such, it's pretty much the following.

BGK or SMC
ROS
then three straight from BRK
GBP
ALA
ROS or SMC

You may proceed with your mock drafts accordingly.

Doing a Humble Bola? - The 2013 PBA Draft positioning Part 2

Part 1 is here.

With SMC's 83-73 victory over ALA, let's update the rankings:

Here are the finishes in the previous two conferences:

AFC = TNT, ROS, SMC, ALA, MER, BGK, PBB, A21, BRK, GBP
CC = ALA, BGK, SMC, TNT, ROS, PBB, MER, A21, BRK, GBP
GOV = *, *, *, *, GBP, BRK, ALA, BGK, TNT, A21

* being either PBB, SMC, MER or ROS.

Formula: Number finished in AFC x .4 + Number finished in CC x .3 + Number finished in GOV x .3 = value

The lower the value, the closer you are to drafting at the back end instead of the front end of the 1st round.

TNT = 1, 4, 9 (.4 + 1.2 + 2.7 = 4.3)
RoS = 2, 5, 1 or 2 or 4 (.8 + 1.5 + ? = 2.3 + ?)
SMC = 3, 3, 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 (1.2 + .9 + ? = 2.1 + ?)
ALA = 4, 1, 7 (1.6 + .3 + 2.1 = 4)
MER = 5, 7, 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 (2 + 2.1 + ? = 4.1 + ?)
BGK = 6, 2, 8 (2.4 + .6 + 2.4 = 5.4)
PBB = 7, 6, 1 or 2 or 3 (2.8 + 1.8 + ? = 4.6 + ?)
A21 = 8, 8, 10 (3.2 + 2.4 + 3 = 8.6)
BRK = 9, 9, 6 (3.6 + 2.7 + 1.8 = 8.1)
GBP = 10, 10, 5 (4 + 3 + 1.5 = 8.5)

So, the current computations sees this:

TNT = 4.3
RoS = 2.3 + either .3 or .6 or 1.2
SMC = 2.1 + either .3 or .6 or .9 or 1.2
ALA = 4
MER = 4.1 + either .3 or .6 or .9 or 1.2
BGK = 5.4
PBB = 4.6 + either .3 or .6 or .9
A21 = 8.6
BRK = 8.1
GBP = 8.5

A21 and GBP will be participating in the lottery, with A21 securing two envelopes and GBP having just one.
BRK then picks third, followed by some order between BGK, PBB and MER (depending on subsequent results), then TNT and ALA, then finishing with either ROS or SMC (depending on subsequent results).

Time to go to the what ifs in the semis: PBB vs ROS & SMC vs MER:

If PBB and SMC win,

MER finishes third and ROS finishes fourth.

ROS = 3.5
MER = 5

BGK will locked in as 4th selection, then MER or PBB depending on PBB's finals performance (PBB title means MER picks 5th, while SMC title means PBB picks 5th).
ROS will be locked in as 9th, and SMC in 10th, regardless of SMC's finals performance.

If PBB and MER win,

SMC finishes third and ROS finishes fourth


ROS = 3.5
SMC = 3

Draft positions will be formalized already regardless of Finals result.

BGK will be locked in as 4th, PBB in 5th, MER in 6th, ROS in 9th and SMC in 10th.

If ROS and SMC win,

PBB finishes third and MER finishes fourth

PBB = 5.5
MER = 5.3

PBB will be locked in as 4th selection, BGK in 5th and MER in 6th.
Loser of ROS-SMC finals picks 9th. Winner picks 10th.

If ROS and MER win,

PBB finishes third and SMC finishes fourth

PBB = 5.5
SMC = 3.3

Draft positions will be formalized already regardless of Finals result.

PBB will be locked in as 4th, BGK in 5th, MER in 6th, SMC in 9th and ROS in 10th.

Thanks, Mo. #ExitSandman

h/t to Deadspin for this MLB poster

Doing a Humble Bola? - The 2013 PBA Draft positioning Part 1

As such, I decided to stat crunch things. I may not be like the guys at Humble Bola, the pre-eminent stats gurus of Philippine Basketball, but here goes nothing:

Here are the finishes in the previous two conferences:

AFC = TNT, ROS, SMC, ALA, MER, BGK, PBB, A21, BRK, GBP
CC = ALA, BGK, SMC, TNT, ROS, PBB, MER, A21, BRK, GBP
GOV = *, *, *, *, SMC (if ALA wins) or GBP (if SMC wins), GBP (if ALA wins) or BRK (if SMC wins), ALA (if SMC wins) or BRK (if Ala wins), BGK, TNT, A21

* being either PBB, MER, ROS or ALA-SMC winner

Formula: Number finished in AFC x .4 + Number finished in CC x .3 + Number finished in GOV x .3 = value

The lower the value, the closer you are to drafting at the back end instead of the front end of the 1st round.

TNT = 1, 4, 9 (.4 + 1.2 + 2.7 = 4.3)
RoS = 2, 5, 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 (.8 + 1.5 + ? = 2.3 + ?)
SMC = 3, 3, 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 (1.2 + .9 + ? = 2.1 + ?)
ALA = 4, 1, 1 or 2 or 4 or 7 (1.6 + .3 + ? = 1.9 + ?)
MER = 5, 7, 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 (2 + 2.1 + ? = 4.1 + ?)
BGK = 6, 2, 8 (2.4 + .6 + 2.4 = 5.4)
PBB = 7, 6, 1 or 2 or 3 (2.8 + 1.8 + ? = 4.6 + ?)
A21 = 8, 8, 10 (3.2 + 2.4 + 3 = 8.6)
BRK = 9, 9, 6 or 7 (3.6 + 2.7 + ? = 6.3 + ?)
GBP = 10, 10, 5 or 6 (4 + 3 + ? = 7 + ?)

So, the current computations see this:

TNT = 4.3
ROS = 2.3 + either .3 or .6 or .9 or 1.2
SMC = 2.1 + either .3 or .6 or .9 or 1.2 or 1.5
ALA = 1.9 + either .3 or .6 or 1.2 or 2.1
MER = 4.1 + either .3 or .6 or .9 or 1.2
BGK = 5.4
PBB = 4.6 + either .3 or .6 or .9
A21 = 8.6
BRK = 6.3 + either 1.8 or 2.1
GBP = 7 + either 1.5 or 1.8

*It is improbable that PBB finishes fourth and ALA finishes third.

First things first, what will be the scenario after Friday night (Alaska vs San Mig Coffee):

If Alaska wins:

SMC would be at 3.6
GBP would be at 8.8
BRK would be at 8.4

Participating lottery teams will be GBP (2 lottery envelopes) and A21 (1 lottery envelope).

Barako then drafts third, followed by some order between BGK, PBB and MER (depending on the results of the semis), then TNT and SMC, then finishing with either ROS or ALA (depending on subsequent results).

If SMC wins:

ALA would be at 4
GBP would be at 8.5
BRK would be at 7.8

Participating lottery teams will be A21 (2 lottery envelopes) and GBP (1 lottery envelope).

Barako then drafts third, followed by some order between BGK, PBB and MER (depending on subsequent results), then TNT and ALA, then finishing with either ROS or SMC (depending on subsequent results).

Part 2 will done once the cast of semifinalists is complete for the PBA Governors' Cup.

Loyola Meralco Sparks finish Menpora Cup campaign

Photo c/o Guest Galang of the Malang Post

As part of their UFL Cup preparations, the Loyola Meralco Sparks were invited to participate in the Menpora Cup, a competition that brought together football teams from Indonesia and neighboring countries.

Loyola was bracketed alongside Indonesian sides Arema Malang, Persepam Madura and Mitra Kukar in Group B, and played all 3 sides in a span of five days.

They opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Arema Malang on Saturday at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, with the lone goal of the match came from Beto Gonzalves in the 22nd minute. Arema, being the home side, was the clear aggressor throughout the fixture, which was something that head coach Vince Santos managed to adjust as the match went on. He also felt that Arema was the toughest team in the group, which would eventually be proven to be the case by Wednesday night.

On Monday, Loyola bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Persepam Madura. Joo Young Lee opened the scoring in the 19th minute, but Persepam quickly answered a minute later, through Denny Rumba. The Sparks would retake the lead just before halftime, thanks to Philippine international James Younghusband, who took advantage of a corner attempt from his brother Phil and sent a header past the defense.

Loyola would tack on a third goal ten minutes into the second half, thanks to a Persepam own goal. The Sparks would then weather the increased intensity from their Indonesian opposition to survive with the victory and a chance to possibly play in the final this Sunday against A-League champions Central Coast Mariners.

Coming into their game against Mitra Kukar on Wednesday, they were already at a disadvantage due to James' suspension as a result of being sent off late against Persepam. They would then be outplayed early on, as the side that was once coached by Simon McMenemy scored the first three goals in the first 30 minutes, two of which were credited to Paolo Frangipane. It became worse when new acquisition Joaquin Canas was sent off in the 29', reducing Loyola to ten men.

Before the first half ended, Lee scored to make it 3-1 to at least set up a possibility of a comeback, but Arif Suyono and Frangipane assured the Indonesian side get the three points with goals in the second half to secure a 5-1 win and send the UFL side to finish at the bottom of the group with 3 points and a -3 goal difference.

Upon the defeat and exit, Santos says that these are the games that test a team's character. He also acknowledged that the side is in the experimentation stage.

The Shaq concept in SacTown

Yesterday, the Sacramento Kings announced that someone has bought in as part of the new ownership group led by Vivek Ranadive.

That person is a familiar presence for old Kings fans. Who can remember this quote?

"We're not worried about the Sacramento Queens. Not at all. I'm not gonna be doing this all year, going back and forth with them. Nobody cares that we won last year, this is a new year, so we just need to focus on a new year. Like I said, I'm not worried about the Sacramento Queens. Write it down, take a picture, send it to them. I don't care."

Well... Things are now looking up, as Dr. O'Neal is now part-owner of the Kings.

Of course, he had to address that quote in the press conference earlier this morning. He apologized and explained that it was a marketing ploy.

Now, as of the moment, he has one major task. That task is to be a mentor to DeMarcus Cousins. The big man from Kentucky is at the cusp of snagging an extension, which he deserves given the talent and capability he has on the floor.

However, coupled with that talent is his notoriety and reputation as a headcase. Shaq referred to how Phil Jackson helped him during his playing career and he hopes to impart that knowledge to him. He already has touched base with Cousins before the press conference, if you checked the Sacramento-related timelines since the initial announcement. He also adds that he won't micromanage and he'll let the basketball people (Pete D'Alessandro, Chris Mullin, Michael Malone) run the show.

Also on that announcement, both he and Ranadive were confident about that brand new arena that they want to build to replace Sleep Train Arena. (Yes, there is a possible vote, but considering the bad press it got after the spurned other bidder tried to finance the "No" vote...) The plan is to make that arena 100% green and technologically advanced. Shaq referred to the concept using your phone being what you just need in entering the arena (tickets, directions, etc.). Considering you have a Silicon Valley guy as the big boss, not surprised here.

On the court, it's going to be an interesting mix. We will see when camp begins. Off the court, things are getting better. Woo-wee.

Felipe Massa in Manila

This past weekend in racing was about the night lights at the Marina Bay with the SingTel Singapore F1 Grand Prix.

However, a couple of days before the official race preparations at the city-state, Scuderia Ferrari's Felipe Massa managed to sneak in a visit to Manila, his first-ever, thanks to Pilipinas Shell.

They brought the Brazilian into the country for a few hours to coincide with the latest release of the Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline.

After his touchdown at NAIA, Felipe surprised the motorists at the Shell station in Macapagal Ave in Pasay,  personally refilling a lucky customer's vehicle with the Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline. He would then head over to the Mall of Asia Atrium to share with the media and people present the relationship that Ferrari has with Shell.

Shell and Ferrari have had a long technical working relationship, with the latter providing the former with the environment for extreme conditions for the testing of their products that would be used the ordinary consumer. In fact, the Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline that Filipinos can buy at their local Shell station contains 99% the same types of compounds found in the Shell V-Power race fuel that the Scuderia Ferrari cars used this past weekend.

Pilipinas Shell County Chairman Ed Chua said, “Felipe’s first visit to the Philippines is a great source of pride for Shell; not only to be able to give our consumers the unique experience of meeting a Formula One driver but also to showcase how we are able to make world-class fuel available and accessible to Filipino drivers on the road.”

Chua adds, “As we near the celebration of Pilipinas Shell’s 100 years in the country, we look forward to more milestone events such as this that will allow us to show our gratitude and appreciation to the millions of Filipinos who choose Shell every day,”

Massa also answered a few questions from the media, some of whom praised him for his career with the prancing horse, knowing that he will make way for the Iceman, Kimi Raikkonen, next season.

He spoke about the incoming new rules in F1 that makes it, according to him, feel like it's going back to zero. He feels that experience will play a major role for the upcoming season. He also says that he is very happy with how his career went (currently 185 races, 11 victories, 36 podium finishes). He hoped that he would be able to snag a podium finish, but he finished sixth in the Marina Bay, and that was with Marc Webber and Jenson Button having to drop down due to car trouble.

MOB deals Skyforce 1st defeat in 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup

MOB sent Skyforce to their first defeat of the season, escaping with a 98-94 victory in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup at the Lyceum Gym.

In a match befitting the top-billing with the two undefeated teams of the tournament, both teams had their chances to pull away in the fourth quarter.

MOB led early on in the fourth, 75-67, before Skyforce took control and erected an 86-81 lead with over two and a half minutes remaining. However, MOB uncorked a 15-4 run to seal their fifth straight victory.

Jopher Custodio and Jeff Viernes led the way for MOB with a combined 59 points on 13 triples, while Chester Tolomia and Marlon Basco led Skyforce with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Skyforce dropped to second place with a 5-1 record.

The scores:
MOB 98 -- Custodio 30, Viernes 29, Melencio 10, Reyes 8, Corpus 7, Montilla 7, Maconocido 5, Tajonera 2, Sarangay 0, Acosta 0, Ranises 0,

Skyforce 94 -- Tolomia 16, Basco 14, Vergara 12, Avenido 11, Sotto 10, Enrile 8, Caceres 8, Sanders 5, Dedicatoria 4, Sta. Cruz 4, Allera 2, Tan 0, Misolas 0.
Quarters: 22-18, 39-38, 68-65, 98-94.

The Mariano Rivera commemorative patch

Because he is already a legend, he deserve to have something like this on his final homestand.

Senator Pia Cayetano condemns UAAP boycott; UAAP Board distances away

The Honorable Senator Pia Cayetano deplored the "boycott" that took place during the UAAP swimming competitions at Trace College in Laguna.

She released the following statement to the media:

"I condemn the boycott instigated by certain school officials  at the UAAP swimming competitions in support of the UAAP Board's brazen refusal to abide by the court rulings affirming Mikee Bartolome's right to swim in the school of her choice.

"There's nothing to gain from the boycott, except to send the message that the UAAP is too high and too proud to take orders from anyone, including from our honorable courts, even if they trample on the rights of student-athletes.

"By preventing the student-athletes from openly competing and showcasing their talents, the UAAP leadership is proving that promoting the dev't of the student-athletes is not their priority. Instead they would prefer to create a culture of protectionism  in support of their narrow institutional interests.

"Sabotaging the swimming competitions will not resolve this issue. Now, not only Mikee but the rest of the student swimmers as well are suffering from the UAAP leadership's intransigence.

"This is a sad sad day in Philippine sports."

In response, the UAAP Board released their own statement.

THE UAAP Board remains respectful of a court order against the imposition of the “two-year residency rule” for fresh high school graduates who transfer from one member school to another.

The board is doing so in the case of University of the Philippines (UP) freshman Anna Dominique “Mikee” Bartolome, a swimmer from UST high school, whose father brought his daughter’s case to court and earned a temporary restraining order and eventually an order preventing the UAAP from imposing the two-year residency rule.

As a result of the court order, the UAAP has no recourse but to heed and revert to the previous rule which has been imposed for decades. The old rule requires a freshman student-athlete who transfers from one UAAP school to another to complete one year of residency.

The court order was specific on the “two-year” rule which was imposed only this Season 76, and not on the previously accepted “one-year” rule. It would be worse for the UAAP if it also lifts the long accepted one-year rule.

In Bartolome’s case, she, like all other freshman transferees before her, must undergo the one-year residency before she could swim for UP. Bartolome’s elder sister served a one-year residency before she could eventually compete for the Fighting Maroons.

On the “boycott” of swimmers in events Bartolome competed or will compete in, the UAAP Board did not order such, nor did it instigate the move. The board in general deemed it as the schools’ decision, perhaps as a sign of personal indignation or protest.

Adamson University, the season host, in particular, would not instigate any protest. The Soaring Falcons only have one female entry in the swimming competitions.

The UAAP Board’s decision to heed the court order was unanimously agreed upon by its members during an emergency meeting on Thursday (September 19).

The boycotts are centered on the participation of Mikee Bartolome, who secured a temporary restraining order against both UST and the UAAP with regards to the imposition of the eligibility rules towards the UP college student and ertswhile UST HS alumna. Excluding the Ateneo de Manila Blue Tankers, the other UAAP schools in the same events as Bartolome either withdrew from the competition or disqualified themselves.

The 2013 UFL Cup Tournament Format

Here is the groundwork for the format on how the 2013 UFL Cup works:

1. Draw to be made to determine the 7 groups that the 28 teams will be subdivided into.

For reference, here is how they are tiered:

Tier I: Stallion FC, Global FC, Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, Kaya FC, Pachanga Diliman FC, Green Archers United FC, PSG FC (a.k.a Pasargad)
Tier II: Nomads FC, Philippine Army FC, Philippine Air Force FC, Team Socceroo FC, Union Internacional-Manila, Forza FC, Agila FC
Tier III: Laos FC, Philippine Navy FC, Cimarron FC, Manila All-Japan FC, Dolphins United FC, Cebu Queen City United FC, Ceres-La Salle FC
Tier IV: Blue Guards FC, Bright Star FC, General Trias International FC, Manila Hurricanes FC, Manila Jeepney FC, Manila Tala FC, Mendiola FC 1991

2. Once the groupings are determined, the order of fixtures within the group will be determined. That will done also via draw.

The group stage will be a single round robin, with the top two teams of each group and the two best 3rd-place teams among the seven groups will advance as the 16 teams to the Knockout Stage.

3. The Round of 16 seedings have already been determined as follows:

1 = Group A 1st placer
2 = Group C 1st placer
3 = Group E 1st placer
4 = Group G 1st placer
5 = Group B 1st placer
6 = Group D 1st placer
7 = Group F 1st placer
8 = Group G 2nd placer
9 = Group E 2nd placer
10 = Group C 2nd placer
11 = Group A 2nd placer
12 = Group F 2nd placer
13 = Group D 2nd placer
14 = Group B 2nd placer
15 = Top 3rd placer
16 = 2nd-best 3rd placer

With that as a guide, here is the knockout stage bracket to determine who will be the UFL Cup champions:

Now all we need is for the games to be played.

UFL Cup Draw to take place today

The 2013-14 United Football League Season will be one step closer to being ready, as the scheduled UFL Cup Draw is set to take place on this afternoon at Taguig.

27 teams are looking to attempt to prevent Ernie Nierras and Stallion FC from retaining their title, which is expected to commence in mid-October. Included in those 27 teams are guest teams who are not yet officially part of either Div I or II of the UFL, like the reigning PFF-SMART Club National champions Ceres-La Salle, returning surprise team General Trias International FC and newcomers Manila Jeepney FC.

The competition has two phases: the Group Stage and the Knockout rounds. The Group Stage will have the 28 participating teams sorted into seven groups of four teams, with a single round robin matches to take place. The teams have been tiered into four levels, based on their finish in the United Football League last season.

The top two teams of each group, and the two best third place teams of the Group Stage will then tangle in a single elimination knockout phase to eventually determine who will be hoisting the UFL Cup crown.

The 28 participating teams in their respective tiers are as follows:

Tier I: Stallion FC, Global FC, Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, Kaya FC, Pachanga Diliman FC, Green Archers United FC, PSG FC (a.k.a Pasargad)

Tier II: Nomads FC, Philippine Army FC, Philippine Air Force FC, Team Socceroo FC, Union Internacional-Manila, Forza FC, Agila FC

Tier III: Laos FC, Philippine Navy FC, Cimarron FC, Manila All-Japan FC, Dolphins United FC, Cebu Queen City United FC, Ceres-La Salle FC

Tier IV: Blue Guards FC, Bright Star FC, General Trias International FC, Manila Hurricanes FC, Manila Jeepney FC, Manila Tala FC, Mendiola FC 1991

Mighty Sports withstands Sealions in the Danny Espiritu Cup

Defending champions Mighty Sports withstood a furious rally from Sealions to emerge with a 107-100 victory in the Danny Espiritu Cup at the Reyes Gym this past Sunday.

Niño Marquez nailed five three-pointers on his way to 22 points, while Edrick Ferrer added 20 markers. Current Adamson assistant Kenneth Duremdes flirted with a double-double with twelve points and nine rebounds.

Mighty held a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter before a minor skirmish led to the ejection of Marlou Aquino and Jam Alfad from the game. That somehow fired up Sealions, as they managed to score 26 points in six minutes to make it a game late. But Mighty held on to secure their second win in four matches, thanks to steady free throws from Duremdes, Ferrer and Gerard Francisco, while sending Sealions to back-to-back losses after a 3-0 start.

According to tournament commissioner Mike Buendia, there will be sanctions to be meted out towards the players involved in that skirmish.

The second game of the Sunday doubleheader featured an undermanned Naughty Needlez finally securing their first win of the tournament, just getting past Expert Global Solutions, 69-60.

Naughty Needlez relied on a balanced scoring effort, led by Vaughn Canta's 14 points, with James Martinez, Raymond Aguilar and Elvis Tolentino each netting twelve to send EGS to their fourth defeat.

The scores:
First Game

Mighty 107 -- Marquez 22, Ferrer 20, Celiz 15, Duremdes 12, Sabelina 11, Francisco 7, Colina 7, Acibar 5, Gamboa 3, Dimaunahan 3, Aquino 2, Evangelista 0, Lozada 0.

Sealions 100 -- Zagala 20, Billones 19, Asoro 16, Malabanan 16, Raymundo 10, Junio 5, Garrido 4, Martinez 4, Mabigat 3, Solis 2, Alao 1, Alfad 0, Ricafuente 0.

Quarters: 24-17, 48-37, 78-63, 107-100.

Second Game

Naughty Needlez 69-- Canta 14, Tolentino 12, Aguilar 12, Martinez 12, Taupa 9, Garcia 5, Zapata 3, Espinosa 2.

EGS 60 -- Catamora 16, Arias 13, Ranises 9, Caspe 8, Roda 6, Valena 2, Siqua 2, Kalawa 2, Feliciano 2, Melano 0, McCoy 0.

Quarters: 17-10, 32-25, 54-42, 69-60.

Week 10 UAAP Power Rankings

Before the Wednesday UAAP games, I will be posting my UAAP rankings based on the games they played during the past week. So the record may not necessarily match the rankings.

Normally, this would be posted by Wednesday morning, but I wanted to include the last games of the season. So I delayed it to today.

DLSU (beat UST) - Sweeping the 2nd round is an achievement, in spite of how much they downplay it.
NU (beat Ateneo) - Character win over the defending champions. Can the Bulldogs fulfill the manifest destiny?
FEU (beat UP) -Terrence Romeo offensive explosion
UE (beat Adamson and UP) - Collective effort to take things over from Roi Sumang.
UST (lost to DLSU, beat Ateneo) - They did just enough to get into the Final Four, with Jamal Sherriff developing into an effective quarterback for Pido.
Ateneo (lost to NU and UST) - Fell short of the end goal. Been a while since someone said that about this team.
UP (lost to FEU and UE) - Not even the Cheerdance competition could rescue the downtrodden Maroons. They didn't give up, though.
Adamson (lost to UE) - The end of the Leo Austria era.

D Rose Tour in full bloom at Manila

Derrick Rose made his long-awaited return to the Philippines a few days ago for the final overseas stop of his D Rose Worldwide Tour.

As explained by Adidas Philippines' Country Manager Georges Youssef, “This tour is an expansive effort to connect Derrick Rose with his fans and support the growth of basketball on an international scale.”

The 2009 Rookie of the Year and the 2011 Most Valuable Player spent a couple of days here, with a busy itinerary.

On his arrival on Saturday, he was the guest of honor in the Adidas Unite All Originals party. Sunday may have been Cheerdance day at the Mall of Asia Arena, but if you were at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, you were witness to the D Rose Tour's 3-on-3 tournament.

The tournament brought together 16 top high school teams from the ASEAN region, with the chance and opportunity to be playing in front of the NBA superstar. Thailand won the tournament, beating out Arellano in the final.

Rose also showed that he is really on track from his recovery from his knee injury, playing in an exhibition 3-on-3 with the Thais against a select group of PBA stars. He also gamely played two-ball (with the lovely Isabelle Daza as his partner against the YHs) and a three-point shootout (narrowly losing to reigning 3-pt king Chris Tiu) during that event.

On Monday, he held a general press conference with the media in the morning, with the general consensus from the discussion being the following:

1. He knows he is ready to play for this season, and that the best advice he got was from his agent, former Chicago Bulls guard BJ Armstrong, "be patient."
2. He, and the rest of the Chicago Bulls, trusts and buys into Tom Thibodeaux system. (Thibs has been criticized for overextending some of his players, namely Luol Deng and Joakim Noah.) He also believes that Thibs is a genius, especially on the defensive end.
3. He has a hand with the regards to the design of his shoes. (If you remember, one of the criticisms in the immediate aftermath of Rose's injury was that the shoe was partially to blame)
4. The concept of his logo (as seen on top) was that with his family in mind. 3 petals for his brothers. the center represents his mom and looks like a 1.
5. He wants to play for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup.

The adidas D Rose Tour is supported by the official hotel partner, Marriott Hotel, the official hydration partner, Powerade and the venue partners Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia.

Loyola Meralco Sparks to participate in the 2013 Menpora Cup

The Loyola Meralco Sparks of the United Football League will be participating in the 2013 Menpora Cup scheduled from September 20-27 in Indonesia.

Loyola is in Group B with Indonesian club sides Arema FC, Mitra Kukar and Persepam Madura and will have their matches in Malang, while those teams under Group A are comprised of the Malaysian Under-23 team, A-League champions Central Coast Mariners and Indonesian club sides Persib Bandung and Sriwijaya FC, and their matches will be played in Bandung. The winners of each group will tangle to determine the champion of this tournament.

The team named an 18-man side that will participate in the tournament, with some holdovers and new acquisitions.

Highlighting the new acquisitions are players who played last season with Stallion Sta. Lucia in Joaco Cañas, Joo Young Lee and Won Hyeong Lee, as well as Clear Dream Match Best Defender Yves Ashime from Pachanga Diliman.

Elevated from the youth side are FEU standouts Val Jurao and Chy Villaseñor, while Guam international Jonah Romero is with the team on trial.

Leading the way for the holdovers are the brothers Phil and James Younghusband, Chad Gould, and Matthew Hartmann.

Here are their scheduled fixtures at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang (kickoff time in Manila):

September 21 vs Arema FC 730pm
September 23 vs Mitra Kukar 430pm
September 25 vs Persepam Madura United 430pm

Loyola Meralco Sparks squad for Menpora Cup

1. Phil Younghusband
2. James Younghusband
3. Roxy Dorlas
4. Chad Gould
5. Simon Greatwich
6. Matthew Hartmann
7. Joo Young Lee
8. Won Hyeong Lee
9. Joaquin Cañas
10. Ref Cuaresma
11. Baba Sampana
12. Samuel Bonney
13. Yves Ashime
14. Jonahan Romero (on trial)
15. Val Jurao
16. Jake Morallo
17. Min Ho Park
18. Chy Villaseñor

Chicago Wizardry

This weekend, it will be about a superstar who plies his trade in Chi-Town here in the Motherland. However, here is another Chicago star who got some mad skillz of his own.



Neat work, Kid.

Avenido returns to power Skyforce to fifth win in Danny Espiritu Cup

Skyforce continued their winning form with a 90-83 victory over Sealions in their match this past Sunday in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup at the Reyes Gym.

Leo Avenido made his return to the lineup by pumping in 22 points, as well as contributing four rebounds, five assists and two steals, as he and Ronjay Enrile made sure that their unbeaten run goes to a fifth game.

The two combined to score ten points in a critical stretch late in the fourth quarter, with Sealions cutting the lead to just one at 80-79 with over two minutes left to owning a 90-83 lead with 16 seconds left in the ballgame.

Sealions, who at one point owned a ten-point lead early in this game, suffered their first loss in four outings. Leading in scoring is Ronnie Zagala with 23 points, five rebounds and four assists, with JR Raymundo and Gilbert Malabanan contributing 13 and 10 points, respectively.
 
The scores

Skyforce 90 -- Avenido 22, Enrile 16, Sanders 14, Caceres 8, Vergara 8, Vizcarra 5, Tan 4, Allera 4, Sta. Maria 3, Misolas 2, Dedicatoria 2, Sta. Cruz 2, Capistrano 0, Sotto 0.

Sealions 83 -- Zagala 23, Raymundo 13, Malabanan 10, Martinez 9, Junio 9, Solis 8, Asoro 6, Gelig 5, Alfad 0, Alao 0, Garrido 0, Ricafuente 0.

Quarters: 22-28, 45-44, 64-65, 90-83.

UAAP Board resolves UE clarification

The UAAP Board has made its ruling on the clarifications that the University of the East requested on Thursday.

The body decided to re-impose the one-game suspension on Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol for the incident involving a La Salle fan from a couple of weeks ago.

According to the UAAP Board Secretary-Treasurer Malou Isip, “Coach Bo was in the game venue [Araneta Coliseum] when he was supposed to be serving his suspension, that is why the board decided that he should be serving the penalty,”

UE sought a clarification after there was proof that Perasol was in the venue for Ateneo's 2nd round victory over the University of the East.

The UAAP Board also announced that Far Eastern University will forfeit five wins due to one of its players (Vangie Soriano) participating in a tournament simultaneous with the current season, something that is not sanctioned by the league.

New addition Sabelina secures Mighty Sports' first win in Danny Espiritu Cup

Mighty Sports's new signing Mclean Sabellina helped the defending Danny Espiritu Cup champions take their first win of the season.

Sabellina scored 31 points and contributed 13 rebounds, two assists and three steals to help Mighty beat Globalport, 100-89 this past Saturday at the EAC Gym.

Mighty never looked back after an Edrick Ferrer triple to snatch the lead from the Batang Pier, from an 11-12 deficit to a 14-12 lead that would be able to stretch to as large as 14 points.

Ferrer would finish with 14 points while Nino Marquez added 17 of his own.

Globalport's defeat meant that they remain winless after five matches in the tournament, even with the tournament-high 42 points from Erwin Sta. Maria in this particular game.

In the second game of the doubleheader, MOB Alliance used a 21-0 blast in the third quarter to put away Expert Global Solutions, 84-59 to move them into a tie with Skyforce with an unblemished record after four matches.

Richie Melencio led MOB with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Eric Sugitan contributed a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds, as they dropped EGS to a 1-3 record, with the lone win coming in via forfeit.

The scores:
First game
Mighty Sports 100 -- Sabellina 31, Marquez 17, Ferrer 14, Manuel 13, Acibar 7, Francisco 6, Aquino 4, Lozada 4, Evangelista 4.

Globalport 89 -- Sta. Maria 42, Asuncion 10, Baculi 8, Gamboa 8, Tenerepe 7, Capacio 6, Gavina 6, Bercede 2, Bernal 0.
Quarters: 30-22, 55-44, 79-69, 100-89.

Second game
MOB Alliance 84 -- Melencio 15, Sugitan 10, Cornejo 9, Ong 9, Maconocido 8, Corpuz 6, Custodio 6, Montilla 6, Acosta 6, Gonzalgo 4, Sarangay 3, Viernes 2, Tajonera 0, Ranises 0.

EGS 59 -- De Vera 13, Arias 9, Ranises 8, Caspe 7, Sigua 6, Melano 6, Valera 3, Catamora C. 3, Feliciano 2, Roda 2, Kalaw 0, Catamora D. 0, McCoy 0.
Quarters: 20-14, 41-34, 67-42, 84-59.

Week 9 UAAP Power Rankings

Before the Wednesday UAAP games, I will be posting my UAAP rankings based on the games they played during the past week. So the record may not necessarily match the rankings.

DLSU (beat UE and NU) - Unbeaten in the second round. Juno has allowed his players to work it.
FEU (beat Adamson) - Nash got things rolling again offensively. We'll see in the postseason.
UST (beat UP) - Jeric Teng returns, gives team a much-needed boost as they head into the sibling rivalry with his brother.
NU (beat UP, lost to DLSU) - Streak snapped against a red-hot DLSU side. Test of mettle about to be seen against Ateneo.
Ateneo (beat UE) - Still on track, but the tough road remains.
UE (lost to DLSU and Ateneo) - Team sorely missed Ralf Olivares and his ability to catch fire.
Adamson (lost to FEU) - At least it's good to see Jericho Cruz back on the court.
UP (lost to NU and UST) - Cheerdance is already this Sunday, and given their on-court state of affairs, that is a welcome sight for those who bleed Maroon at this point.

Avenido-less Skyforce takes out Naughty Needlez

Skyforce continued their winning run in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup with a 91-84 victory over Naughty Needlez at the Letran Gym this past Saturday.

Bucking the absence of Leo Avenido, Skyforce relied on former NCAA standouts Floyd Dedicatoria and Ronjay Enrile to fend off their opposition to secure their fourth win in the tournament.

Dedicatoria scored 19 points while Enrile added 17 markers.

Naughty Needlez were in control early and even secured a 10-point lead at one point, but Skyforce would retake the lead and hold on to it, surviving a 16-4 run late in the fourth quarter to send their opponents to their third straight loss.

The scores:
Skyforce 91 -- Dedicatoria 19, Enrile 17, Sanders 13, Allera 10, Vizcarra 9, Sotto 8, Vergara 5, Sta. Cruz 4, Caceres 2, Misolas 2, Sta. Maria 2, Capistrano 0, Tan 0, Salansang 0.

Naughty Needlez 84 -- Ybañez 27, Canta 16, Espinosa 11, Hall 11, Aguilar 9, Cunanan 8, Martinez 2, Manalo 0.
Quarters: 19-26, 52-41,  71-62, 91-84.

Streak continues for Skyforce, Sealions, MOB in 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup

Skyforce, Sealions and MOB Alliance maintained their undefeated record in their respective matches this past weekend in the 2013 Danny Espiritu Cup.

At the Treston Gym in Taguig on Sunday, Skyforce relied on Ronjay Enrile's 19 points as they bucked the return of Marlou Aquino and Kenneth Duremdes, as well as an 18-point first quarter deficit, to secure a 98-84 victory over defending champions Mighty Sports.

The other game at Treston featured Ronnie Zagala and Gilbert Malabanan leading Sealions to a 80-74 win over Expert Global Solutions. Both of them scored 19 points as they kept EGS at bay.

The day before at the Letran Gym, MOB Alliance made it rain from the three point area against GlobalPort BatangPier for a 105-91 victory.

Jopher Custodio knocked down four triples on his way to 17 points, while Macky Acosta and Jeff Viernes each converted three treys, as MOB as a team made 14 shots from beyond the arc.

Erwin Sta. Maria led the Batang Pier with 28 points in a losing cause.

The scores:

First game
MOB Alliance 105 -- Custodio 17, Acosta 15, Viernes 13, Sugitan 14, Reyes 11, Corpuz 9, Sarangay 7, Cornejo 7, Melencio 4, Ranises 3, Maconocido 3, Gonzalgo 2.

GlobalPort 91 -- Sta. Maria 28, Gamboa 17, Junio 11, Manalo 9 Asuncion 9, Arejola 8,  Bernal 5, Gavina 2, Bercede 2, Agarao 0.
Quarters: 31-28, 51-51, 84-74, 101-91.

Second game
Sealions 80 -- Malabanan 19, Zagala 19, Asoro 13, Billones 8, Alao 6, Solis 5, Alfad 4, Martinez 3, Mabigat 2, Raymundo 1, Ricafuente 0.

EGS 74 -- De Cera 17, Feliciano 16, Ranises 11, Arias 6, Catamora 6, Caspe 5, Kalaw 5, Roda 4, McCoy 2, Valena 2, Melano 0.
Quarters: 20-13, 36-34, 55-53, 80-74.

Third game
Skyforce 98 -- Enrile 19, Sanders 15, Caceres 13, Vergara 11, Vizarra 7, Misolas 6, Sotto 6, Dedicatoria 6, Avenido 4, Tan 3, Capistrano 2, Sta. Cruz 2.

Mighty Sports 84 -- Marquez 18, France 17, Ferrer 16, Sabelina 7, Francisco 7, Aquino 6, Acibar 4, Lozada 3, Celiz 3, Evangelista 2, Duremdes 1, Dimaunahan 0, Colina 0.
Quarters: 17-35, 49-48, 72-67, 98-84.

UFL Preseason schedule

This is the schedule for the upcoming UFL Preseason Tournament tipped to kick off later today. All matches are to be held at Emperador Stadium.

SEPTEMBER 07 (SAT)
2:00 PM  B5 vs B2: Pachanga vs Nomads
4:00 PM  B4 vs B3: Army vs Loyola
6:00 PM  C5 vs C2: Forza vs U23
8:00 PM  C4 vs C3: Navy vs Stallion

SEPTEMBER 08 (SUN)
6:00 PM  A5 vs A2: Archers vs Union
8:00 PM  A4 vs A3: Global vs Laos

SEPTEMBER 10 (TUE)
7:00 PM  A1 vs A3: Japan vs Laos
9:00 PM  A5 vs A4: Archers vs Global

SEPTEMBER 11 (WED)
7:00 PM  B1 vs B3: Dolphins vs Loyola
9:00 PM  B5 vs B4: Pachanga vs Army

SEPTEMBER 12 (THU)
7:00 PM  C1 vs C3: Kaya va Stallion
9:00 PM  C5 vs C4: Forza vs Navy

SEPTEMBER 14 (SAT)
2:00 PM  C2 vs C4: U23 vs Navy
4:00 PM  C1 vs C5: Kaya vs Forza
6:00 PM  A2 vs A4: Union vs Global
8:00 PM  A1 vs A5: Japan vs Archers

SEPTEMBER 15 (SUN)
6:00 PM  B2 vs B4: Nomads vs Army
8:00 PM  B1 vs B5: Dolphins vs Pachanga

SEPTEMBER 17 (TUE)
7:00 PM  B3 vs B5: Loyola vs Pachanga
9:00 PM  B2 vs B1: Nomads vs Dolphins

SEPTEMBER 18 (WED)
7:00 PM A3 vs A5: Laos vs Archers
9:00 PM A2 vs A1: Union vs Japan

SEPTEMBER 19 (THU)
7:00 PM C3 vs C5: Stallion vs Forza
9:00 PM C2 vs C1: U23 vs Kaya

SEPTEMBER 21 (SAT)
2:00 PM  A4 vs A1: Global vs Japan
4:00 PM  A3 vs A2: Laos vs Union
6:00 PM  B4 vs B1: Army vs Dolphins
8:00 PM  B3 vs B2: Loyola vs Nomads

SEPTEMBER 22 (SUN)
6:00 PM  C4 vs C1: Navy vs Kaya
8:00 PM  C3 vs C2: Stallion vs U23

SEPTEMBER 23 (MON)
7:00 PM  D3 vs D2
9:00 PM  E3 vs E2

SEPTEMBER 25 (WED)
7:00 PM  E1 vs E3
9:00 PM  D1 vs D3

SEPTEMBER 27 (FRI)
7:00 PM  D2 vs D1
9:00 PM  E2 vs E1

SEPTEMBER 29 (SUN)
5:00 PM  SF 1:  1st D vs 2nd E
8:00 PM  SF 2:  1st E vs 2nd D

OCTOBER 05 (SAT)
5:00 PM  3rd Place:  Loser SF 1 vs Loser SF 2
8:00 PM:  Championship:  Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2

Week 8 UAAP Power Rankings

Before the Wednesday UAAP games, I will be posting my UAAP rankings based on the games they played during the past week. So the record may not necessarily match the rankings.

NU (beat UE) - Clearly with the momentum, as everyone thought they would have before the preseason.
UST (beat Adamson and FEU) - Wounded, not dead, they said.
DLSU (beat Ateneo) - Juno entrusted it to Jeron, who did not let him down.

Ateneo (beat FEU and lost to DLSU) - Ateneo gets swept on the record books for the first time in a decade against their arch rivals. Yup, no one said it was going to be THAT easy.
UE (lost to NU) - The thug life was a costly affair. And it will be again this week.
FEU (lost to Ateneo and UST) - UE at least can have a convenient excuse in their defeats due to being undermanned, but FEU? 1-4 record in the second round does not look good.
Adamson (lost to UST, beat UP) - The losing streak has ended, but the drama and intrigue gets even more intense. Losing Coach Leo at the end of the season will be HUGE once it happens.
UP (lost to Adamson) - The bigger win for UP is on the courts, with the Bartolome and General cases. As for the actions on the basketball court, it leaves a lot to be desired.