Bryant gets more than a little help from his friends

Source: GMANews.tv from AP

BOSTON —Kobe Bryant stopped his dribble, spun one way to look for a teammate, turned back the other, then just hoisted a tough shot that missed badly.

At that point, who would he have wanted to pass to?

That was early in the fourth quarter, when Bryant was the only Los Angeles Lakers player providing any offense.

But his teammates finally started scoring when Bryant stopped, sending the Lakers to a 91-84 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA finals.

Lamar Odom, who was silent in two games off the bench in Los Angeles, made two baskets in the final quarter, both when the Celtics were within one possession. Derek Fisher had five of his six field goals in the period, and Pau Gasol had one.

“They weren’t going to let me beat them down the stretch," Bryant said. “It was important for everybody to make plays, and our guys made plays. Lamar made a big play, Pau made big shots, Derek obviously made big shots, and that’s what we have to do."

Bryant had only one field goal, but by then he was probably worn out from carrying the Lakers.

With no help in sight, he had four of their six field goals in their dreadful third quarter, with Gasol adding the other two.

Amazingly, the Lakers didn’t have a basket from anyone other than those players from late in the first half until Fisher’s basket with under 9 minutes left.

“You know, we did a lot through Kobe in the third quarter, which really got us in trouble," Fisher said. “In the first half we were much better with our execution, ball movement, and it makes it hard for their defense when we’re moving the ball and we’re moving players."

Fisher finished with 16 points, one of his best efforts of the postseason, and Odom made all five shots and scored 12.

“Just Derek being Derek," Bryant said. “He makes big plays all the time. He never ceases to amaze me."

Odom had only five points in 21 minutes of the opener while battling foul trouble, and Game 2 was even more frustrating. He picked up three quick fouls there and was on the court for only 14 1/2 minutes.

But he got off to a strong start, and was back on the court for the big finish.

“Well, he got going," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. “He had a kiss shot that went in off the backboard. That was kind of a gift from God to him for all that stuff he’s been through in the series."

Last time Bryant was in Boston during the finals, he was helpless as none of his teammates stepped up in the Celtics’ blowout victory in the clinching Game 6 of the 2008 series.
This time, the Lakers were at their best when he wasn’t scoring.

Bryant had only two free throws in a 10-1 run that closed the first quarter, and contributed only one field goal in an 11-3 spurt to start that second that extended the Lakers’ lead to 37-20.

They got a key contribution during the stretch from sporadically used Luke Walton, who entered in the first quarter when Ron Artest was in foul trouble.

“Everybody on this team is prepared to play," Odom said. “Everybody works hard, practices hard together, everybody’s prepared."

Bryant did most of the work over the next two periods, but the Celtics kept closing during that time.

Not to worry for Bryant. By then, help was finally on the way.

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SLR's exit plan? Kelly, Ryan traded to TNT

Source: JVP/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV

Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez entered the press room as a protocol for winning coaches facing sports writers after the game.

He has won the match, his team’s third in its last four games, but came up with an opening statement as if he has lost a big one.

"I can’t imagine my team without my (most valuable player)," said Fernandez.

Yes, indeed, Fernandez lost his prized-player, 2007-2008 MVP Kelly Williams, after the Realtors shipped the versatile forward to Talk 'N Text, ending weeks of trade rumors.

As if that was not enough, the Realtors also lost their former rookie of the year, Ryan Reyes also to the Tropang Texters, completing a nine-player, three-team trade deal considered as the biggest this season.

But Williams and Reyes were two of the only players with greater value, so to speak in a trade that also involved Barako Coffee. The two cagers who played for the PBA-backed national team to the FIBA Asia Championship in separate occasions, will go to the Tropang Texters as a diverting route to the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas developmental squad.

The two players are reportedly set to be loaned to Smart-Gilas, which is also being supported by Manny V. Pangilinan, who also owns the Texters' ballclub in the PBA.

Also involved in the multi-player trade were Ali Peek, Nic Belasco, Pong Escobal, Ogie Menor, Yousif Aljamal, Mark Isip and a future rookie draft pick.

The Realtors were able to secure the rights on Peek, Belasco, Escobal, Menor and Aljamal.

The Energy Coffee Masters tabbed Isip and a future pick.

Sta. Lucia team manager and former PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado told GMANews.TV that it's really hard to let go of two of the Realtors' best players.

"Things are really done for a reason and one of them is because of a higher calling and that is to represent the national team," said Encarnado.

Sta. Lucia’s last hurrah?
But is this the sign that we have seen the last of Sta. Lucia in the PBA?

Encarnado neither confirmed nor deny that the Fiesta Cup would be the last conference in the PBA for the Realtors, who won two titles in nearly two decades of participation in the country’s premier cage league.

"We can't really tell it," said Encarnado when asked if this will be the final conference of the Realtors. "It’s like asking somebody if he still wants to stay alive or wants to die."

"But you cannot question anymore Sta. Lucia's tenure in the PBA. We have stayed longer than some of the teams that participated here. Right now, we'll still continue to show the same passion and willingness to compete," added Encarnado.

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War of words erupts between Lakers coach Jackson, Durant

Source: GmaNews.TV from AP

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.— Phil Jackson doesn’t understand why Kevin Durant was upset with his comments about the Oklahoma City Thunder star getting superstar treatment from the referees.

The Los Angeles Lakers coach’s line about the referees earned him a $35,000 fine from the NBA on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Jackson was asked about Durant, who led the league in free throws, and he said in part, “I think a lot of the referees are treating him like a superstar. He gets to the line easily and often."

In response to Jackson’s comments, Durant told the Oklahoman newspaper in part: “It’s taking away from what I do. That’s a part of my game, getting to the free throw line and being aggressive. If you say that I get superstar calls or I get babied by the refs, that’s just taking away from how I play. That’s disrespectful to me."

On Friday, Jackson said he didn’t see Durant’s response.

“I really don’t know what he was upset about. It really wasn’t that upsetting," the coach said.

“He shot the most free throws in the league, he made the most free throws in the league, he shot the most shots in the league, he made the most shots in the league. I voted for him on the All-Star team, he made the All-Star team, we know he’s a great player, congratulations."

Asked about Durant feeling disrespected, Jackson replied, “Whatever."

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Kings take on Fiesta Cup champion Beermen

Source: GMANews.TV

Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico acknowledged defending PBA Fiesta Cup champion San Miguel Beer as the team to beat.

And on the way to the championship, one has to go through the Beermen themselves.

Uichico and the Kings get the initial crack at it when they battle the talent-laden Beermen in the main game of a Sunday doubleheader at the Araneta Coliseum.

“If you want to be contenders for the championship, you have to be able to compete with San Miguel," said Uichico.

The Beermen (4-1) shot on top of the standings following Coca-Cola’s 91-80 loss to Rain or Shine Friday.

Just half a game behind, the Kings can catch up with the reigning champions on top with a win in their 6:30 p.m. encounter.

Making Sunday’s schedule – which has Air21 battling Sta. Lucia in the curtain raiser – is the special appearance of former league commissioner Rudy Salud and ex-Senator Robert Jaworski Sr., along with some members of the Toyota and U-Text teams that saw action in the inaugural games of Asia’s first ever pro league 35 years ago.

The guesting of Salud and yesteryear’s star players is part of the PBA’s weeklong celebration in commemorating its foundation in April 1975.

San Miguel is currently on a three-game winning roll, although it was pushed to the limit the last time by Alaska in a 95-89 overtime victory.

Ginebra has the luxury of resting for about a week after picking up its second straight win last Saturday, coming back from a 16-point third-quarter deficit to drop Rain or Shine, 100-98, in a game held at Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Prior to that, the Kings dealt the Coca-Cola Tigers their first loss in the tournament, 98-91.

Knowing how dangerous the league’s crowd darling is, San Miguel mentor Siot Tanquingcen is not about to take chances, directing his team to take care even the nitty gritty of things.

“We have to make sure we don’t get outrebounded and give up second chance points," he said. “Likewise, we have to be able to make key stops and not allow them to get the momentum in the game."

Serving as sidelight of the potentially explosive game is the match-up between Ginebra’s Awvee Storey and Gabe Freeman, last year’s Best Import winner when he steered the Beermen to the title opposite the Kings.

Storey exploded for 40 points and pulled down 25 rebounds in the Kings’ victory over the Elasto Painters.

Meanwhile, the Realtors and Express each try to snap their three-game losing streaks in their 4 p.m. duel.

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Francisco stops foe in fifth round

Source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Drian Francisco of the Philippines last night demolished a Panamanian who only looked good on paper, winning their WBA superflyweight eliminator at the Ynares Sports Center and lining himself up for a shot at the world title.

The 27-year-old Francisco, now undefeated in 20 fights, with one no-contest, sent Ricardo Nuñez to the floor twice midway in the opening round, and on the second knockdown he celebrated like the fight was already over.

Francisco stepped on the ropes of a neutral corner as referee Bruce McTavish made the count. But Nuñez, who didn’t looked like the fighter ranked No. 1 by the WBC and No. 2 by the WBA, managed to get up on his feet.

The fight lasted longer than was expected after the two knockdowns, but it was clear that Francisco was to run away with the victory. Nuñez, 118-2 as an amateur and now 18-2 as a pro, looked like a bum pretending to be a boxer.

The end came in the 2:52 mark of the fifth round, with Nuñez down on the floor like he was never going to get up.

Now, Francisco will have to wait for the winner of the May 8 fight between WBA superflyweight champion Nonuo Nashira and Hugo Cazares in Osaka. Whoever wins that fight will have to defend the title against Francisco.

“I wanted to finish the fight soon because the opportunity was there. It was my opportunity,” said Francisco.

In the main supporting bout, Niño Magboo retained the WBO Asia-Pacific superbantamweight title with a unanimous decision over the stubborn Rey Las Piñas of General Santos City.

Magboo threw the better punches early in the fight and had Las Piñas in trouble in the third when the native of General Santos City took a blow to the head and looked off-balance when his gloves touched the canvas. It was ruled a knockdown.

Al Sabaupan of the Philippines made short work of Heri Andriyanto of Indonesia who was stopped with less than a minute left in the second round, and the native of Batangas walked off the ring wearing the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight belt.

Sabaupan, who wears his hair and goatee like boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, used a short left uppercut to finish off his opponent, quite lucky to last two rounds, considering that he has lost five of his last six fights before climbing the ring.

Sabaupan improved to 12-0 with eight knockouts.

Lloyd Francisco, the brother of Drian Francisco, got a big scare in the ninth round but went on to beat Leonardo Doronio in their super-bantamweight contest.

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Back to square one in Gilas hunt

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas’ search for a naturalized import continues as team manager Frankie Lim said yesterday the latest candidate Jared Homan of Iowa State has declined a contract offer with 7-foot Michael Fey of UCLA the new target in the effort to find a dominant center for the national basketball
squad.

Since the departure of C. J. Giles and Jamal Sampson, Gilas coach Rajko Toroman hasn’t found a replacement to play the center position as a naturalized import. He recently took the team to play in Australia and Serbia without an import. Gilas is scheduled to play another series of games in Las Vegas and Vancouver late this month in preparation for the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Doha on May 22-30.

Lim said Homan was close to signing until an offer came from Bulgaria
for a similar role. Lim was previously in talks with Dwayne Jones, Brian Butch and Earl Barron all of whom backed out of the negotiations to play in the NBA.

“Homan asked if he could play in the PBA as a local and I told him it wasn’t possible because of the PBA rules,” he said. “I spoke with his agent Andrew Vie who was very frank in our negotiations. We were close to bringing Homan over until Bulgaria came in. Bulgaria offered Homan a slot in their national team as a naturalized import with the added incentive of being able to play in the Euroleague as a local, meaning he could earn more without being listed as a foreigner.”

Lim said he explained to Vie that playing in the PBA as a local wouldn’t pay as much as playing as an import because of the salary cap. Besides, the PBA will not allow a naturalized citizen to play as a local. In Bulgaria, a naturalized import is able to earn as much or even more as a foreigner because of his eligibility to play in the Euroleague.

Lim said his list of candidates is down to about four but the problem is he hasn’t scouted any of the remaining options. Fey, 26, is at the top of the list and Lim said he will try to fly him in for a tryout with Toroman. Fey played four years at UCLA and as a junior in 2004-05, averaged 8.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 23 minutes in 29 games, including 27 starts. That season, he shot .546 from the field and .697 from the line. His collegiate career high was 23 points.

As a UCLA senior in 2005-06, Fey missed 21 games because of injuries, including a groin strain, a sprained left shoulder and a severe right ankle sprain. He managed to play in 18 contests, starting two and averaged only 1.7 points. UCLA lost to Florida in the NCAA finals that year. Two of Fey’s varsity teammates are now in the NBA – the Los Angeles Lakers’ Jordan Farmar and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Luc Mbah a Moute.

Lim said it will be difficult for Gilas to be competitive at the Asian level with Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Aldrech Ramos, Rabeh Al Hussaini or Jason Ballesteros playing the slot.

“Greg has improved dramatically but he’s not at the level where he can compete against the big centers of Asia,” said Lim, referring to the likes of Lebanon’s Jackson Vroman, China’s Yao Ming and Iran’s Hamed Haddadi. “Our goal is to qualify for the semifinals in the Asian Games this November but we’ll need a center to help us.”

Lim ruled out recruiting Toroman’s 6-8 son-in-law Mladen Sakulavac, the Dallas Mavericks’ second round pick in the 2002 NBA draft. Sakulavac, 29, has played for the Yugoslavian national junior team and is a fixture in the Serbian league.

Last year, Sakulavac visited Manila and impressed Toroman’s local coaching staff with his deadly accuracy from the floor. SBP executive director Noli Eala described him as a Peja Stojakovic play-alike. But Sakulavac’s history of having played for Yugoslavia will not allow him to play for another national team under FIBA rules.

Toroman confirmed yesterday that because Sakulavac had played for Yugoslavia, he will not be eligible to play for another country in FIBA competitions.

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Aces get back at Llamados

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Swept by Purefoods (now called B-MEG Derby Ace) in four games in the Philippine Cup finals, Alaska Milk got some measure of revenge, beating the Llamados, 83-81, in their first meeting in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro last night.

They were swept away in the all-Filipino finale yet they won their first confrontation in the reinforced tourney handicapped by the early ouster on fouls by import Diamon Simpson.

Willie Miller made the deciding basket on a drive off three defenders in the closing seconds as the Aces notched their second straight win following a 0-2 start in the season-ending tourney.

Miller redeemed himself after becoming the goat in their overtime loss to San Miguel Beer last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Reynel Hugnatan and Tony dela Cruz also sank clutch baskets helping the Aces win the third leg of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra clash at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Araneta Coliseum at the conclusion of the weeklong anniversary celebration of the league.

Former PBA commissioner Rudy Salud will grace the affair along with members of the Toyota and U-Tex teams which battled it out in the main game of the league’s inaugural bill on April 9, 1975 also at the Big Dome.

A trendy Suzuki motorcycle from Norkis, one Extreme Magic Sing, 10 short-term scholarship plans from Informatics and Molten basketballs will be raffled off while the Bingo Bola ng PBA offers P35,000 on the first draw, P10,000 on the second draw and P5,000 on the third draw.

Singers Luke Mijares and Paolo Santos will perform at the break.

The Llamados suffered a second straight defeat after nine consecutive victories in the season as they squandered a 10-point lead at the start of the final quarter, held down to two points in the last two minutes of the contest.

Still, they had a chance to win the game but Wade muffed a jumper with the count tied at 81-all with time down to 4.5 seconds.

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Derby Ace opens bid for 2nd jewel vs SLR

Source: (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Cup champion Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, now known as Derby Ace, begins its chase for the second jewel of a possible double championship as it plays Sta. Lucia Realty today in the PBA FIesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Alaska Milk, the all-Filipino runner-up, also starts its campaign in the reinforced tourney against Talk n Text in the day’s other game.

The Llamados are raring to get back into action and begin their grandslam quest after capturing the Philippine Cup crown via a four-game sweep of the Aces.

But they will be without Kerby Raymundo, who is still rehabilitating his injured right leg although the Llamados remain upbeat and in high spirits with import Lorrenzo Wade.

“We are excited to play our first game after coming off much needed break,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio, himself hopeful of a double championship.

“Defense will still make the difference for us. In our 33 games last conference, we limited our opponents to a measly 84.7 ppg average. The pride on ‘D’ will be constant,” the youthful Derby Ace mentor said.

“We are determined to figure prominently and hopefully go all the way again with defense as our ticket,” he added.

On Wade, Gregorio believes they’ve got an import who can hold his own against the best in the fold.

“Wade has displayed tremendous athleticism and has a wide array of offensive arsenal. His offense is complete. However, the challenge for him is to play defense the way we play – aggressive, no let-up and no mercy until we secure the ball,” said Gregorio.

Marc Pingris, Rafi Reavis and Don Allado must also step up while Raymundo is out after sustaining the injury towards the end of the first conference.

They will have to contend with Anthony Johnson, Kelly Williams, Marlou Aquino and Gabby Espinas in tonight’s game.

In the first game, Alaska meets Talk n Text in a duel of teams which figured in the Fiesta Conference finale two years ago.

Falling short in their title bid in the Philippine Cup, the Aces hope to go all the way to the top this time with the help of import Diamon Simpson.

Coach Tim Cone himself has high hopes especially with a frontline beefed up by 6-foot-8 center Samigue Eman.

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Sims good for Smart Gilas?

Source: By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - With top naturalization prospect Dwayne Jones and Brian Butch out of the picture, Smart Gilas Pilipinas is now setting its sights on Courtney Sims as the team’s reinforcement in its quest for an Olympic berth.

Sims, a former D-League MVP who happens to be Smart Gilas’ Serbian coach Rajko Toroman’s original choice for naturalization, is reportedly now available after being released from Capitanes de Arecibo of the Puerto Rican League.

“We’re exploring every possibility and exercising all our options,” said Smart Gilas manager Frankie Lim.

Meanwhile, Smart Gilas lost to Serbian League’s No. 1 team Partizan, 71-87, and fell to 1-4 (win-loss) card in their Serbian Tour.

The Serbians opted to play with just five members of their first team with rest coming from their second squad. But the hosts still dominated the smaller but gritty Filipinos, who put up a gallant stand before losing steam in the final five minutes.

“They were scoring from inside and outside. We had problems executing offensively and lost in the rebounding battle, 20-42. We shot poorly from outside and couldn’t convert our fast break attempts,” said Smart Gilas captain Chris Tiu.

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Hot Tigers roar to 3rd win in row

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola kept its mastery of Air21 and preserved a clean slate in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference, pulling off a 100-96 decision over the Express in their Holy Wednesday showdown at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

James Penny and Gary David sizzled with 29 and 21 points, respectively, while the rest of the Tigers limited Keena Young to 14 points and forced the Express to season-high 32 turnovers.

The Tigers pounced on those Air21 miscues as they remained unscathed, carrying a perfect 3-0 win-loss record as the league takes a short Holy Week break.

Coach Bo Perasol and his troops go for win No. 4 versus the Barangay Ginebra Kings at the resumption of play at the Big Dome on Easter Sunday. Barako Coffee and Rain or Shine collide in the other game.

“I’m pleasantly surprised with our 3-0 start. To be honest, I didn’t expect that. I would be happy with 2-1,” said Perasol.

“Three-zero is a good start and hopefully we can sustain it. It’s a good run capped by this character-building game. As expected, we faced a tough fight against Air21,” Perasol said.

The Express dominated the boards but made numerous turnovers and reeled to their second loss against a win.

Seven Air21 players, including their import, committed at least three errors each as the Express suffered yet another beating at the hands of the Tigers – their tormentors in the Philippine Cup wildcard round.

The Tigers limited themselves to only 18 errors and ended up beating the Express, 20-13, on turnovers points.

Penny had another steady performance, leading all scorers with 29 points on 13-of-22 field-goal shooting.

The former Texas Christian U stalwart also grabbed crucial rebounds and made a follow-up shot and a charity at endgame to help the Tigers clinch the victory.

In a close game marked by four deadlocks and 10 lead changes, the Express had their last taste of the lead at 91-87 with 3:54 left to play.

The Tigers surged ahead at 94-91 as Asi Taulava scored on a short stab, Norman Gonzales rifled in a trey then David buried two free throws on a 7-0 Coke roll.

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Ailing Nash hands Suns playoff slot

Source: (The Philippine Star) from Associated Press

CHICAGO – Steve Nash scored seven of his 22 points in the final two minutes as the Phoenix Suns beat the Chicago Bulls, 111-105, to clinch a National Basketball Association playoff berth on Tuesday.

Jason Richardson scored 27 points and Channing Frye nailed a key three-pointer with 41.6 seconds to go for the Suns who won their eighth consecutive game.

Nash also had 10 assists and Amare Stoudemire added 21 points for the winners.

Nash played despite suffering from a cold and a nagging sore back.

“If I’m honest, I was taking so many meds for my back and cold that I actually felt a little loopy for most of the game,” Nash said. “It helped my back but I was a little dizzy out there. At the end of the game I just tried to hang in there. We had a chance to win and I was fortunate to make some plays when it counted.”

Flip Murray and Derrick Rose had 23 points each for Chicago who are 1 1/2 games behind Toronto for the eighth playoff spot in East.

Canada’s Nash made a nifty pass to Grant Hill for a dunk with 23 seconds left to restore the Suns’ lead to three.

After Rose missed a three-pointer, Nash hit a pair of free throws with 13 seconds left.

Stoudemire dunked over James Johnson, was fouled and converted the three-point play to underscore a 10-0 first-quarter run by the Suns that opened up a 12-point lead.

The Suns’ lead didn’t last as Jannero Pargo hit a pair of three-pointers and Murray added one more in a 13-2 Chicago run that tied the game early in the second quarter.

Chicago held the lead for most of the third quarter and went to the fourth holding an 84-81 lead.

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Gilas gains confidence for Asiad

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - With more international exposure in the works and a naturalization candidate close to coming to terms, the Smart-Gilas national basketball team is shaping up to be the darkhorse at the Asian Games in Guangzhou this November.

Gilas is now in Serbia to play six exhibition games in 10 days. The first outing saw Gilas lose an 86-76 decision to Metallac Vallevo in Belgrade the other day. Metallac’s size and three-point shooting made the difference in the game where a Serbian referee walked out in the first quarter after being kicked by a Vallevo player.

Coach Rajko Toroman recently took the squad to Australia where the nationals, playing without a naturalization candidate, went unbeaten, winning five and drawing one. Gilas beat the Australian under-19 team, 78-67, Australian Institute of Sports (AIS), 79-73, Canberra Gunners, 79-73, New South Wales Institute of Sports, 82-63, and the Sydney Comets, 93-81. The draw was with AIS, 73-all, in a rematch.


“The team is looking better by the day,” said SBP executive director Noli Eala. “The nice thing is that our big men are beginning to gain confidence due to good exposure.”

Eala referred particularly to 7-foot Greg Slaughter and 6-9 Japeth Aguilar who produced impressive numbers during the Australian series. Slaughter hit 16 points in the win over AIS and 13 in the rematch. He had nine points, five rebounds and two blocked shots against Canberra, a Southeastern Australian Basketball League club. Aguilar compiled 29 points, 10 rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals in the 12-point victory over Sydney.

A former LeBron James teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers will likely reinforce Gilas as national team manager Frankie Lim said yesterday the probability is 6-11, 251-pound Dwayne Jones of St. Joseph’s University will sign up.

“I’m close to signing Jones,” said Lim. “I’m just waiting for them to return the contract to me and that would be in a couple of days.”

Eala confirmed that a contract has been sent for Jones’ signature by Lim and “we’re waiting for an agreement.”

Gilas’ original naturalization candidate C. J. Giles was released by Sporting Al Riyadi of Beirut due to “bad disciplinary issues” last week. Giles was also cut by Gilas because of attitude problems, prompting Eala to describe the perfect “import” as a player who can defend the post, rebound and score but most importantly, is reliable and willing to play within Toroman’s system.

Toroman went to Las Vegas last month to check out naturalization candidates and listed six possibilities, including Jones. Lim even flew in two candidates, 6-10 Darian Townes of Arkansas and 6-10 Jameel Watkins of Georgetown, for tryouts but neither was impressive.

Gilas is booked for a nine-day training trip to Las Vegas next month when Marshall University crack guard Chris Lutz, a Fil-Am, will check in for duty after graduation. Then the team will play two games in five days in Vancouver before returning home. In May, Gilas is scheduled to play at the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Qatar. The national squad is also competing in the Stankovic Cup in Beirut and the Jones Cup in Taipei to prepare for the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November. The ultimate goal is to clinch a ticket to the 2012 London Olympics via a championship finish at the FIBA-Asia Championships in Beirut the year before.

If there’s anyone who can shore up Gilas’ middle, it’s Jones. In 2004, he teamed with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West to lead St. Joseph’s, a Jesuit school in Philadelphia and Norman Black’s alma mater, to a 30-2 record and an NCAA Elite Eight spot. Jones, 26, earned a degree in sociology at St. Joseph’s where as a senior in 2004-05, he averaged 10.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots.

In the NBA, Jones suited up for Boston, Cleveland and Charlotte. This season, he was almost called up by the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards. Jones is now averaging 17.4 points and a league-high 15.6 rebounds for the Austin Toros in the NBA D-League. He is No. 1 in double-doubles with 32.

Jones’ connection with the Philippines is through Toros general manager Dell Demps, a former PBA import who is also the San Antonio Spurs director of player personnel. Demps reportedly maintains a condo unit in Manila and keeps close ties with Filipino coaches.

Jones played as an import in Turkey and Serbia so he’s no stranger to FIBA rules.

Last Saturday, Jones collected 14 points and 14 rebounds in a 48-minute, no-relief job as the Toros downed the Bakersfield Jam, 122-110. The next day, he erupted for 27 points, shot 11-of-17 free throws and grabbed 12 rebounds in 42 minutes in the Toros’ 111-92 win over the Jam in a rematch.

A scouting report on Jones said that his “bread and butter remains his outstanding rebounding ability.” The report added, “Averaging an outstanding 15.6 rebounds (in the D-League), Jones does a lot of the things that NBA teams want from a short-term player: he pulls down an exceptional 5.9 offensive rebounds per game, he provides a defensive presence with his terrific strength, length and bulk, and he can bring energy off the bench...one of the most consistent players we’ve observed, Jones is a steady veteran who remains on the cusp of the NBA.”

With his NBA options drying up, Jones seems ready to make the jump to Gilas.

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Coke to fan sizzling start vs Air21

Source: (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola sets out for win No. 3 against Air21 even as San Miguel Beer and Talk n Text, the two champion teams last season, figure in an interesting duel in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Coke and Air21 square up at 5 p.m. with the Tigers gunning for a third straight victory following a 97-74 rout of the Barako Energy Coffee Masters last Wednesday and a 108-98 win over the reigning champion Beermen in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental last Saturday.

The Beermen, meanwhile, try to bounce back from that embarrassing defeat as they collide with the Texters in the 7:30 p.m. main game.

Talk n Text is coming off a 99-96 decision over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Friday.

“We need to sustain our energy and our balanced attack specially against a team like Air21. It is also important that we have to run with them,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol whose team is off to its best start in a tourney in the last two seasons behind talented import James Penny.

Coke and Air21 had their last meeting in the recent Philippine Cup wildcard phase where the seventh-seeded Tigers topped the eighth-ranked Express, 118-112, behind Gary David’s auspicious debut with his new team.

David then tossed in 21 points on 8-of-18 field-goal shooting and added four rebounds and three assists a few days after his transfer from Air21 to Coca-Cola.

The former Lyceum Pirate has also dished out a pair of steady games against Barako and San Miguel to earn the Best Player of the Week honors.

Focus, however, will be on the second game pitting the fancied teams, which came up short in their respective bids in the recent Philippine Cup.

Like the Express, the Beermen and the Tropang Texters are going for a second win in three starts.

Gabe Freeman, the Best Import in the 2009 Fiesta Conference, is out to make up for his early exit in their Saturday’s game versus Coke due to cramps.

“Gabe looks okay. We made some adjustments during the break. I’m sure Talk n Text is also making adjustments. The key in our game would be who is able to get good chemistry this early,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“Talk n Text hasn’t beaten San Miguel in the reinforced conference since coach Joel Banal’s time. We have to change that,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

Meanwhile, the PBA has released the complete schedule for the opening round of the Fiesta Conference elimination round.

All-Filipino champion Purefoods (now known as Derby Ace) and runner-up Alaska Milk play Sta. Lucia and Talk n Text, respectively, to start their Fiesta Conference campaign on Wednesday at the Astrodome.

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Unbeaten Drian, Nunez face off

Source: (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Rising Filipino pug Drian Francisco tries to move closer to a possible shot at a first ever world crown as he takes on Ricardo Nunez of Panama on April 17 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Set over 12 rounds, the super-flyweight fight serves as a World Boxing Association (WBA) title eliminator match.

Nobuo Nashiro of Japan is the current WBA champion in the 115 lb. division.

Dubbed “Young Guns”, the boxing card, presented by Solar TV and Solar Sports, is the third installment of the popular series “Boxing at the Bay”, featuring the best and the upcoming fighters from around the world.

Francisco, 27, is undefeated in 18 pro fights, including 14 KOs. He is coming off a 10th round technical knockout of former world champion Robert Vazquez, also of Panama last October during the initial presentation of the “Boxing at the Bay” (First Strike) series at the Astrodome.

The Filipino is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA.

Equally impressive is the 22-year old Nunez, rated by the WBA at No. 2. A native of La Chorrera, Panama, Nunez sports a 17-1 record with 15 stoppages.

His only loss came against compatriot William De Sousa in 2008 following a first round technical knockout.

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Oscar looks for way out of Manny lawsuit

Source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Oscar dela Hoya is trying to wiggle out of the lawsuit filed by Manny Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Philboxing.com yesterday reported that New York-based lawyer Judd Burstein, who helped Pacquiao in his case against his ex-promoter, Murad Muhammad, in 2005, will make sure the Golden Boy does.

Burstein is seeking relief from Dela Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions, and Richard Schaefer, the CEO. But it doesn’t mean that Burstein is also working for the dismissal of the case against Mayweather.

Pacquiao was accused by the Mayweathers, the boxer, his father and uncle, of using illegal performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), and the undefeated American called for a random blood-testing before he could agree to fight the Filipino icon.

But Pacquiao answered the accusations with a lawsuit that was filed by his lawyer, Dan Petrocelli, in Nevada last December, right after negotiations for the super-fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather officially broke down.

The reigning pound-for-pound champion filed charges of defamation against the Mayweathers, and included Dela Hoya and Schaefer in the lawsuit that may result to damages in excess of $5 million.

Burstein, according to the report, will try to get Dela Hoya and Schaefer out of the lawsuit, and that the statements made by the Golden Boy big bosses regarding Pacquiao’s alleged PEDs were just “opinions.”

And that they were “reasonable questions based on the facts that lead to suspicion that Pacquiao is using illegal PEDs.”

Burstein could be the man who can wiggle the Golden Boy out of the lawsuit. And he’s not new to boxing, having made previous representations for Don King, Lennox Lewis and Pacquiao, and non-boxing figures like Donald Trump and The Backstreet Boys.

The bitter dispute regarding the blood-testing prevented the super-fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather from happening. And unless they agree somewhere, the fight will never happen at all.

Pacquiao’s chief trainer, Freddie Roach, however, said the other day the fight may push through if Mayweather drops his demand for the blood-testing and Pacquiao drops the lawsuit.

But Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, shot it down, saying it’s not going to happen.

Koncz spoke to The STAR the other day, and said the only way the lawsuit would go away is if Pacquiao is “compensated monetarily or the Mayweathers are punished by the court and asked to pay millions or if there’s an off-the-court settlement.”

“I’m sure Manny won’t change his position because we’re not spending thousands and thousands of dollars for the lawsuit just to use it as a bargaining chip for a fight. No way,” added Koncz.

“It was never our intention to file the lawsuit and use it later on as a bargaining chip for a fight,” he added.

“That’s ridiculous,” Koncz said.

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Pacman: No tradeoff

Source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao will never use the lawsuit, which he filed against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and company as a bargaining chip for his highly-anticipated super-fight with the undefeated American.

“That was never the intention,” said Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, yesterday after reports came out that the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight could take place if both sides reach a compromise.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, was quoted the other day as saying the fight could happen if Mayweather drops his demand for random blood-testing, and Pacquiao drops the lawsuit.

The Filipino champion has beaten anybody thrown at him, at any weight over the last five years, prompting Mayweather to accuse Pacquiao as taking illegal performance enhancers.

Pacquiao hurled Mayweather to court, saying the accusations have damaged his reputation, and included Floyd Sr., the uncle, Roger, and his promoters from Golden Boy in the lawsuit.

But Pacquiao, said Koncz, has no plans of dropping the case just to get the fight on. Besides, Pacquiao said he’s ready to retire, and not unless he gets what he wants he may never ever fight Mayweather.

“It’s Floyd who needs me. I can retire now if I want to,” said Pacquiao.

“Why do we need to use the lawsuit as a bargaining chip? That’s ridiculous,” Koncz told The STAR from General Santos City where Pacquiao is busy campaigning for the May 10 elections.

“Manny’s reputation has been tarnished. And we just talked to our lawyers in Los Angeles the day before yesterday. It’s full steam ahead as far as the lawsuit is concerned,” said the Canadian adviser.

Koncz stressed that the only way the lawsuit would go away is if Pacquiao is “compensated monetarily or the Mayweathers are punished by the court and asked to pay millions or if there’s an off-the-court settlement.”

Koncz said not even a public apology from the Mayweathers and their promoters can clear the air.

“Manny has said time and again that the fight is going to happen only if Floyd Mayweather lets the commission do what it’s supposed to do,” said Koncz, referring to the old drug-testing procedure.

Pacquiao said it’s always been the commission that has done the testing, through urine tests and blood tests before and after the fight, but not too close to the fight, and it should be the same way.

The Filipino pound-for-pound champion said Mayweather’s demand for random blood testing, which could happen the day before or even closer to the fight, was the American’s only way out of the fight.

“I’m sure Manny won’t change his position because we’re not spending thousands and thousands of dollars for the lawsuit just to use it as a bargaining chip for a fight. No way,” added Koncz.

“It was never our intention to file the lawsuit and use it later on as a bargaining chip for a fight,” he added.

A Pacquiao vs Mayweather could generate revenues of more than $100 million and the fighters could earn $40 million to $50 million each on their purse, pay-per-view sales, television rights, merchandise and ticket sales.

However, many believe that Mayweather was not yet ready to face Pacquiao after a retirement that lasted almost two years. So, he fought Juan Manuel Marquez instead, and will climb the ring against Shane Mosley in May.

“The damage to his reputation and lost business opportunities could be in the tens of millions of dollars,” Pacquiao’s American lawyer, Dan Petrocelli, said in a previous interview.

Pacquiao filed the suit in a U.S. District Court in Nevada against the Mayweathers and Golden Boy Promotions executives Oscar De La Hoya and Richard Schaefer, alleging that they made false and defamatory statements accusing him of taking performance-enhancing drugs.

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Stags spirit lives on in proud 25ers

Source: By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof coach Ato Agustin said the same formula that won for San Sebastian College the 2009 NCAA championship also made the difference as the 25ers topped the Pharex B-Complex Maroons to claim the 2010 PBL PG Flex Erase Placenta Cup crown at The Arena in San Juan Saturday.

“Hard work, toughness and aggressiveness were traits we developed in our team to win the NCAA. I’m happy they also worked in our PBL campaign,” said Agustin.

“We know the PBL is a far different league than the NCAA. But we’re convinced it’s better to stick to our philosophy. We played hard, tough and didn’t give up,” Agustin added.

The 25ers, composed mostly of SSC Stags in the NCAA, beat the top-seeded Maroons two games in a row to complete their Cinderella ride in the tourney.

Excelroof whipped Pharex, 97-87, in overtime in Game One then repeated with a 97-92 win in Game Two to become the first team in a long, long while to emerge as champion in its first tourney in the PBL.

For one, the victory proved Agustin’s own Cinderella tale in the NCAA was no fluke.

“This championship meant a lot to me and I’m thankful to the people who helped us get there,” said Agustin citing the support of team owner Edwin Chua and manager Oliver Gianan.

Agustin mentioned Gianan’s “BEST” motivation and encouragement as the driving force in the 25ers quest for the crown.

“BEST stands for believe in oneself, encourage, share and trust,” said Gianan.

In Saturday’s game, the 25ers fell behind by 10 points several times but they just wouldn’t quit.

With his second unit rising to the occasion, the team methodically cut Pharex’s lead to just two points.

Needing one big salvo to finally turn things around, Agustin fielded back his starters Calvin Abueva, Ramboy Raymundo, Ian Sangalang and Jimbo Aquino in the last six minutes. And they turned things around for Excelroof.

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Boxing next for retired PBL chief

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from retiring after a 10-year tenure as PBL commissioner, Chino Trinidad said yesterday while focused on a career as a broadcaster with the GMA network, he plans to be involved in boxing.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be dissociated from sports,” said the 42-year-old Trinidad. “As a broadcaster, my dream is to develop into a Mike Enriquez, a well-rounded commentator widely respected for his competence, work ethic, courage and energy. But while I hope to prove myself in fields outside of sports, I know what is closest to my heart. I realize somehow, I will continue to be in sports – boxing, in particular. And I’ve found in over six years of covering Manny Pacquiao’s fights in the US, a challenge to discover more Filipino world champions. I’ve seen how boxing has brought honor and glory to our country, how it has provided a way out of poverty for our fighters.”

Trinidad said his eyes were opened during his last close-up coverage of Pacquiao training for Joshua Clottey. “I spent 45 straight days in the US,” he went on. “I learned the ins and outs of boxing. With my exposure, I think I can play the role of a facilitator who can connect Filipino prospects with international trainers and promoters.”

Trinidad said his idea is to hold boxoffs in six weight divisions – lightflyweight, flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, superfeatherweight and lightweight.

“We’ll hold tryouts in major boxing centers around the country and choose 10 fighters for every division then we’ll trim the list to four and finally, to one each,” said Trinidad. “With the support of the GMA network, I’m confident we can get this done. The reward is to give our fighters the chance to reach the top. The challenge is for the fighters to be like Manny, work like Manny and fight like Manny. Once we identify the six fighters, we’ll bring them to the US and contract a trainer willing to spend time with them.”

Former two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa has agreed to join Trinidad in the project. “Our role won’t be to manage or promote any fighter,” said Trinidad. “We’ll just facilitate. I’m hoping that in the course of the careers of our six chosen fighters, the GMA network will follow their progress and document their climb to the top.”

Trinidad said working in the PBL was an experience he will always cherish.

“I’ve retired without leaving any baggage, with my reputation intact,” said Trinidad. “Because of my work with the GMA network, I felt it wasn’t right to hold on to my position in the PBL. I’m not the type to short-change anybody. After 10 years with the PBL, I thought it was time to move on.”

Trinidad said his tenure in the PBL was marked by several successes but qualified that he’s not claiming credit. “It wasn’t me but everyone cooperating to sustain the league,” said Trinidad. “I’m grateful to the owners of past and present teams for their trust and confidence. It was an honor for me to work with leaders of industry like Mr. Ramon Ang, Mr. Manny Pangilinan, Mr. Cecilio Pedro, Mr. Dioceldo Sy, Mr. Rey Oben, Mr. Terry Que, Mr. Raymund Yu, Mr. Mikee Romero and many, many more. Through the years, we’ve seen PBL teams become PBA teams and PBL players become PBA players. It’s a feeling of satisfaction that you get when you trace how far PBL players have gone in their careers, especially undrafted PBA players like Chad Alonzo, Dennis Daa, Chico Lanete, Josh Urbiztondo, Christian Coronel and Jerwin Gaco.”

Trinidad said when the PBL was formed in 1983, the intention was to provide a platform for amateur players to hone their skills and prepare them for the PBA. “Our objective was to develop amateur basketball,” he continued. “We never wanted to compete with the PBA. So when the GAB tried to call us a professional league in the 1990s, we objected. We eventually resolved the identity crisis and established the PBL’s amateur status as the GAB backed off.”

Trinidad said even as he has retired, his door will always be open to the PBL.

“Whenever I’m needed, I’m just a phone call away,” said Trinidad. “One of the things I recently worked on is for the PBL to go international. In Los Angeles, I got in touch with Gene Quicho who runs the 3G Basketball League in Baldwin Park. Gene’s network covers over 100 teams all over the US. The plan is to bring in an L. A. team as an honorary PBL member and send a PBL team to play in Gene’s league. This international connection is something the new commissioner may want to explore.”

Trinidad said during his PBL watch, he owed whatever was achieved to those who worked hand-in-hand with him – Beth Halili, Jun Espiritu, Agri Lomugdang, Butch Maniego, Tommy Ong, Joey Lim, Belle Marasigan, Joey Guanio, Levi Valenzuela and Jigs Mendoza.

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Vintage Paeng tops MBA Open Masters

Source: (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Six-time world champion Paeng Nepomuceno may have aged, but he’s still as sharp and deadly as before when he was the most dominant force in the local bowling world.

The 53-year-old lefty and only four-time winner of the prestigious World Cup proved this last Sunday by beating his younger rivals to bag the MBA Open Masters bowling championship at Paeng’s Midtown Bowl at Robinson’s Place Manila.

“It feels so good to be a champion again. What makes it more meaningful is it’s my 120th career victory,” the 6-foot-one Nepomuceno of Nutrilite/Amway said after holding off AMBA-FCO’s Ramil Cisneros, 247 to 221, in the finals.

Nepomuceno ruled the 10-game eliminations with 2430 pinfalls for a 243 average, while Cisneros came in second at 2411.

Charles Tee, Nikko Go and Jeff Carabeo finished third, fourth and fifth with 2408, 2369 and 2366, respectively.

Carabeo won the first shootout match with 257 against Tee’s 236 and Go’s 217. But Cisneros earned a shot at Nepomuceno by whipping Carabeo, 249-217, in the second match.

Cisneros topped Nepomuceno in the first match, 240-207, but the veteran lefty regained his big touch in the extra game to frustrate his foe.

Nepomuceno, who recently competed in his 17th World Cup international finals in Melaka, Malaysia and came back only two weeks ago from Arlington, Texas where his life sized picture was placed at the entrance of the new Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum entrance, was untouchable in the elimination round.

He opened with a 259 and followed this with 211, 212, 267, 279, 225, 257, 226, 237 and 257.

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Gallant Julaton yields to aging Canadian champ

Source: By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Filipina Ana Julaton, bleeding heavily from both eyes, fought a gallant fight yesterday but fell way too short against the more experienced Lisa Brown of Canada, and lost her bid for a third world title at the Casa Roma in Ontario.

Julaton, a kungfu and taekwondo blackbelter, gave everything she had and gamely fought despite two nasty cuts around her eyes, allowing the 39-year-old Brown to post a unanimous decision and win the vacant WBA super bantamweight crown.

The three judges scored it 99-92, 99-91 and 100-90 all in favor of Brown, a three-time world champion who is 10 years older than Julaton.

Julaton failed to exploit her three-inch height advantage, and Brown found her defense too easy to penetrate. But the Filipina, her white tank top almost red at the end of the fight, had nothing to be ashamed of.

Like a true sportsman, Julaton clapped her hands when the ring announcer declared Brown the winner. They hugged and whispered closely to each other’s ears, and Brown was in tears as she held on to the belt.

Brown, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago but grew up in Canada, improved her ring record to 17 wins, four defeats and three draws, while Julaton, the former WBO and IBF champion, fell to 6-2-1.

Julaton’s father, Cesar, was among those who watched the fight live at the GMA-7 headquarters in Quezon City. He said he was proud of her daughter’s performance, considering that she fought Brown on her own turf.

“I’m disappointed with the outcome but I’m very proud of her,” said the elder Julaton, whose family migrated to the US in 1959.

“We didn’t get the result that we wanted. But with her determination, I’m still proud of her,” said the father as he fought back his tears.

In the eyes of the judges, Julaton won the opening round, but that proved to be her one and only round. By the second onwards, Brown landed the clearer punches, connecting mostly with her left straights and uppercuts.

A couple of accidental headbutts opened up the cuts on Julaton’s eyes. The cuts needed 20 stitches to close, and Julaton’s eyes started to swell after the fight, according to a GMA-7 report.

In the latter rounds, her chief trainer, Nonito Donaire Sr., asked Julaton if she wanted to continue, and the 29-year-old Filipina, all bloodied, said she didn’t want to quit, wanting to finish the fight.

“She was matched up with a veteran but she (Julaton) showed a lot of determination and courage to continue fighting. She could be better,” said her father.

It’s not the end of the road though for Julaton, whose disarming smile won the hearts of some of the Canadian fans that watched the event dubbed “Rumble at RAMA XI”.

“She’s still young but she can still improve,” said the elder Julaton.

But first, Julaton, a black-belter in taekwondo and kung fu, must polish her inside game.

“She has to work on the inside game and (protect herself) against head butts,” he added.

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Fight on if Pacman, Floyd meet halfway

Source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach sees the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. super-fight happening only if both fighters agree to bury the hatchet and let their punches do the talking.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a tradeoff between Manny dropping the lawsuit and him (Mayweather) dropping the drug test,” boxing’s hottest trainer told fighthype.com.

Bad blood developed between Pacquiao and Mayweather when the undefeated American accused the reigning pound-for-pound champion of taking illegal drugs.

A fight between them, one that could have generated $100 million in revenue, was almost a done deal until Mayweather demanded an Olympic-style blood-testing.

Then too much animosity ensued. Pacquiao said Mayweather’s demand was his only way out of the fight, and the other camp thought that refusing the blood test could be a sign of guilt.

Pacquiao sued the Mayweathers, and the super-fight went up in smoke. Pacquiao ended up fighting Joshua, and Mayweather fights Shane Mosley on May 1.

Roach said a compromise should help put the fight together.

“I think that Mayweather is going to let the (boxing) commission do their job, as they always do. He’s saying now that he wants to clean up the sport,” said the four-time Trainer of the Year.

“I don’t think steroids are that used in boxing to be honest with you. I’m sure they’re out there because it’s part of our life in the society we live in today,” he said.

“We’re not going to let Mayweather run the show,” said Roach.

He added that giving in to Mayweather’s demand is like giving away “the first two rounds of the fight,” and sooner or later the flamboyant American may ask for “16-ounce gloves” or “two-minute rounds.”

Pacquiao defeated Clottey to keep his WBO welterweight crown but said last week that fight, witnessed by a live crowd of 51,000 at the Cowboys Stadium, may be his last.

Pacquiao said he’s thinking of retirement so he could focus on politics (he’s eyeing a congressional seat in the May 10 elections), but added that a fight with Mayweather could push through if he beats Mosley.

“And if the price is right,” said Pacquiao.

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Air21, Elasto Painters bounce back

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Keena Young provided Air21 a steady presence with Ronnie Matias putting in all-out support in the fourth quarter as the Express drubbed the Barako Energy Coffee Masters, 113-108, last night in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Narrowly beaten by the San Miguel Beermen in their debut Wednesday, the Express broke into the win-column as they beat the Coffee Masters in a duel of last two placers in the recent Philippine Cup.

Young churned out 25 points and 16 rebounds while Matias added 18 for the Lina Group ball club which made it 3-of-3 versus Barako in their head-on games in the season.

“I guess the key was that we were able to manage their import. We had problems with him in the first half, but our zone defense worked in the second,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

“Overall, I think the team is improving. Our confidence is getting better. What we were lacking in the last conference when we lost Wynne (Arboleda) we got now from Mike Cortez. We have a good point guard again,” Guiao added.

Cortez, a transferee from San Miguel Beer, made 15 points in his second game with the Express. He was good for only three points in his face-off with his former team Wednesday.

Young, Matias and Cortez supplied the Express the firepower, with Matias also exerting effort in taking his turn to guard prolific Barako import Sammy Monroe.

Air21 shifted to zone defense to neutralize Monroe in the final half, and the Express went on to deal the Coffee Masters a second straight loss after a triumphant debut versus the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

Going down the drain was Monroe’s productive haul of 36 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.

Young didn’t score that much for the second straight game, but Guiao expressed belief that he’s the kind of import needed by the Express.

“He doesn’t dominate on offense but he gets his teammates involved. We don’t need a good scoring import because we have a lot of scoring options,” said Guiao.

The fiery Air21 mentor also believed Matias is coming to his own “which is good because it makes our bench deeper.”

Matias, a prized recruit from University of Manila, fired 13 in the fourth quarter helping the Express ease endgame pressure.

Ronjay Buenafe rifled in a trey then Matias scored on a lay-up following a steal by Cortez as the Express built the momentum for a steady finish, taking a six-point lead at 104-98 with time down to 3:38.

Jai Lewis and Sol Mercado delivered the goods as they returned to the floor in the closing minutes, and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters checked a faltering finish, subduing the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 84-77, in the nightcap.

“Today’s game showed our character as a team. We pulled through despite our key players sitting down precious minutes due to fouls,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

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Arenas a Wizard next season

Source: (The Philippine Star) from Associated Press

WASHINGTON – A day after Gilbert Arenas was sentenced to 30 days in a halfway house for bringing guns into the locker room, Wizards team president Ernie Grunfeld reaffirmed that the All-Star guard will be back with Washington next season.

Grunfeld told reporters before the team’s game against Utah on Saturday that the Wizards did not plan to void Arenas’ contract.

Grunfeld says, “I think people forget that he’s still one of the best players in this league.”

Arenas avoided jail time for the offense, instead receiving a sentence that also includes two years of probation and 400 hours of community service.

Grunfeld says he has not talked to Arenas recently, although he spoke to Arenas’ father.

Washington has lost 14 straight games.

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Tropang Texters hold off Painters

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Shawn Daniels manned the boards and the Talk n Text locals provided the firepower as they held off the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-96, in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Ranidel de Ocampo, Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro and Macmac Cardona made at least 14 points each as the Tropang Texters broke into the win-column after losing to the Barangay Ginebra Kings on opening day.

The Elasto Painters had a chance to force overtime but Gabe Norwood missed an off-balanced three-point shot in the closing seconds.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer and Coca-Cola both go for a second straight win as they collide in the first offering of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour series in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental today.

“I’m very, very disappointed. It’s nice to win but we have to be able to close out the game when we have the chance. We’re just lucky Gabe missed that shot,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“It’s very disappointing. They (the Elasto Painters) kept on finding ways to get back. We just couldn’t close out the game,” Reyes also said.

The Texters appeared to have won the contest with a 97-90 lead in the last two minutes when the Painters waged a last-ditch attempt to salvage the game.

Jai Lewis scored a charity, JayR Reyes converted a twinner then Norwood banged away a three-pointer as Rain or Shine got back into fight at 96-98 with 6.8 ticks to go.

A split from the stripe by Castro a second later kept the possibility of overtime for Rain or Shine.

In the end, Talk n Text leaned on a good defensive effort to scuttle Rain or Shine’s bid.

De Ocampo redeemed himself from early exit on their last two games on flagrant fouls with a 20-point game he also laced with five rebounds.

The former St. Francis of Assisi stalwart went 7 of 8 from the field, scattering 15 points in the second half.

“We talked to Ranidel. I told him I’ll be the only one who will take him out of the court, not the referees,” said Reyes.

“The last time when he sat for three minutes, we lost a 12-0 run. When he came back, we’re already down by three. We kept reminding him about it,” Reyes added.

De Ocampo himself committed a flagrant foul that triggered Talk n Text’s walkout in their quarterfinals series with Ginebra in the last conference.

Alapag added 19 points, Castro chipped in 15 while Cardona contributed 14.

Daniels was good for only 13 points but he had a sterling effort defending Jai Lewis and hauling down 10 rebounds.

Rain or Shine dragged Talk n Text in a close game with Reyes and Lewis churning out double-double games. Reyes came through with 23 points and 13 rebounds while Lewis had 17 points and 20 rebounds.

Down by three, 46-49, at halftime, the Elasto Painters started with an 11-to-nothing run in the final half to race ahead at 57-49.

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Pacquiao underscores responsibility to nation

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao renewed his commitment to bring honor to the country – in and out of the ring – as he vowed to support Filipino fighters with the potential to achieve greatness in a statesmanlike speech before a jampacked audience of over 700 at the 10th Gabriel (Flash) Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards Night and Banquet of Champions in the Sofitel Hotel off Roxas Boulevard last Thursday.

Pacquiao, 31, was named an Elorde Hall of Famer for earning seven consecutive Boxer of the Year honors and becoming the first fighter ever to capture seven world titles in seven weight divisions. Six others were cited for their reigns as world champions last year – Nonito Donaire Jr., Gerry Peñalosa, Donnie Nietes, Brian Viloria, Marvin Sonsona and Rodel Mayol – although only two – Nietes and Mayol – join Pacquiao as titleholders today.

Pacquiao spoke about leaving a legacy and how bringing honor to the country “echoes into eternity” in an emotional speech where he thanked the support of fans and media for his success.

The ring icon said he will always be grateful to the Filipino nation. “I know our people are behind me in every fight, praying for my victory,” he remarked. “I realize my responsibility to our country which is why I work so hard to win, why I try to sign every autograph and pose for every picture I’m asked for. I only wish there were three Manny Pacquiaos to accommodate everyone asking for autographs and pictures.”

Pacquiao, dressed to the nines in a black suit with a striped tie, said he draws inspiration from Elorde, who reigned as world superfeatherweight champion for over seven years, and acknowledged the contributions of former titlists like Peñalosa and Luisito Espinosa in also bringing glory to the country.

It was the night before Pacquiao launched his campaign for the lone congressional seat in Sarangani province and his sentimental message evoked speculation of a possible retirement from the ring, perhaps after a megabuck showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. late this year. Although Pacquiao is at the peak of his career and experts insist he has at least three more competitive years left to fight at a high level, his mother Dionisia has expressed a preference for an early retirement.

Pacquiao and wife Jinkee were mobbed by fans as they entered the Sofitel tent where the Elorde family hosted not only the Awards Night and a sit-down dinner with a five-star P3,000 a-plate meal but also a six-fight boxing card.

Elorde’s widow Laura, 83, welcomed the guests, among whom were Rep. Bongbong Marcos and wife Lisa. Former world champions Dodie Boy Peñalosa and Rene Barrientos, Games and Amusements Board boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, Monsignor Melchor David, US Embassy official and referee Gene LoBianco, former PBA coach Binky Favis and wife Ella, Thai promoter Naris Singwacha, boxing judge Alex Villacampa, Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz and international matchmaker Jun Sarreal. She was accompanied by her seven children – Malou, Bebot, Johnny, Teresa, Marty, Rita and Cucuy – 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Flying in from the US to attend the affair were Mrs. Elorde’s sister Lilia Lee, Malou and Bebot’s son Ivan and his family.

Wheelchair-bound Z Gorres arrived from Cebu to attend the festivities with wife Datches and received a thundering applause as program emcees Liza Elorde and Ted Lerner mentioned he was on the road to recovery after undergoing brain surgery in Las Vegas last year.

Pacquiao gave Gorrres a check for P1 million while Trainer of the Year awardee Buboy Fernandez, who could not attend, sent P50,000 in cash as his personal contribution for the fighter’s medical expenses.

Promoter of the Year awardee Michael Aldeguer also came in from Cebu and brought along his ALA stable stars, including Nietes, Milan Melindo, Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista, Michael Domingo and Jason Pagara.

Johnny Elorde, whose company organized the event, said the 10th edition was significant as it commemorated his father’s 25th death anniversary, the 50th anniversary of D’Flash’s knockout over Harold Gomes to win the world superfeatherweight crown at the Araneta Coliseum in 1960 and the late champion’s 75th birthday.

Johnny also mentioned that there was a “twist of luck” in the celebrations with the number 7. D’Flash held the world title for seven years from 1960 to 1967. Pacquiao has won seven world titles in seven divisions and was inducted as an Elorde Hall of Famer after seven straight Boxer of the Year awards. Seven Filipino fighters reigned as world champions last year and they ruled seven weight divisions.

Other awardees included North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol as Manager of the Year, Silvestre Abainza as Referee of the Year and Mark Jason Melligen as Most Promising Boxer. Amateur fighters Charly Suarez and Annie Albania were cited for bagging gold medals at the last Southeast Asian Games.

In the fight card, Vinvin Rufino defeated Adonis Aguelo on points to retain his Philippine featherweight crown and Gretchen Abaniel repulsed Thailand’s Fahpratan Looksaikongdin via a unanimous 10-round decision to keep her WIBA minimumweight title. Flash Elorde’s grandsons Juan Martin (Bai) and Juan Miguel (Mig) chalked up knockout wins. Bai, 25, disposed of Thailand’s Kan Hamonkol in a superfeatherweight bout to raise his record to 10-0, while Mig, 23, stopped Anthony Balubar in a bantamweight contest.

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Perseverance pays off for PBA rookie

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Coffee’s Jerwin Gaco holds the distinction of being the only rookie to break into the ongoing PBA Fiesta Conference and for the 29-year-old forward who was snubbed in the 2005 draft, the long wait was worth it.

Gaco couldn’t believe it at first when Barako coach Junel Baculi offered a one-year contract and said he would be in the Energy Masters’ roster starting this conference.

Eventually, reality sunk in. He reported for practice and was welcomed by his former PBL teammates Chad Alonzo, Rob Reyes, Jojo Duncil and Al Vergara. And last Sunday, Gaco made his PBA debut, compiling two points, two rebounds, one blocked shot and four fouls in 14 minutes, as Barako downed Sta. Lucia Realty, 97-93, at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I was nervous and excited,” said Gaco yesterday. “It’s a dream come true for me. It’s what I’d been praying for. I never lost hope. I wasn’t drafted in 2005. I tried out for Red Bull and Purefoods but didn’t make it. I knew if I worked hard, I would someday play in the PBA.”

Gaco suited up for Polytechnic University then transferred to La Salle where he teamed with Mac-Mac Cardona, Joseph Yeo and Rico Maierhofer. The 6-1 1/2 forward played on one La Salle UAAP title team and brought his winning ways to the PBL where he was a fixture on Mikee Romero’s seven championship squads.

Through the years, Gaco earned a reputation as a hard-nosed defender with a championship tradition. In his first overseas trip in 1999, Gaco played on a national high school selection that captured the Nike Invitational crown in Taipei. Among this teammates were James Yap, Paul Artadi and Romero’s basketball operations director Erick Arejola. The prep team was coached by George Gallent and topped the US, Japan, Korea and two Taiwan squads for the title.

Gaco also saw action for the Philippine Patriots that recently won the inaugural Asean Basketball League (ABL) diadem. Never staying idle, Gaco even played for Laguna in Liga Pilipinas during the PBL offseason.

The eldest of four children, Gaco lost his parents before he turned 19. His father Jaime, a seaman, died of cancer at 35 in 1995 and mother Estrella succumbed to leukemia at 36 four years later. With his parents gone, the orphaned Gaco became the family breadwinner and used his basketball earnings to send his sisters Jeaneileen and Jamaica and brother J. R. to school.

“It would’ve been special if my parents were still alive and saw me in the PBA but I know they’re watching over me,” said Gaco. “My sisters and brother have all graduated, thanks to basketball. It’s been a long journey for me. I remember when I tried out for La Salle, I was so intimidated that I brought along my best friend Ricky Alcantara for moral support. When I was signed by Barako, I got lots of texts from friends. Sabi nila, it’s about time.”

Gaco said as an undersized forward, his work is cut out for him in the PBA. “I’m used to the PBL’s physical play,” he went on. “In the PBA, it’s not as physical. Hand-checking isn’t allowed. I’m adjusting. I’m spending extra hours working on my perimeter shots to improve my offense. I know I have to be in condition all the time. I’ve never suffered any major injury and for that, I thank the Lord. I’m praying for a long career in the PBA.”

Gaco said he learned a lot from previous coaches Franz Pumaren, Tonichi Yturri, Dindo Pumaren, Gallent and Louie Alas. With Baculi, he is reunited from their Harbour Centre days and said he’s looking forward to contributing to Barako’s cause in any way possible.

“Coach Junel wants us to play hard,” he said. “It’s a big challenge for our team and for me since I’m just a rookie. One of my responsibilities is to defend imports. It’s something I hope to prove – that despite my size, I can do it. I never want to lose. I’m just so happy I was given a chance to play in the PBA.”

Gaco lives alone in Sta. Mesa. When his parents passed away, he was cared for by his uncle Leonilo Gaco in San Mateo. He stays in close touch with his grandmother Choleng Andrade in Quezon and grandfather Jose Gaco in Montalban.

In his free time, Gaco bonds with his two daughters Kirsten Anne, 5, and Jillian, 2.

“I have so much to be thankful for,” said Gaco. “I have two wonderful kids. Every chance they get to watch me play, they’ll be there. I’ve worked hard for my family. I persevered. I went from league to league, trying to earn as much as I could to send my brother and sisters to school. Even during hard times, God has always provided.”

Gaco said playing at the Big Dome last Sunday gave him goosebumps. “I didn’t know if I would play against Sta. Lucia,” he said. “The rule is 12 to play plus the import and we’re 15 in the lineup. But coach Junel gave me a chance. I even finished the game on the court and we won so it was very memorable for me.”

Arejola said Gaco deserves what he worked hard for. “He belongs in the PBA,” he said. “Mr. Romero is very, very proud of him. He always knew that someday, Jerwin would make it to the PBA. I call him a rookie veteran because he has so much experience. He’s a leader on the floor. He plays with a lot of intensity and energy. He’s a player whom all coaches look for. More than anything else, he’s a good person. He takes care of his family. He’s generous, disciplined and hard-working.”

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Floyd fight possible 'if the price is right'

Source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao, who said a few days ago he was thinking of retirement, said yesterday a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. might still happen.

“If the price is right,” said the 31-year-old multi-millionaire inside his 20th floor suite at the New World Hotel in Makati.

Pacquiao just came in after having lunch out with his wife Jinkee when he sat down with key members of Team Pacquiao, including his adviser, Wakee Salud.

The boxer then reacted to a recent story that came out of The STAR, where Salud said it would be quite impossible for Pacquiao to retire unless and until he fights Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The reigning pound-for-pound champion said he has no problem with that. But as of now, he considers himself “retired” as he gears up for his next big battle in the political ring.

“If the price is right,” repeated the boxing icon of a super-fight with Mayweather

“But I will focus first on the elections,” said Pacquiao, who is seeking a congressional seat in his home province of Saranggani in the May 10 national elections.

Someone told Pacquiao could earn as much as $50 million if he fights Mayweather.

“How much is $50 million? Two billion pesos?” the boxer asked as he munched on green mango.

Then he headed back to his room to rest before he proceeds to the Elorde Boxing Awards scheduled last night at Sofitel.

Pacquiao is fresh from his 12-round mismatch with Joshua Clottey in Dallas, and upon his return to Manila announced that he was thinking of retiring because that’s what his family wants.

But Salud said while Pacquiao has dominated the sport, winning 12 fights in a row and going unbeaten since 2005, it will be too hard for him to turn his back on the sport as long as Mayweather is around.

“Mayweather came out of retirement for only one reason: he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao. There’s no other reason. Mayweather knows he can make a lot of money facing Manny,” said the Cebuano matchmaker.

“As long as Mayweather is there, and they haven’t fought, it will be very tough for Manny to retire. The purse will be huge. How can he retire? And aside from the money, that Mayweather fight is the fight that the people will ask for. Manny is a boxer. He’s fighter. If he is called to a fight, he will fight Mayweather,” said Salud.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said in a recent interview with 8countnews.com he believes his prized ward can go on fighting for the next three years.

“He loves the fight game, the way he trains, the way he works out, there’s three more years left in him,” said Roach, who said a while back he wants Pacquiao to retire once they’re done with Mayweather.

“I want him to beat Floyd, then he can retire and run for President if he wants to,” said Roach.

Mayweather, who still thinks he’s the best fighter in the world even if he had just come out of a retirement that almost lasted two years, will challenge WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley on May 1 in Las Vegas.

And if Mayweather wins, all roads will lead to a fight with Pacquiao, and it could happen in November.

“He wants a big fight against Mayweather if Mayweather beats Mosley, [so] he’s not going anywhere yet,” Roach was quoted as saying.

“I like to see Manny retire after Mayweather but even that won’t happen,” he added.

But for now, Pacquiao considers himself “retired.”

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