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Sunday, August 9, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Pacquiao is 2009 ESPY Awards’ Best Fighter
He is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer but how does Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao stack up against equally successful mixed martial arts fighters? Well, the “Pacman” rises above the best MMA fighters, judging from the final results of the 2009 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly awards or ESPY.
The 30-year-old Pacquiao won the “Best Fighter” plum in the prestigious awards handed out by famed American cable TV network ESPN to honor the year’s outstanding athletes in major sports.
Pacquiao beat out MMA stars Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva and fellow boxer Sugar Shane Mosley for the prestigious award.
The pride of General Santos City earned the nod of ESPN’s online voters for his sensational dismantling of erstwhile IBO light-welterweight boss Ricky Hatton last May, and his demolition of Oscar De La Hoya five months before.
Machida was nominated for his knockout victory over erstwhile unbeaten Rashad Evans, which clinched for him the light-heavyweight title at UFC98; Silva for his wins over Patrick Cote, Thales Leites and James Irwin; and Mosley for his stunning TKO victory over Mexican Antonio Margarito.
Pacquiao’s jaw-dropping KO of Hatton was also in the shortlist for the “Best Play” award but lost out to the Ben Roethlisberger-to-Santonio Holmes last-minute touchdown catch in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl XLIII win over Arizona.
Others which vied for “Best Play” were Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin’s goal opposite the New York Rangers during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs and Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree’s game-winning catch against the Texas Longhorns.
As ESPY’s Best Fighter, Pacquiao joins an elite line-up that reads like the who’s who in world sports that includes Michael Phelps (Best Male Athlete and Best Record Breaking Performance); LA Lakers (Best Team); Lorena Ochoa (Best International Female Athlete and Best Female Golfer); Usain Bolt (Best International Male Athlete); LeBron James (Best NBA Player); and frequent winner Tiger Woods (Best Golfer).
Pacquiao’s ESPY award came on the heels of his earlier achievements as one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time Magazine and as a top 10 member of Forbes’ richest athletes in the world. – GMANews.TV
2009 ESPY Winners
Best in Sport
Best Female Athlete: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
Best Male Athlete: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Moment: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Best Coach/Manager: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
Best Game: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
Best Championship Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Play: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
Best Upset: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Best Record Breaking Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Sports Movie: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
Best Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow, Florida Football
Best Female College Athlete: Maya Moore, Connecticut Women’s Basketball
Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Jason Lester, Ironman Triathlete
Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Erin Popovich, Swimming
Best International Male Athlete: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)
Best International Female Athlete: Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)
Individual Sports
Best Baseball Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Best NBA Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Best NFL Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Best MLS Player: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Maya Gabeira, Surfing
Best Bowler: Norm Duke
Best Driver: Jimmie Johnson
Best Fighter: Manny Pacquiao, Boxing
Best Male Golfer: Tiger Woods
Best Female Golfer: Lorena Ochoa
Best Jockey: Calvin Borel
Special Awards
Arthur Ashe Courage Award: President Nelson Mandela
Jimmy V Award For Perseverance: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach
Best Comeback: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer.
BEERMEN END 4-YEAR TITLE DROUGHT
Fri, 07/17/2009 - 23:23In the end, talent and pride prevailed over character and attitude.
San Miguel Beer outplayed Barangay Ginebra in the grandest stage of a title playoff -- Game Seven -- fashioning out a convincing 90-79 victory to bag the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference crown before a roaring crowd of over 20,000 at the Araneta Coliseum.
"Ginebra will always be a never-say-die team. They have that great character and attitude. But when we're tested after the Game Five loss, we showed our talent as well as our pride as a champion team," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen moments after the championship.
The Beermen emerged triumphant after a fortnight of fierce battle, dethroning the Kings as Fiesta Cup champs and, in the process, ending their chase for a first title since their 2004-05 Fiesta Conference conquest.
Gabe Freeman, the tournament Best Import awardee, proved too hot to handle in this eventful evening, bulldozing his way to game-highs of 29 points and 18 rebounds.
Then there were Jonas Villanueva, Marc Pingris, Danny Ildefonso, Mike Cortez and Mick Pennisi also rising to the occasion as the Beermen frustrated the Kings and their throngs, thus, notching the franchise's 18th championship overall.
Tanquingcen kept his mastery of friend and mentor Jong Uichico in playoff battles in earning a third personal championship. The youthful SMB tactician won his first two titles with Ginebra.
"Nagkataon lang yon," said Tanquingcen, downplaying his fourth win in as many playoff tiffs with Uichico.
"It took us quite sometime to close it out and I would like to apologize, knowing the high expectations of the management and the fans on us," Tanquingcen also said. "I had to admit we really have a powerhouse team. But when tested, it took us talent and pride to get the championship."
The Beermen made it a come-from-behind victory, clinching it with victories in Games Six and Seven.
Villanueva, the season's Most Improved Player, came through with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Game Seven and went home with the FERN-C Finals MVP trophy. He wound up with averages of 11 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the series.
With the win, San Miguel preserved its great ride in the classification round leading to outright entry into the Final Four.
Ginebra, second placer in the prelims, also gained automatic semis entry and proved to be a worthy finalist. But two missed shots at closing out the series had them yielding the coveted crown.
Freeman frolicked in the do-or-die setto, coming through with his 22nd triple double in the tourney.
David Noel, meanwhile, floundered in the face of tough adversity, struggling with a 3-of-11shooting and committing a game-high six turnovers.
SMB took control right in the opening quarter and held on to the finish in frustrating Ginebra and its die-hards.
The Beermen opened a sizable lead, 24-11, right at the onset of the game as Freeman asserted himself early, making nine points and five rebounds in the opening quarter.
The Kings came to within one at 35-36 but Freeman, Ildefonso, Villanueva and Mick Pennisi worked on a 9-2 closing run to take the half at 45-37.
It took the exploits of Jayjay Helterbrand for the Kings to prevent the Beermen from pulling away in the first 24 minutes of play. Helterbrand was seven-of-eight from the field for 15 points on top of four rebounds and the same number of assists in the first half.
It was an action-packed first half that saw the Beermen outrun the Kings, producing 10 points off the breaks, two more than that of Ginebra. (NC)
The scores:
San Miguel 90 - Freeman 29, Villanueva 15, Pingris 12, Ildefonso 10, Cortez 9, Pennisi 8, Washington 5, Hontiveros 2, Racela 0, Pena 0.
Ginebra 79 - Helterbrand 25, Menk 12, Tubid 10, Reavis 9, Noel 8, Lanete 6, Wilson 5, Baguio 4, Mamaril 0, Salvacion 0.
2008-2009 Fiesta Conference Champions San Miguel Beermen
Congratulations!2008-2009 Fiesta Conference Champions
San Miguel Beermen
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Beermen foil Gin Kings, Uichico's Fiesta Cup celebration
MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel just won’t give the title of the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup to defending champion Barangay Ginebra without a fight.
One good fight that is.
The Finals of the season-ending conference now boils down to one game as the Beermen beat the Kings, 98-84, Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum for a 3-3 standoff in the best-of-seven series.
Game 7 is set Friday also at the Big Dome.
Facing what could have been a horrible ending in a tournament they were projected to conquer, the Beermen responded to the pressure by holding down Ginebra’s ace guard Jayjay Helterbrand to just eight points while at the same time choking the Gin Kings to only a 6-for-25 (24 percent) shooting at the three-point range.
“We haven’t done anything yet," said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen. “God put us in this situation to test us. It’s how you respond to adversity that defines you. This thing is far from over. We have one game to go."
Gabe Freeman recovered from early foul trouble once more to finish with 24 points and 12 rebounds while Danny Ildefonso came off the bench to contribute 18 points as San Miguel forged only the 18th Game 7 in a championship series in PBA history.
Helterbrand, bothered by his hamstring injury, shot a miserable 0-for-5 from downtown. Since the second quarter of Game 4, his clip in that region has been 1-for-15.
David Noel led the Gin Kings with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He, however, failed to make a field goal in the two-point area and was held scoreless in the second quarter and to only two in the final period.
“It will all boil down who makes the shots in Game 7," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, not necessarily feeling bad about the outcome on a very special day when he turned 47. “It would have been nice had we won tonight. But I’m already happy with the success we had and the blessings that I have."
Witnessed by 16,039 fans, mostly Ginebra fans, the game was tense until San Miguel tore the game apart in the second and third quarters. The Beermen led by 10 after the first half and then stretched it to its biggest at 15 (61-46) on a dunk by Freeman with 5:29 left in the third period.
Ginebra’s best effort was to cut it down to within 64-61 on an Erik Menk basket. But the Beermen scored the last four points of the period before coming through with a 9-4 run to take total control, 79-65.
San Miguel again outrebounded Ginebra 47-39 and had more assists 18-13. – GMANews.TV
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Pacman camp eyes Mosley at 143 lb
MANILA, Philippines – Shane Mosley is suddenly back in the picture. Manny Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, yesterday said if Miguel Cotto insists on the catchweight of 145 lb, the Filipino boxing icon might be forced to consider Mosley as his next opponent.
“We will not agree to 145 pounds. And if Cotto insists, we’ll go for Mosley,” said Gacal from Davao City.
Top Rank president Bob Arum wants Pacquiao to face Cotto, the reigning WBO welterweight (147 lb) champion from Puerto Rico, on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas. But no deal has been forged yet, not on the date, weight or purse.
“No definite date yet or any other details have been agreed upon,” said Pacquiao the other day.
Pacquiao, 30, said he wants to fight on Oct. 17 but Arum explained that it wouldn’t be a good date because of the Major League World Series, and that it would be hard to compete with the mother of all baseball games.
“Regarding the date, maybe we can give in to what Bob Arum wants although Manny really wants to fight in October. But there’s the baseball thing so maybe we can agree on November,” said Gacal.
Both Pacquiao and Cotto are under Top Rank, and it should have been easier for Arum to seal the deal. But again, the weight issue, Gacal added, is turning out to be a real weighty issue.
“Manny will be giving up too much if he agrees to fight Cotto at 145. We want him at 143 and if he insists otherwise, then we’ll look at Mosley if Mosley is still available,” said the Filipino lawyer.
“Cotto is an inch taller than Manny and definitely he’s heavier. He’s got a bigger body, too. I think Manny will be short-changed if he agrees to 145. And it should be us dictating the terms, not Cotto,” said Gacal.
Mosley, the WBA welterweight champion, was so eager to face Pacquiao he said he’d fight at 144 lb, and settle for 40 percent of the purse. But the native of Pomona, California, had given up on the fight when it seemed all’s well for a Pacquiao-Cotto fight.
“Mosley said he’s willing to fight Manny at 144. Maybe we can drag him down to 143. So if Cotto insists on 145, we’ll got for Mosley,” Gacal added.
At 5’9” Mosley is easily two inches taller than Pacquiao, but the American champion will be 39 by September. Cotto will turn 29 in October.
Mosley is under Golden Boy Promotions, whose president, Oscar dela Hoya, recently played a round of golf with Cotto at the Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club in Puerto Rico.
Ginebra rips SMB, nears PBA crown
Game Today (Araneta Coliseum)
7:00 p.m. — San Miguel vs Ginebra (Game 6)
Barangay Ginebra recovered from a major power failure in the third quarter to beat San Miguel Beer, 106-98, and move onto the threshold of retaining its crown in the PBA Fiesta Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Kings appeared to be in firm control of the game after unleashing a whirlwind assault in the second quarter that saw them take a 16-point lead – thanks to torrid shooting of Chico Lanete, import David Noel and Jay Helterbrand.
But all of a sudden, the Beermen came alive with Bonbon Custodio and Mick Pennisi making one big shot after another that pushed them to within, 68-69, on a jumper by Jonas Villanueva.
Former MVP Erik Menk ended the team’s long scoring spell with a power play for a 71-68 going into the final 12 minutes.
Pennisi highlighted that salvo with a rare four-point play that somehow energized his teammates.
The Kings, however, greeted the start of the fourth quarter with another big explosion to take a 13-point lead, 85-72, before holding another San Miguel rally to take a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven title series.
Ginebra can clinch its 9th title with another win tomorrow.
Noel finished with 29 points, 13 in the fourth, while Helterbrand contributed 9 points.
“Helterbrand and Erik were able to play today, we shot very well tonight, we know what San Miguel is capable of. Hope we can get luckier on Wednesday,” said coach Jong Uichico.
The Kings used a strong 21-7 blast late in the second period to pad their lead to 56-40 with 21.8 seconds left before halftime.
Lanete shone brightest in that run as he accounted for three of five triples. Import David Noel and Jayjay Helterbrand, the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP), also made a triple each.
Halftime ended with the Kings up, 56-42.
Ginebra actually took a 23-18 lead in the first period, and was ahead, 31-23, early in the second quarter before San Miguel made its own run that shoved the Beermen to within, 32-33 on Dorian Pena’s pair of free throws off a Willy Wilson foul.
Wilson answered with a lay-up, before Hontiveros split his free throws.
Mike Cortez paced the Beermen with 23 points.
Ginebra106 — Noel 29, Menk 18, Lanete 14, Tubid 14, Helterbrand 9, Wilson 8, Mamaril 6, Reavis 5, Salvacion 3, Pacana 0, Baguio 0.
SanMiguel 98 — Cortez 23, Freeman 16, Ildefonso 14, Villanueva 9, Hontiveros 9, Pennisi 7, Custodio 6, Washington 6, Pena 5, Racela 3, Gonzales 0, Pingris 0.
Quarters: 23-18, 56-42, 71-68, 106-98.
Gin Kings hope to reign anew
MANILA, Philippines – The Barangay Ginebra Kings are a heartbeat away from repeating as champs. With the pivotal 3-2 lead, the Barangay Ginebra Kings go for the kill against the embattled San Miguel Beermen, hoping to wrap up the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference crown in Game Six that is expected to draw another capacity crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.
Jayjay Helterbrand, the season MVP winner, wants it done so he can be with the members of the Powerade RP team leaving the country tomorrow for the Jones Cup competition in Taipei.
Import David Noel doesn’t want to settle for anything less than the PBA championship after passing up an invitation to play for the New York Knicks in a summer league now ongoing in the US.
The rest of the Kings are raring to deliver the killer blow to become the first team in seven years to successfully defend a title in the league.
“It will be a hell of a game. It’s going to be a war because they want to get even while our team wants to finish the series,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
Chico Lanete, who played a key role in their 106-98 win in Game Five, said their biggest motivation is for them not to return to practice anymore after Game Six.
“We’re already tired. We want to rest with the championship trophy in our hands,” said Lanete.
San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, however, is confident they can force a deciding Game Seven.
“I’m still optimistic about it. God gave us the opportunity to be here. The eight other teams would kill themselves to be here. There’s still no reason for us to feel down because they still need to win a game to get the championship. We just have to get even then take it from there,” said Tanquingcen.
No team has two in a row in the series. If the trend continues, San Miguel is expected to extend the series to a final showdown.
Despite being on the threshold of a title conquest, Uichico remains wary of an SMB comeback.
“We like to be up 3-2 but we know what San Miguel is capable of doing. We hope we can play better today ,” said Uichico.
The Kings outplayed the Beeremen as Noel redeemed himself from being the goat in Game Four while Jayjay Helterbrand and Eric Menk had significant contributions despite enduring injuries.
“Good thing Jayjay (Helterbrand) and Eric (Menk) were able to play. And David, being a real competitor, made up for his crucial free throw misses in Game Four in a big way,” said Uichico.
The amiable Ginebra mentor said Noel is determined to win the championship after missing the opportunity to play for the Knicks.
“The offer came Saturday. But a professional that he is, Noel decided to stay on and honor his commitment with us,” said Uichico. [source: Philstar]
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hurting Helterbrand unsure of Game 5 stint
MANILA, Philippines – Jayjay Helterbrand left the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday with a sore left thigh, making him a doubtful starter in Game Five of the Barangay Ginebra-San Miguel showdown for the Motolite PBA Fiesta Cup championship Monday.
“It appeared his hamstring injury has recurred. His status now is day-to-day, and we can only hope for the best,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said.
“Good thing, there’s a long break. We take a rest today (Thursday) and hopefully it helps Jayjay heal his injury. As we resume practice, we have to ask him everyday how he feels,” Uichico added.
Helterbrand sat out the last three minutes of Game Four which San Miguel won, 106-104, on a crucial four-point binge by Gabe Freeman at endgame.
“I opted not to use him anymore so as not to aggravate his injury. If he were able to finish the game, it could have gone the other way. Everybody knows how valuable Jayjay to us,” Uichico said.
Helterbrand, named earlier as the season’s Most Valuable Player, was going great guns when he felt soreness and tightness on his left thigh.
“I didn’t take him out right away. Then we noticed he’s already tight. Since he could no longer move well, Danny Ildefonso got away with two baskets on pick-and-roll plays,” said Uichico.
Helterbrand has been hobbled by that injury for at least two years now.
It was the same injury causing him to sit out almost half of the 2006-07 season. And it was also for the same reason that he, as member of the Powerade Team Pilipinas, missed the recent SEABA championship in Medan, Indonesia.
“A complete rest is all that is needed to heal a hamstring injury. But he can’t get a long rest with the long PBA season, then he still has his commitment with the RP team,” said Uichico.
National coach Yeng Guiao is also hoping for the best for Helterbrand since his other pointguard in Ryan Reyes is also nursing a hamstring injury.
The Nationals leave on July 16 for Taipei for the Jones Cup competition serving as the final basis for the selection of the Final 12 players for the FIBA-Asia championship in Tianjin, China in August.
If the Fiesta Cup championship reaches a deciding Game Seven, Helterbrand and San Miguel’s Mick Pennisi will follow the Nationals in Taipei on July 18.
The series is down to a best-of-three series affair with the two teams splitting the first four games.
Game Five is set Monday at the Araneta Coliseum with league officials opting to take a break Friday and Sunday due to unavailability of a suitable playing venue.
Miller wants out of Alaska
WILLIE Miller doesn’t want to play for Alaska anymore. But before he could get his wish, the Aces must first acquire a corresponding player or set of players they want.Danny Espiritu, Miller’s agent, yesterday confirmed that his two-time MVP has revealed to Alaska his intentions of bolting from the ball club, which he helped win a championship and play for a fourth franchise finals since entering the PBA in 2001.
Espiritu said that Miller is ‘no longer happy’ with the Aces, whom the former Letran star guided to the 2006-07 Fiesta Conference championship over his former team Talk ‘N Text.
“He’s not happy anymore with Alaska. Worse, napagbibintangan pa siya ng mga ibang tao kapag masama ang laro niya. He’s a two-time MVP and brought championships to his teams,” said Espiritu.
Espiritu and Miller had already talked with Alaska’s board representative and current PBA chairman Joaqui Trillo about Miller’s release. But Trillo said, according to Espiritu, that Alaska will first have to find a suitable replacement for their franchise player.
Coach Tim Cone said in a text message yesterday that Alaska will not part with Miller. “Not on the block, not traded. Teams are calling us but we’re not biting. We are not certainly shipping him.”
Purefoods and Coca-Cola reportedly are the teams interested in Miller, the first guard to win the MVP twice.
The 2008-09 season has been an unmemorable one for the Aces. Voted as the Best Player of the Conference in the Philippine Cup, Miller failed to steer Alaska to the championship, wasting a 2-0 series lead and losing to the Tropang Texters in seven games.
Then, Alaska couldn’t find the right import in the Fiesta Conference. It ended up at ninth spot, just a shade above Barako Bull and failed to make the playoffs.
Meantime, Miller will have to concentrate on being part of the Powerade-Team Pilipinas that will see action in the William Jones Cup that begins on Saturday in Taipei. His role in that ball club will be crucial since two guards -- Ryan Reyes and Jay-Jay Helterbrand -- won’t be seeing action because of respective injuries.
Burger King ships do-it-all forward Santos to San Miguel
MANILA, Philippines � Arwind Santos finally got his wish to play for San Miguel Beer, the winningest team in the history of the Philippine Basketball Association.Burger King team manager and incoming board chairman Lito Alvarez confirmed to GMANews.TV that they have already agreed to send the 6-foot-4 forward to the Beermen after their third-place finish in the ongoing Motolite-PBA Fiesta Conference.
The Beermen are still playing the Ginebra Gin Kings in the best-of-seven championship series.
None among the officials confirmed the trade although a highly-placed source revealed that Santos will be shipped in exchange for three players � 6-foot-9 Samigue Eman, 6-foot-5 burly forward Ken Bono and veteran shooting guard Chris Calaguio.
But Alvarez said they are still negotiating with San Miguel as to who are the players they will be getting in exchange of the former Far Eastern University stalwart, who wound up as bridesmaid for the MVP plum for two consecutive years.
“We’ve agreed to send Arwind to San Miguel right after the battle for third place," said Alvarez. “Right now, pinag-uusapan pa namin kung sino yung kapalit."
Santos has long expressed his interest to play with San Miguel. He played for Viva Mineral Water and Magnolia, San Miguel’s farm team in the Philippine Basketball League and won championships on top of individual accolades.
In search of a PBA title, Santos may finally get his chance to win it this time with the power-packed Beermen, the winnigest team in pro league’s history with 17 championships. He will join a squad that has superstars like Dondon Hontiveros, veterans Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela, slotmen Mick Pennisi and Dorian Pena, guard Mike Cortez, and up and coming superstars like Marc Pingris, Jay Washington, Bonbon Custodio and Jons Villanueva.
The Beermen, who are still battling the Ginebra Gin Kings for the best-of-seven championship series, also have Danny Seigle and Lordy Tugade, who are both on the injured list.
Asked about his thoughts on this new development, Burger King coach Yeng Guiao said he was not aware that Santos’ transfer to San Miguel has already been approved.
“I have no knowledge about this," said Guiao. “Maybe it’s management to management negotiations." - GMANews.TV
Friday, July 10, 2009
Blue Eagles view UAAP Season 72 as ‘new chapter’
MANILA, Philippines – The 72nd season of the UAAP will be a new chapter for defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“We don’t dwell on the past,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black during the press launch of the new season.
The champion coach said that they had a great year last season, but they are prepared to forge ahead and meet new challenges to post a new chapter in the squad’s history.
“It will be a new chapter for us even if I still have the core of my champion team this year,” quipped Black, referring to the likes of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Silverino Baclao Jr., Eric Salamat who played pivotal roles when the Eagles won their third title in the league at the expense of arch-rival De La Salle University.
Because most of Ateneo’s players last year are still with the team, La Salle coach Franz Pumaren believes that the Blue Eagles are still the team to beat this year.
“As coach Norman said, they still have their core, so in my book, they are still the team to beat,” said Pumaren.
Pumaren revealed that they have to let go of players like LA Revilla because of diabetes and James Mangahas due to ACL he acquired during the FilOil tournament finals against FEU last summer.
However, except for five rookies, the bench of De La Salle is all still made up of veteran campaigners, making the Archers one of the early favorites to crowd for the final four.
Count FEU, too, among the early favorites based on their title win in the FilOil pre-season tournament.
Adamson U, University of the East, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines and National U are the other teams which will be vying to post better finishes this year.
We don’t dwell on the past. It will be a new chapter for us even if I still have the core of my champion team this year.
– Norman Black, Ateneo coach
UE will be fielding in a new coach in Lawrence Chongson, who utilized most of the Warriors as players for Cobra in the PBL.
“Hopefully, their experience in the PBL will help them in our campaign here in the UAAP,” said Chongson whose team also went to the United States for their pre-season training.
UST coach Pido Jarencio again downplayed the Growling Tigers’ chances this year, saying that his wards lack the heft and height against their taller opponents.
“Mahina po ang koponan namin,” said Jarencio whose team almost made it to the final four and eventually finished fifth last year.
“Mahina pero dapat ding bantayan at paghandaan,” the Tigers’ mentor said.
The Maroons and the Falcons finished tied for sixth place last year and are hoping to improve their placing this year.
NU is looking at a better-than-expected season as the Bulldogs try to erase their reputation as the league’s doormat.
But while the teams duke it out on the court, the league’s technical officials promised not to let officiating decide matches.
“The working policy is to let the players play,” Commissioner Joe Lipa said.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Freeman comes up big as SMB ties Finals series
San Miguel import Gabe Freeman scored on a putback and made two charities while Brgy. Ginebra counterpart David Noel missed three freethrows as the Beermen escaped with a 106-104 win in Game 4 to even their Best-of-7 Finals series at two games apiece in the 2008-2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.Freeman finished with game-highs of 23 points and 21 rebounds, Dondon Hontiveros chipped in 19, Mike Cortez 18 and Danny Ildefonso 15 as the Beermen avoided a 1-3 deficit and get the series back to even ceiling.
“Not taking anything away from Ginebra because they played really hard and they shot very well. But we're not getting any breaks from the refs,” San Miguel coach Siot Tanquincen said, partly referring to the 28 fouls called against them.
“Konting kanti kami, foul agad ang tawag. Pag nakanti mo kahit balahibo lang nila, nasa foul line na sila,” he said. “Pero it's human nature. We just have to deal with it.”
Jayjay Helterbrand, who earlier in the evening was named the 2008-2009 PBA MVP, topscored for the Kings with 22 points to go with his 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He was not able to finish the game though after suffering a minor injury. Noel also finished with 22 points along with 18 rebounds. Erik Menk continued his good form with 21 points in just 19 minutes while Ronald Tubid and Rafi Reavis added 10 points apiece.
Game 5 will be held on Monday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Scores:
San Miguel 106 - Freeman 23, Hontiveros 19, Cortez 18, Ildefonso 15, Villanueva 9, Washington 9, Pena 7, Pingris 6, Racela 0, Pennisi 0.
Brgy. Ginebra 104 - Helterbrand 22, Noel 22, Menk 21, Tubid 10, Reavis 10, Baguio 9, Salvacion 5, Lanete 2, Mamaril 2, Wilson 1.
Quarters: 24-26, 47-46, 71-73, 106-104.
Most Valuable Player Jayjay Helterbrand: leads PBA 2008-2009 Season Awardees
08 Jul 2009
Here are the 2008-2009 PBA Season Award Winners:
Most Valuable Player
Jayjay Helterbrand
Mythical 5
Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Cardona, Arwind Santos, Jay Washington, Asi Taulava
Mythical Second Team
Willie Miller, Dondon Hontiveros, Gabe Norwood, Kelly Williams, Jay-R Reyes
Rookie of the Year
Gabe Norwood
Most Improved Player
Jonas Villanueva
Defensive Team
Arwind Santos, Billy Mamaril, Asi Taulava, Wynne Arboleda, Ronald Tubid
Sportsmanship Award
Ryan Reyes
Motolite Pangmatagalan Player of the Year
Willie Miller
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