Williams scores 14 in 4th to help Cavs beat Celtics

Source: GMANews.TV

BOSTON — The Celtics were better early, then LeBron James and the Cavaliers blew right by them.

Story of this game.

Story of the season.

James had 36 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, Mo Williams scored 14 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, and Cleveland dominated the second half in a 108-88 victory Thursday night.

Unable to stop Rajon Rondo or the Celtics in the first quarter, the Cavaliers turned up the defense in the fourth, limiting the Celtics to 3-of-21 shooting and snapping a nine-game losing streak in Boston, counting playoffs.

"We haven't had much success here," James said. "We've lost nine times coming into this building. So it gets the monkey off our backs. But don't read too much into it."

James kept the Cavaliers in it for three quarters on a night they lost Shaquille O'Neal to a first-half thumb injury, then Williams made four 3-pointers when Cleveland outscored Boston 35-14.

"I think in the second half our level of aggressiveness really stepped up on both ends of the floor," Cleveland coach Mike Brown said. "There was no panic among our guys. We knew 24 minutes was a lot of time. We just started chipping away from it."

Ray Allen scored 21 points, and Rondo had 19 points and 11 assists for the Celtics, who badly missed injured All-Star Paul Pierce (right thumb) when their offense went stagnant in the final 1½ quarters.

"They were a lot more aggressive in the second half. They made adjustments to stop Rondo's penetration," Celtics forward Kevin Garnett said. "We knew it was a real big test. We can't play one half and relax."

Cleveland improved to 20-10 on the road, tying Boston for the best in the NBA, and avenged a 95-89 home loss on opening night.

That came back when Boston looked like the class of the Eastern Conference while the Cavaliers struggled early. But the Celtics have been unable to stay healthy and Cleveland has left the Celtics and everyone else in the East behind, opening a 5½-game lead over Orlando while dropping Boston 7½ games back in a tie with Atlanta.

This game followed a similar path. Boston was much better early inside a rocking TD Garden, but most of the green-clad fans were gone before the final minutes after the deeper Cavaliers wore them down.

Cleveland outscored Boston 60-32 in the second half, allowing just five baskets in the final 17½ minutes.

"When they were scoring that much, it was deflating. Took our wind away," Boston coach Doc Rivers said. "We went from being a team with stops and attacking to the team being attacked."

The Cavaliers trailed for nearly all the first three quarters, then quickly took control in the fourth. Williams' basket gave them the lead for good at 79-78 with 9:13 to play, and he drilled consecutive 3-pointers to extend it to 93-83 with 5½ minutes remaining.

James had the next four points to make it a 14-point game in another big night against the NBA's most storied franchise. He came in averaging 30.2 points against Boston, just shy of Michael Jordan's 30.7 mark for best in NBA history.

He had to do a little extra after O'Neal appeared to be hurt when Celtics forward Glen Davis whacked his hand while trying to block a shot with about 7½ minutes left in the second quarter. O'Neal left for good about 30 seconds later, and the report said he had a "significant" right thumb sprain.

And they are without a backup center for now after trading Zydrunas Ilgauskas to Washington before the trade deadline. The Wizards waived Ilgauskas on Thursday after reaching agreement on a buyout, and he could decide to rejoin his former teammates after waiting the mandatory 30 days.

Cleveland had struggled defensively since the trade, a pattern that continued Thursday. The Celtics made 10 of their first 13 shots, with Rondo making five of the baskets and assisting on the other five. His layup with 33 seconds left gave Boston a 31-21 lead after one quarter. – AP

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GMA, Tomas laud SRP

Source: Sun.Star Cebu

FOR making Cebu City the “great city” that it is, President Arroyo lauded city officials and local businessmen for the success the City has achieved, which she credited largely to the South Road Properties (SRP).

Arroyo counted the 290-hectare SRP as her administration’s best partnership with the City Government, and the opening of the Cebu South Coastal Road as one of the most significant events of her presidency.

During last night’s 73rd Charter Day celebration, where outstanding individuals and institutions were also honored, she told city officials that she is glad to see her administration’s investments here are paying off.

“We have also invested in Cebu City... but I think that our best partnership was our partnership on the SRP... I’m so happy to see that what has happened there has given so much progress to the City of Cebu, so much progress that you all deserve,” Arroyo said.

“Indeed, Cebu City continues to be the queen city of the Cebu and I congratulate not only the city officials but also the business community because you have made such a successful economy here in Cebu City,” she continued.

As the number one emerging business process outsourcing destination in the world, Cebu City is an important city not only in the Philippines but also in the international economy, the President said.

Arroyo attended the Charter Day awarding ceremony to receive the Order of Rajah Humabon from city officials, the highest honor or award the City Government could bestow on any individual.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña cited Arroyo’s three important contributions to the City—taking her oath of office here, setting up the Malacañang sa Sugbo in Cebu City and deciding to hold the Asean summit here.

Arroyo said she did these things to return the love and support that Cebuanos gave her and her family from the time she was senator, vice president and as president.

“We should never forget the honor that President Arroyo has done for us, it will probably never happen again. I think it is only fitting and proper that we give her the honor of giving her the highest award that we can bestow upon her,” the mayor said.

Some 1,500 city and barangay officials and employees witnessed the awarding at the Cebu City Sports Center last night.

As proof of the SRP’s success, Osmeña received from Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) a P269.5-million check representing its second payment for the SRP lot it bought last year.

An additional P70 million will be paid next month because FLI will accelerate development in other areas of the lots covered by the joint venture agreement with the City, subject to the approval of the City Council, City Administrator Francisco Fernandez said.

The mayor said the City is capable of sustaining the P100-million scholarship fund for all public high school graduates in the coming years.

“The issue has been made whether the City can afford to sustain supporting college students every year. Let me just demonstrate to you that we have the capability to sustain this, not only P10,000 for each student, maybe even P20,000 to P30,000,” Osmeña said, before calling FLI vice president Tristan Las Marias for the turnover of the check.

Osmeña thanked the City Treasurer’s Office, the city and barangay officials for cooperating in maximizing the City’s revenues.

“I am also asking forgiveness from all those who have been victims of my strictness, but my priority is always the future of Cebu City, which will never be compromises,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City government paid tribute to Cebuanos who had “remarkable” contributions to the growth of the city.

“They have proven their worth and the true sense of service and the sense of patriotism,” said Vice Mayor Michael Rama in his speech.

Awarded with certificates of appreciation were James Gochiulim for his 30-year service as fire marshal of Filipino-Chinese Volunteers Fire Brigade, Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Cebu Muslim Community leaders and Ma. Victoria Yulo.

Outstanding Individual Awards were given to Dr. Felix Vicuña Jr. for conducting free medical missions, Msgr. Rodolfo Villanueva for his literary works and musical arrangements, Ambassador Francisco Benedicto for being a top diplomat in Singapore, Korea and China and Ambassador Philippe Lhuillier for promoting economic development and tourism.

The Cebu Market Vendors Development Cooperative was awarded as an Outstanding Institution for its success in promoting the principles of a cooperative.

Former City councilor Hilario Davide III was given the Outstanding Executive and Legislative award while the late councilor Rogelio Osmeña was given a Posthumous
Award for enacting laws and safety in the city’s transportation system.

The Mayor’s Special Award was given to the Alpha Kappa Rho for coming to the mainstream society and becoming productive citizens.

The same award was also given to the Bagong Aliyansang Makabayan, which was represented by Nacionalista Party senatoriable Satur Ocampo, for not disrupting the peace and order during the Asean Summit, the Parish Security Group, the 51st Marine Reserve Batallion, San Nicolas Police Station for being the top police station in the whole country, the City’s Barangay Intelligence Network and the Cebu Investments Promotions Center represented by Joel Mari Yu.

Other awardees were Miss Cebu 2009 Kris Tiffany Janson, Punta Princesa chief barangay Tanod Rene dela Cerna for risking his life to protect his people, Lt. Tito
Ranara, PN, for winning the most outstanding reserve battalion in the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, Luz Barangay Captain Nida Cabrera, Dr. Myrilene Mendoza and Sen. Sergio Osmeña III for giving assistance to schools.

The mayor also awarded Sen. Mar Roxas “for being instrumental to saving the economy and for being responsible in bringing business process outsourcing company in Cebu City.

In yesterday morning’s ceremony, Osmeña thanked all those who contributed to the growth of the City, particularly those whose names may never be known yet whose efforts helped move the city forward.

“Behind the Don Vicente Ramas, behind the Serging Osmeñas, there are many people who make things possible…. Salute to all the people who contributed to the growth of this City,” he said.

He honored barangay tanods who were shot in the line of duty.

“It’s people like these who go out of their way to make City strong,” the mayor said in emphasizing the dedication of its residents that made Cebu City a success.

During the flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall yesterday morning, Vice Mayor Michael Rama also said that genuine desire to serve means more service and less politics.

He said that the Ramas like him who are into public service, in upholding the legacy of Don Vicente, will strive hard to be worthy.

He said they will render honest service and not use their position to enrich themselves.

“Madato apan magduko maglakaw kay ang inyong gikaon sa panimalay dili man gikan sa singot,” he said. (LCR/PDF/RHM)

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UV raps P19M tax bill

Source: Sun.Star Cebu

By Gerome M. Dalipe and Linette C. Ramos

A PRIVATE university yesterday sued the Cebu City Government and City Treasurer Ofelia Oliva, and asked that its tax assessment of more than P19 million be declared void.

The University of the Visayas, Inc. (UV), represented by its president, Rep. Eduardo Gullas, said in its lawsuit that UV is a non-stock, non-profit organization. Its legal counsel, Teodoro Almase, asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order and eventually, a writ of preliminary injunction, against the tax assessment.

Last Nov. 17, 2009, the City Treasurer’s Office notified UV about its allegedly unpaid business taxes amounting to P19, 367, 800 from 2004-2009.

The university contested the tax assessment but City Hall denied the protest. The city treasurer then sent a final demand to the university. City Hall threatened to file administrative complaints against the university management if it fails to settle its business tax dues by Jan. 18.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña does not believe UV is a non-stock, non-profit institution, and said it should just prove its claim in court.

He raised his doubts on the claim of Rep. Eduardo Gullas (Cebu Province, 1st district), who is representing the family-owned university in the civil case, and pointed out he was able to construct a “mansion” in Barangay Guadalupe.

“Non-profit? Maybe the birds and the bees believe him. I guess his new P200-million mansion in Guadalupe is purely imagined,” Osmeña said in a text message sent to Sun.Star Cebu. He declined to comment further on the case, and said City Hall lawyers will handle the matter.

The City has said it might levy the university’s properties, including bank accounts, if UV continues to ignore its tax obligations.

But Almase said the city treasurer erred in the assessment.

The university acknowledged its obligation to pay regulatory fees, like those for permits, zoning and garbage collection, but that these amounted to only P28,150 from 2004-2009.

Almase said the university’s status as a non-stock, non-profit educational institution is recognized by the Department of Education and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the City Government has no authority to impose business or corporate taxes on the university.

The Cebu City Council, the lawyer said, passed a tax ordinance limited only to proprietary schools, excluding the non-stock, non-profit educational institutions.

City Hall’s threat to file administrative complaints and seize properties “would paralyze the whole operations of the school, cause grave and irreparable damage and injury not only to UV, but also to the members of the faculty, administrative staff, students and the Cebu City community,” said Almase.

Gullas and Osmeña have previously tangled. Talisay City’s claim that it owns part of the South Road Properties of Cebu City has soured relations between the two public officials.

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Pharex B holds off Fern-C 5

Source: (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Pharex B Complex withstood Fern-C’s tough challenge, carving out an 85-77 win in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Fighting Maroons took a 13-point lead early in the payoff period then held off the Ferntastics’ fiery chase at the finish to nail a second win in three starts.

Fern-C waged a rally behind John Wilson’s hot-shooting but went short in its bid, thus, suffering a third loss in a row.

Vic Manuel and Woody Co pumped in clutch shots, negating Wilson’s 32-point explosion.

Ascof Lagundi, Pharex B Complex’s sister team, barged into the win column by downing AddMix, 80-76, in the second game.

Sean Co played a key role for Ascof Lagundi, coming through with a crucial three-point play off Gio Ciriacruz with 37.2 seconds left to play.

Wilson, a former NCAA MVP awardee, was 11-of-21 from the field as he got away with a second straight 30-point performance. He also had seven rebounds, four assists and four steals in 33 minutes.

Former Far Eastern University standout Marlon Adolfo was the surprise topscorer for the Fighting Maroons with 15 points with Manuel adding 14 points and seven rebounds.

Co and Arvie Braganza were two other Pharex players who scored in double figures.

The scores:

First Game

Pharex B Complex 85 – Adolfo 15, Manuel 14, Co 12, Braganza 10, Reyes Ea. 8, Lopez 7, Sison 6, Tirona 5, Arao 5, Reyes Ma. 2, David 1, Maniego 0, Hipolito 0.

Fern-C 77 – Wilson 32, Dizon 13, Maconocido 8, Evangelista 8, Co 7, Escueta 4, Tanuan 3, Semira 2, Miranda 0, Walsham 0, Espiritu 0, Thiele 0.

Quarterscores: 18-14; 32-31; 55-46; 85-77

Second Game

Ascof Lagundi 80 – Gamalinda 20, Co 16, Gerilla 11, Asoro 11, Leynes 7, Labagala 6, Canlas 5, Aguilar 2, Bauzon 2, Mazo 0, Lanete 0, Cole 0.

AddMix 76 – Maliksi 22, Amparado 17, Colina 12, Nuyles 7, Ciriacruz 6, Alvarez 4, Cubo 3, Canada 2, Morial 2, Lozada 1, Galinato 0, Ynion 0, Guillermo 0.

Quarterscores: 17-16; 35-31; 61-52; 80-76

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Giants see big Aces fightback

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Purefoods plans to keep its guard up despite a thriller of a win in Game One as it expects a big comeback by Alaska Milk in the second game of their KFC PBA Philippine Cup championship showdown at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Giants outlasted the Aces in a gripping duel Wednesday, drawing first blood in the series via an 81-77 decision.

The opposing teams, however, agreed it’s just a first game and a 1-0 lead in a best-of-seven series is not much of an advantage.

“That’s just one game and the only advantage we’ve got is 1-0. Other than that, it’s still a close battle. The battle is far from over,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

“One game doesn’t make the whole series. We’ve been in a lot of series, winning the first game and even going up 2-0 but ended up losing,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

The two coaches foresee another fierce encounter in Game Two with the team that is able to impose its game having the better chances of winning.

Game Two is set at 7:30 p.m. ushered in by a PWBL (Philippine Women’s Basketball League) game.

“We have to play intelligent to keep up with a fundamentally sound Alaska team. We should play slow and calculating game. We can’t be out-of-control or we’ll be pounced on by this fluid-scoring team,” said Gregorio.

“(Game One) came down to the fact that they’re able to disrupt our rhythm and played their kind of game. We can’t play loose against a good defensive team,” said Cone.

The Giants will now be setting out for a 13th straight game in the playoffs but Gregorio is hopeful their tremendous will and determination would keep them in a battle with the well-rested Aces.

Purefood is riding the momentum of a four-game romp entering Game Two.

Cone, however, is unfazed.

“We didn’t play well (Wednesday) but we battled the whole game. We can play a lot better than that,” said Cone.

The Alaska mentor also cited two crucial calls going against them in the crunch but admitted it’s part of the game which they have to overcome.

Cone also considered as positive sign winning the rebounding battle in the series opener, 52-44.

The Giants dragged the Aces to a defensive battle and came out triumphant with better execution on both ends of the court at the finish.

The two teams fought through eight deadlocks and 10 lead changes before the Giants unraveled a 8-2 killer run, taking an 80-74 lead with 35.9 seconds left to play.

Gregorio disrupted Alaska’s rhythm in putting big man Marc Pingris on point guard LA Tenorio.

On the other end, Cone had Tenorio taking on James Yap. The 5-foot-8 Alaska guard did a good job, forcing the 2006 MVP awardee to six turnovers.

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Mavs too tough for Kobe, Lakers

Source: (The Philippine Star) from Associated Press

DALLAS – The Dallas Mavericks overcame the absence of Caron Butler to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 101-96, on Wednesday in a clash of NBA divisional leaders, extending their NBA winning run to five games.

Butler, a key part of a seven-player trade with Washington this month, missed the game because of a bad reaction to medication. Without Butler, Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry picked up the slack by scoring 22 of the Mavericks’ final 23 points. Nowitzki finished with 31 and Terry with 30.

Los Angeles’ Kobe Bryant scored 20 points and moved into 13th place on the career scoring list. Bryant, who passed Reggie Miller, has 25,298 points.

Bryant missed a 3-pointer that could have tied it with 25 seconds left.

In Houston, Dwight Howard was 11 for 11 from the field and had 30 points and 16 rebounds to help Orlando beat Houston, 110-92.

Howard scored all of his points in the last three quarters, as he sat out almost the entire first period after committing two quick fouls. He had his 19th straight double-double to break a tie with Shaquille O’Neal for the franchise record.

Aaron Brooks led Houston with 24 points.

In San Antonio, Manu Ginobili scored 26 points and made a spectacular block on Kevin Durant’s would-be dunk late in the fourth quarter, leading San Antonio over Oklahoma City, 95-87.

Ginobili’s crucial block in the final minutes helped stop Durant’s streak of scoring 25 points or more at 29 games. Durant had 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Tim Duncan had 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Spurs.

In Toronto, Andre Miller had 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds to lead Portland over Toronto, 101-87.

Brandon Roy added 20 points for the TrailBlazers.

Hedo Turkoglu scored 24 points for the Raptors who failed to top 100 points for the first time in 21 games – a streak that had extended back to Jan. 6.

In Salt Lake City, Carlos Boozer scored 20 of his 33 points in the second half to help Utah defeat Charlotte, 102-93.

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Giants hold off Aces in Game 1

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Purefoods was not yet done pulling off surprises.

The Giants, the surprise finalists playing their 30th game in the tourney, outlasted the Alaska Milk Aces in a gripping battle, eking out an 81-77 win in the opener of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup championship series at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

“I really thought we would come out flat and not have the legs to play Game One, but the guys proved that will is more than anything,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

“I have stopped asking them whether they’re tired or not. This is the finals, no more time to get tired and rest. We wanted to be here and we have to give our best,” Gregorio added.

“It came down to the fact that they’re able to disrupt our rhythm. They’re able to play the kind of game they wanted to play,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

The Giants dragged the Aces to a defensive battle and came out triumphant with better execution on both ends of the court.

The two teams fought through eight deadlocks and 10 lead changes before the Giants unraveled an 8-2 killer run, taking an 80-74 lead with 35.9 seconds left to play.

James Yap scored a game-high 24 points, Marc Pingris had a double-double game with 13 points and the same number of rebounds while Kerby Raymundo added 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.

The other Purefoods starters in Rafi Reavis and Roger Yap also played like Giants as they sustained the momentum of their semifinal series win over the San Miguel Beermen.

“Even if I sound like a broken record, defense wins games for us. That’s the key tonight. That’s the only way to beat a fluid-scoring team like Alaska,” said Gregorio.

True enough, the Giants played a tough defense as they’ve been doing all tournament long, holding the Aces to 36.1 percent shooting.

The Giants, meanwhile, hit at a 45.7 percent clip with Yap, Raymundo and Pingris outplaying and outshooting their respective matchups.

Willie Miller paced the Aces with 23 points on 9-of-27 field-goal shooting.

San Miguel Beer outmaneuvered Barangay Ginebra at the finish, pulling off a 95-88 win to salvage third place in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night, in the first game.

Veteran players Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela came through with clutch baskets in helping the Beermen cut loose from a tight game and go on to bag a 15th third-place trophy in franchise history.

Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Seigle and Dorian Peña contributed to the effort as the Beermen recovered from a sorry fold-up in their semifinal series with the Purefoods Giants and improved a rung higher than their fourth-place finish in this tourney last year.

It was SMB’s fifth third-place finish in an all-Filipino tourney.

“As a soccer coach said ‘a setback is always a set-up for a good comeback,’” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“Yes, we fell short in our objective, but it’s never too late to do the right thing. We had this opportunity and we grabbed it,” Tanquingcen added.

“It’s not as high stake as the championship but this is a kind of game where you build character -- work on game when no one’s watching,” Tanquingcen also said.

The San Miguel mentor is hopeful they can do better in the second conference where they will be fielding back Gabe Freeman for a crack at back-to-back championships.

Freeman, who has just helped the Philippine Patriots in ruling the first-ever Asean Basketball League championship, was at the Big Dome, witnessing SMB’s conquest of Ginebra.

“We have high hopes in the second conference although we know it’s gonna be doubly tough. Gabe was able to sneak in last year because he’s not yet known here then. The situation is different now,” said Tanquingcen.

The Beermen toppled the Ginebra Kings themselves in the Fiesta Conference finals last year.

Last night, SMB showed its mastery of Ginebra, putting up a more determined effort in their duel.

Hontiveros put in a team-high 18 points while Peña came through with a double-double job with 11 rebounds and 10 points that went with five assists and one steal.

Ildefonso added 15 points, including five in the homestretch.

The Beermen played a solid all-around game in a turnaround from their scrambling showing in their last three games versus the Giants in the semis.

“We lost the semis battle due to a lot of factors. One thing was that our coaching staff wasn’t able to put the team in a good situation to win,” said Tanquingcen.

“Medyo nawala rin ang rhythm with the break after the elimination round. Yes, we’re a talented team but our players are not one-on-one talents. They’re no Kerby Raymundo or James Yap, na ibigay mo ang bola sa kanila, may mangyayari at mangyayari,” Tanquingcen added

The scores:

First Game

San Miguel 95 – Hontiveros 18, Ildefonso 15, Seigle 10, Pena 10, Villanueva 9, Cortez 9, Washington 8, Racela 8, Miranda 6, Holper 2, Custodio 0.

Ginebra 88 – Tubid 22, Intal 13, Alvarez 10, Caguioa 9, Mamaril 8, Villanueva 8, Helterbrand 7, Baguio 4, White 3, Wilson 2, Abarrientos 2, Salvacion 0.

Quarterscores: 24-31, 47-43, 69-70, 95-88

Second Game

Purefoods 81 – Yap J. 24, Raymundo 15, Pingris 13, Canaleta 8, Reavis 6, Allado 6, Yap R. 5, Maierhofer 2, Simon 2, Artadi 0.

Alaska 77 – Miller 23, De Vance 10, Thoss 9, Tenorio 8, Hugnatan 8, Borboran 7, Cablay 5, Dela Cruz 4, Ferriols 3, Fonacier 0, Cariaso 0.

Quarterscores: 15-19, 36-36, 61-58, 81-77

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Hatfield to the rescue

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Rudy Hatfield will end almost a three-year leave from the PBA and resume playing for Barangay Ginebra in the coming Fiesta Conference starting March 21.

After losing to Alaska in a 4-0 series sweep in the recent Philippine Cup semifinals, the Kings could use a fiery rebounder like Hatfield to get back in title contention. He will be a vital piece in the puzzle that coach Joseph Uichico is consolidating for the future.

Hatfield’s agent Bill Rosmarino confirmed yesterday that the H-Bomb from the University of Michigan at Dearborn has signed a one-year contract with Ginebra and will arrive from the US late March.

“Rudy is already preparing his body for battle,” said Rosmarino. “I’m just so excited. This has been nearly three years of waiting. It will be so nice to watch, as a Hatfield fan, the new improved 110 percent version. With his new mindset, rest and heart, you can only imagine what Rudy will do on the court for Ginebra.”

Hatfield, 32, took a leave of absence from Ginebra in 2007 for personal reasons. The 6-6 power forward, whose mother is Filipina, has played six years in the PBA, averaging 13.4 points and 10.8 rebounds.

In an exclusive STAR interview, Hatfield vowed to return with a bang.

“Don’t think for one second I’m gonna walk on the floor and let anyone walk all over me,” he said. “I’m comin’ to play. I’m comin’ to wrestle. And I’m comin’ to win. There’s nothing new to expect. I don’t have any new moves. I haven’t been given some miraculous pill that has me flying
out of the gym and I won’t suddenly become a pure shooter. What you will see is me diving on the floor again, running up and down like a caged animal that has just been let loose and 110 percent of tenacious intensity.””

Hatfield said he is well informed about developments in the PBA and can’t wait to play for the Kings.

“What an awesome time playing for Ginebra is going to be,” he continued. “I’ve been following the PBA since I left and I definitely know what’s going on. I remember telling Eric (Menk) about J. C. (Intal) while he was at Ateneo and saying, ‘Look at the hops on this guy.’ It looks as if he’s become more than just a leaper.”

Hatfield said he has kept in shape playing in leagues but admitted he’s not in PBA condition at the moment.

“I plan on being ready,” he went on. “The good thing is I still weigh the same as when I left so I won’t have to worry about getting rid of extra weight. You know, if anything, I’ll be in shape. Maybe not as good right away but I’ll surely be able to get up and down the floor.”

Since leaving the country, Hatfield said he has found new meaning in his life with wife Bethany and their two children Bella, 5, and Lylah, 1, embracing the Christian faith.

For about 10 days last November, Hatfield quietly came to town for missionary work with the Northridge Church of Plymouth, Michigan. He visited schools, staged puppet shows for kids, conducted basketball clinics and delivered personal testimonials. Two highlights of Hatfield’s brief visit were explaining to kids a fun way to remember the 10 commandments and providing disaster relief for typhoon Ondoy victims.

“After about a year of researching, speaking with God, receiving so many signs and just putting myself out there to believe, I was finally saved,” he said. “My old life was put to death and I was reborn. I now truly believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that if we believe in His death for our sins, His resurrection as ourselves being resurrected into a new life and that He is the way, truth and the life. By all means, I still sin, I still make mistakes and I have a long, painful journey to go before I’m made into the perfect image of Jesus. But at least I know I can repent and be forgiven and I focus everyday on getting closer to God.”

Hatfield said his wife and daughters will make periodic visits to Manila while he’s playing in the PBA.

“It will be a great opportunity for my daughters to see a different culture especially for Lylah (who is part Filipino),” he said. “I want my kids to see where their father spent the majority of his growing years.”

As for how long he plans to play, Hatfield said it’s up to the Lord.

“Right now, the thought is to play until God tells me it’s time to move on,” he said. “I don’t know exactly how long it will be. But what I do know is for the last three years, I’ve been trying to find a purpose for my life, wondering what God made me for. For about three years, I tried to fool myself that I wasn’t made for basketball. I do know now that God gave me a gift and maybe I’m not the most talented basketball player but he gave me something that gets the job done.”

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Rondo carries Celtics to 110-106 win over Knicks

Source: GMANews.TV from AP

BOSTON — Rajon Rondo scored 15 points and had 16 assists to lead the Boston Celtics to a 110-106 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night in a matchup of teams that traded with each other last week.

Ray Allen added 24 points, Kevin Garnett 16, Marquis Daniels 14 and Kendrick Perkins 12 as Boston sent New York to its eighth straight loss. The Celtics were without forward Paul Pierce, who was home with the flu. Boston coach Doc Rivers said Pierce wouldn't have played anyway due to a sore right thumb injured last Thursday in a win over the Lakers.

David Lee had 28 points and 15 rebounds for the Knicks, while Wilson Chandler scored 19 points and Sergio Rodriguez 18.

Celtics guard Nate Robinson — acquired last Thursday from New York along with forward Marcus Landry for Eddie House, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker and a future conditional second-round pick — scored four points on 2 for 7 shooting in his first game with his new team.

Robinson missed the last three games of Boston's four-game road trip with food poisoning.

House had four points off the bench for the Knicks. Walker added seven, while Giddens and Landry didn't play.

Tracy McGrady did play after saying following Monday's loss that he wasn't sure he would because he banged knees a couple of times during that game. He scored just six points on 3 of 8 shooting after going 0 for 2 from the floor in 6½ minutes in the opening quarter. It was only his ninth game this season after returning from knee surgery.

Boston led 94-91 entering the final quarter and the Knicks closed it to 107-106 on McGrady's drive with 2:43 to play.

Daniels scored on a drive with 1:56 to go, making it 109-106 and Allen blocked Chandler's drive as the shot clock expired with 48.9 seconds left. Garnett sealed it with a free throw in the closing seconds.

New York was coming off an embarrassing 83-67 loss at home Monday against Milwaukee, its lowest point total since a 104-59 loss in Boston on Nov. 29, 2007.

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Cavs snap 3-game losing streak

Source: GMANews.TV from AP

CLEVELAND — Antawn Jamison rubbed lotion into his forearms and let out a sigh of relief.

Finally, he remembered what it felt like to win again.

Jamison scored 18 points in his first start for Cleveland, LeBron James added 20 points and 13 assists and the Cavaliers escaped Tuesday with a 105-95 win over the New Orleans Hornets to end a three-game losing streak.

Cleveland hadn't won since acquiring Jamison from Washington at last week's trade deadline.

"It feels good to get one," Jamison said. "It wasn't pretty, but those are the games you have to find a way to get a victory and we found a way to do that."

New Orleans rookies Marcus Thornton and Darren Collison combined for 59 points, including a franchise-record 23 from Thornton in the second quarter.

Thornton finished with a career-high 37 points and set two other team records: most points by a rookie and most points off the bench. He hit his first five shots and 10 of 13 in the second as the Hornets scored 40 points in the quarter.

"It was really something," Hornets coach Jeff Bower said. "He was aggressive coming off screens and confident when he went up to shoot."

Thornton, a second-round pick out of LSU, entered sixth in the NBA among rookies with a 10.8-point scoring average. He nearly equaled his previous career high of 25 just in the second quarter.

"I would rather have a 'W,'" Thornton said. "The records mean something, but they would mean more if we had won."

Collison was just as good for New Orleans. Subbing for an injured Chris Paul, he scored 22 points and added 10 assists. Collison has averaged 23.7 points over his last seven games, while he and Thornton zipped around Cavs guards most of the night as Cleveland continues to struggle with its defense.

"We're definitely not where we want to be (defensively) right now," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "Everybody feels it and we've got to fight through it."

The Cavaliers' defense tightened when it had to in the fourth, particularly on Thornton. He didn't score over the final 8:27 and didn't have a basket from the floor over the final 9:55 as Delonte West and James did a better job of getting up in his face.

"Their defense really stiffened and made it hard for us to get clean looks," Bower said. "They made it hard for some of our cuts to be run and to get the ball moved cleanly. They're an outstanding defensive team and they did a good job on those late possessions."

Cleveland was struggling to put the Hornets away when Mo Williams, struggling to find his touch since returning from a shoulder injury, broke an 89-all tie with a 3-pointer with 4:13 to play. West followed with a block of Thornton, then came down to the other end and knocked down another 3 to stretch the Cavaliers' lead to 95-89.

James took it from there, hitting a 3-pointer and finishing a three-point play in the final two minutes to give Cleveland its first win since the All-Star break. James, though, certainly doesn't seem worried by Cleveland's recent struggles. Two of the three teams Cleveland lost to — Denver and Orlando — are in first place in their respective divisions.

"There's 82 games in the regular season. You'll have ups and downs," James said. "We've had way more ups than downs. We have the best record in the Eastern Conference and one of the best records in the league. You can go two or three games where you don't win a game. That's not our worries.

Jamison started in place of J.J. Hickson in his first home game. Hickson missed the game with flulike symptoms, but Brown was leaning toward starting Jamison anyway after easing him into the rotation by bringing him off the bench for his first two games.

Jamison made an immediate impression, hitting his first shot of the game and later catching a no-look pass from James and finishing with a one-handed dunk, hanging on the rim long enough for teammate Anderson Varejao to wrap his arms around him and catch him in the third quarter.

"We lost (three) games in a row and thought it was the end of the world," Jamison said. "I've never been part of that before. It's a good feeling. It's what championship basketball is all about."

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Kobe returns and sinks Grizzlies, 99-98

Source: GMANews.TV from AP

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kobe Bryant returned to lineup after missing five games with an ankle injury and hit a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to 99-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday night.

Bryant led the Lakers with 32 points, including his team's final nine points. His 3-pointer with 54 seconds left tied the game.

Pau Gasol added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who won for the seventh time in their last eight road games.

The Grizzlies, who lost their fifth straight home game, were led by O.J. Mayo's 25 points. Zach Randolph scored 20 and grabbed 14 rebounds, his seventh straight double-double.

Mayo's two missed free throws with 18.8 seconds allowed the Lakers an opportunity to complete a comeback from nine points down early in the fourth quarter. Had Mayo made his free throws, the Grizzlies would have led by four.

Absent from the Lakers lineup for his longest stretch in five years, Bryant scored nine points in the opening quarter, including a four-point play, and triggered a late first-quarter run with two breakaway dunks to increase the Lakers lead to 11.

Bryant last played Feb. 5 and Los Angeles went 4-1 without him.

The Grizzlies took their first lead early in the third quarter on a 3-pointer by Mayo for a 59-56 advantage and didn't trail again until Bryant's game-winning shot.

Bryant, averaging 42.5 points against Memphis in two previous games this season, began his late nine-point run with a jumper from the left wing with 2:23 to go to trim the Memphis lead to 95-92.

With Bryant scoring 17 of his points in the first half, the Lakers built several 14-point leads before settling for a 53-48 halftime advantage.

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Sonsona ‘hungry like a tiger’ in 2nd title shot

Source: GMANews.TV

After a short-lived stint as a weight-troubled world champion, Marvin Sonsona will be doubly motivated and ravenous when he climbs the ring to dispute the vacant WBO junior featherweight title with Wilfredo "WV2" Vazquez, Jr. on Saturday at the latter’s turf in Puerto Rico.

Sonsona, 19, will be seeing action for the first time since losing the WBA super-flyweight belt for weighing in 2.6 pounds over the limit for his defense against Mexican Alejandro Hernandez last November in Canada. The General Santos pride went on to battle Hernandez to a draw, consoling himself by remaining undefeated (14-0-1, 12 KOs).

"I want to make up for what happened in Canada and win another world title. I’m hungry and focused on this fight; I’m hungry like a tiger!" said Sonsona, who holds the record as the second youngest Filipino to win a world title and the one with the shortest ever reign (77 days).

For his next foray, Sonsona is moving two divisions up, pitting skills with Vazquez. Jr, who himself is gunning for history as the first-ever second-generation Puerto Rican to win a world title like his father (former three-division titlist Wilfredo Sr.).

"My promoter (Sampson Lewkowicz) wanted me to take this fight because I have a big chance to win the title. It’s a good opportunity for me to get a championship belt back. I’ve trained hard for this fight and we’ve worked on his (Vazquez’s) weaknesses. He makes a lot of mistakes," he said.

It will also be the first time for Sonsona to fight in a pay-per-view card. Billed "Double Assault," the PPV split site program will feature not only the Sonsona-Vazquez duel in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but also the title defense of Filipino WBC light-flyweight king Rodel Mayol against ex-champ Omar Nino over in Guadalajara.

WBO No. 3 rated Sonsona is unfazed that he’s facing off with No. 2 rated Vazquez Jr. (17-0-1, 14 KOs) in hostile territory.

"Fighting in his (Vasquez’s) hometown doesn’t bother me. The officials will be fair and I have a lot of Puerto Rican fans, too. I’m not sure if it’ll end in a knockout, but it’s going to be a very good fight," he declared.

Sonsona won raves when he captured the WBO 115-division strap via a 12-round unanimous decision win over veteran Jose Lopez in Ontario, Canada last September 2009.

Losing the crown at the scales right on his first defense two months later brought back memories of a young Manny Pacquiao, who had a similar experience back in 1999 but eventually rebounded to become a seven-division champion.

"Manny is Manny. It’s hard following in his footsteps but all I can do is to be my best and, hopefully, bring another world title home," Sonsona said of his idol.

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Donaire on Pacquiao-Clottey: Pacman by stoppage

Source: GMANews.TV

Nonito Donaire, Jr. agreed with trainer Freddie Roach that Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao will hand Joshua Clottey the first knockout loss of his career when they lock mitts on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

The reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super-flyweight king conceded that Clottey is one tough customer but expressed belief Pacquiao will eventually wear the Ghanaian challenger down and blast him away.

“I hope Manny is not thinking that this is an easy fight. Clottey is big and has nothing to lose in this fight. But I really believe Manny will score a late-round stoppage since Clottey will feel the punches thrown by Manny late in the fight," Donaire said during Tuesday’s PSA Forum in Manila.

His observation echoed that of the outspoken Roach who has said that good chin notwithstanding, Clottey won’t last 12 rounds with Pacquiao.

“The Filipino Flash" recently easily retained his 115-lb belt via a third-round dismantling of Manuel Vargas of Mexico in a Las Vegas fight card witnessed by Pacquiao himself two weeks ago.

The Pacman, who is in the thick of training in Los Angeles, took the time out to grace the card to support Donaire and other Filipino bets Gerry Penalosa, Ciso Morales, Bernabe Concepcion and Mark Jason Melligen while aiming to solicit funding for sick fighter Z Gorres, who was at ringside that night.

Donaire is back in the Philippines to share his victory with his countrymen. He’s set to go on a motorcade around Manila on Wednesday, visit the recuperating Gorres in the latter’s hometown in Cebu, accept a major award from the Philippine Sportswriters’ Association (PSA) and tape episodes for Pacquiao’s GMA 7 sitcom “Show me da Manny."

He plans to be in the US by March 7 or 8 to start a more intensive training camp for his scheduled May 8 fight in Mexico City against a still undetermined rival and of course, cheer for Pacquiao against Clottey.

“I want to be in top shape because my opponent in my next fight will surely have more advantage than me with the fight to be held in Mexico. But I will give my best and make the country proud again," Donaire said.

The 26-year-old fighter is eyeing fights at higher weight classes (118 and even 122 lbs) possibly against Mexico's Fernando Montiel at bantam or Israel Vasquez or Rafael Marquez at super bantam.

He’s also considering a major bout at his current division – super-flyweight – possibly against old nemesis Vic Darchinyan or Jorge Arce.

"I'd fight anybody if it's for the world title," said Donaire.

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Bogut on target with 20-20 in Bucks' triumph over Knicks

Source: (The Philippine Star)

NEW YORK – Andrew Bogut had 24 points and 20 rebounds in his third career 20-20 game as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks, 83-67, on Monday for their third straight victory.

Limited to just 5 1/2 minutes at Madison Square Garden three weeks ago because of a migraine, Bogut played 36 minutes this time and overwhelmed the Knicks’ smaller front line. He shot 12 of 15 from the field in his first 20-20 game since Dec. 13, 2008, against Indiana, according to STATS, LLC.

John Salmons scored 15 points for the Bucks, who forced the Knicks into their worst offensive performance of the season and completed a three-game sweep of the series.

Tracy McGrady scored 15 points in his second game with the Knicks, but shot only 5 of 14. He wasn’t alone in struggling, as the team hit just 33.8 percent from the field in its season-high seventh straight loss.

At Washington, Andray Blatche scored 25 points and had 11 rebounds to lead Washington over Chicago, 101-95.

Blatche, averaging 25 points in the four games since the trades of Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, helped Washington to its first three-game home winning streak since April 4-12, 2008. He also made all nine of his free throws.

Early in the third quarter, the Wizards scored 14 straight to take a 62-58 lead, holding Chicago scoreless for 6 minutes, 10 seconds. Blatche, Al Thornton and James Singleton each scored four points in the run.

Derrick Rose scored 22 points for the Bulls. (AP)

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Alaska hungry, Purefoods ready

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Adding to his collection of 12 championship trophies is something that still excites the PBA’s longest-tenured and eldest coach Tim Cone because proving himself up to the task against younger foes is a challenge that keeps the fire in his belly.

Cone, 52, broke into the league in 1989 and has since figured in 21 finals, including this Philippine Cup. He’s matched with Purefoods’ Ryan Gregorio in the season’s opening conference finals, which reels off tonight.

Gregorio, 37, caddied for Eric Altamirano for five years before his promotion to head coach in 2002. In his debut as Purefoods’ chief technician, he piloted the franchise to the Governors Cup title in a 4-3 win over Cone and the Aces.

Their first finals clash was memorable. Purefoods recovered from a 0-2 deficit to bag three in a row before finishing off Alaska in Game 7, 91-76. Two of Gregorio’s players remain in his roster – Kerby Raymundo and Roger Yap – while Ronnie Magsanoc and Rey Evangelista are now assistant coaches and Alvin Patrimonio serves as team manager.

For Alaska, not a single player stayed in the lineup and only one is still active – Don Allado, ironically now playing for Purefoods. Jojo Lastimosa moved on to join Cone’s staff.

In the 2005-06 Philippine Cup semifinals, Purefoods once more rebounded from a 0-2 hole then staged a miracle comeback from 1-3 to sweep the last three games in clinching the series over Alaska. The finale was a heart-stopper as Purefoods nipped Alaska, 90-89, in Game 7. Purefoods went on to beat Red Bull, 4-2, in the finals as Gregorio won his second career crown. Among Gregorio’s players that conference were James and Roger Yap, Raymundo, P. J. Simon, Marc Pingris and Paul Artadi – who will all be in uniform for the Tender Juicy Giants in the current title playoffs.

Back from Alaska’s cast in 2006 are Willie Miller, Sonny Thoss, Tony de la Cruz, Reynel Hugnatan, Jeffrey Cariaso and John Ferriols.

In all, Alaska and Purefoods have faced off in five finals with the Aces winning three comfortably by identical 4-1 counts. In the two series that Purefoods took, the Giants were stretched to the limit.

Gregorio has made it to four finals so far with his last appearance a close call as Purefoods lost a 4-3 decision to Sta. Lucia Realty in the 2007-08 Philippine Cup. He hasn’t savored a victory ride since the 2005-06 season. A title is a long time coming for Purefoods.

Here are the 15 factors of consequence in the finals.

Defense. It’s clear that when Purefoods limits opponents to 90 points or less, the Giants almost always win. Purefoods is 17-2 when its opponents are held to less than 90 and 2-8 when they score more than 90. In 19 wins so far this conference, Purefoods has held its victims to an average of 80.3. In 10 losses, the Giants gave up 95.4 a game. Edge: Purefoods.

Offense. The Aces like to blow opponents out of the stadium and they’re capable of doing it game after game. In 17 wins this conference, Alaska scored at least 90 points. And in eight of those 17, the Aces hit at least 100. Edge: Alaska.

Depth. The Giants’ relievers make a fire brigade look bad. They sizzle off the bench, what with Simon, Rico Maierhofer and Nino Canaleta averaging at least eight a contest. Then, Gregorio has the luxury of bringing in Artadi, Allado and even Romel Adducul for instant impact. In the elims, Purefoods’ key bench players averaged seven a game while Alaska’s counterparts, 5.4. Edge: Purefoods.

Execution. The mastery of the triangle is the key to Alaska’s precise execution. The Aces are efficient in the half-court on both ends. Alaska’s assist-to-turnover ratio is 1.3 (21 to 16.1) compared to Purefoods’ 0.9 (18.3 to 18.5). Edge: Alaska.

Backcourt. This is a tough call. Together, L. A. Tenorio and Miller averaged 31.4 points, 10.9 rebounds and 8.4 assists in the elims while the Yaps normed 25.9, 8.0 and 5.5. But in the semis, the Yaps were more explosive, averaging 31.1 points to 24.8 for the Thriller and L. A. Roger will make life difficult for L. A. by playing physical, posting up and driving strong to the rim. James will use his height advantage to distract Miller. L. A. will use his speed to blow by Roger and Miller, his guile to break down James. Edge: Even.

Frontline. Purefoods’ frontliners boast of incredible length with long-armed Rafi Reavis, Maierhofer and Canaleta. But none is as prolific as Thoss. as rugged as Hugnatan and as shifty as Joe DeVance. Alaska’s bigs are power players while Purefoods relies on finesse and intimidation. The versatility of Pingris, Raymundo and Canaleta to play three or four will be a headache for Cone. Edge: Alaska.

Perimeter firepower. Alaska led the league in three-point percentage with .343 in the elims. Miller, Tenorio (.414), DeVance, De la Cruz, Larry Fonacier, Mark Borboran and Cariaso are deadly outside bombers. When they’re hot, Purefoods will be forced to extend its defense giving Thoss and DeVance the space to operate inside. Edge: Alaska.

Slashing ability. The Yaps, Simon and Artadi are lethal penetrators. They create off the dribble and open things up for teammates. As Alaska is basically a man-to-man defensive team, expect the Giants to run high pick-and-rolls for slashers to penetrate or dish. Edge: Purefoods.

Taking the hit. Pingris and Artadi don’t mind sacrificing their bodies for the charge. Because Purefoods likes to zone, the Giants will get more chances to draw contact with established defensive position. Edge: Purefoods.

Resiliency. Purefoods has repeatedly shown its adaptability, coming from 0-2 and 1-3 deficits to win best-of-seven series. Gregorio is a whiz at creating mismatches with perfect timing. Adjustments are inevitable during a game and the coach with more versatile players has the advantage in dictating the matchups. Edge: Purefoods.

Free throws. Purefoods can’t make the mistake of fouling unnecessarily because Alaska was No. 1 in free throw percentage in the elims, shooting .695. The Aces are sharp from the line and they’ll take every opportunity to score gift shots. In a close series, free throws could make the difference. Edge: Alaska.

Rebounding. Control of the boards is essential for multiple possessions and setting the pace. Purefoods was No. 1 in offensive rebounds and second-chance points in the elims but Alaska was right behind at No. 2 in put-backs. The Giants’ size will be a problem for the Aces particularly if Gregorio sends in Reavis, Maierhofer, Raymundo and Canaleta at the same time with Roger Yap or Artadi in the backcourt. Edge: Purefoods.

Motivation. Cone is gunning for his and Alaska’s 13th championship. This year, Alaska is celebrating its 25th anniversary and what more fitting way to toast the milestone than by picking up the prestigious All-Filipino trophy. Besides, Cone was exasperated in his last finals outing with Alaska blowing four free throws and a layup in the last 38 seconds to lose to Talk ‘N’ Text in Game 7 of the previous Philippine Cup title series. He’d like nothing better than to erase the memory of that nightmare with a big win over Purefoods. Also, Cone has revenge on his mind and the opportunity to pay back Gregorio for the 2002 defeat has come after eight years. Cone hasn’t won a title since the 2006-07 Fiesta Conference so for a proud organization like Alaska, a championship is long overdue. Edge: Alaska.

Composure. Down the stretch, Alaska will show more poise than Purefoods because of its experience. Miller is a two-time league MVP. He’s also a one-time finals MVP like Cablay and Cariaso. Raymundo and Pingris were once finals MVPs, too. Because Alaska’s been there and done that, it will know what to do when the heat is on. Edge: Alaska.

Crowd support. Purefoods will enjoy the “homecourt” advantage over Alaska. James Yap has almost a cult following and his fans are enthusiastically behind him and the Giants. Purefoods has a mystique that’s almost like Ginebra’s. It’s one of the league’s three most popular clubs. The crowd as a sixth man is a huge morale booster. Edge: Purefoods.

Individually, Purefoods seems more potent than Alaska. But as a team, the Aces are more cohesive and efficient. If it’s a short series, Alaska will win. If the series extends to six or seven, Purefoods should prevail.

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YAP PLAYING BEST BASKETBALL IN 9 PBA YEARS

Source: PBA.COM.PH

Player of the Week Feb. 15 to 21

PUREFOODS coach Ryan Gregorio could not be faulted for maintaining his main playmaker, Roger Yap, is playing his best basketball in his entire career.

With the crafty nine- year veteran coming up with solid all-around figures, the Giants were able to beat favored San Miguel Beer in three straight games and advance to the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

“He was really the brightest star who played with an incredible will to win,” said Gregorio of Yap, who was named the undisputed KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period Feb. 15 to 21.

It was the second such distinction given the 32-year-old, who was also cited – with teammate James Yap – in the week of Jan. 25-31 and he alone hogged the limelight this time due to the vital role he played in powering Purefoods to a 4-2 win in the best-of-seven semifinal duel with the Beermen.

In leading the Giants’ drive to 97-84, 94-82 and 87-78 victories from Games 4 to 6, Yap was simply irrepressible, averaging 17.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists.

In the six-game semis, Yap emerged with averages of 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists while making 23 of 27 free throws to rank within the top 10 in all four categories.

Not bad for a 2001 draftee, whose previous best season was in 2004-05, when he normed 9.0 points while still with now-disbanded Shell.

“Roger was consistent in the whole San Miguel series,” noted Gregorio. “He hit his open jumpers, broke down the defense with his penetrations and played solid defense.”

Yap is also finally playing without the injuries that have hounded his career of late and Gregorio expects him to play another pivotal role in their best-of-seven championship series with the Alaska Aces.

“He is one of the senior players in our roster but he still has youthful spring on his legs,” said Gregorio. “Truly, he is playing his best basketball in his entire career.”

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ALASKA – PUREFOODS FINAL SHOWDOWN FIRES OFF WEDNESDAY; JAMES YAP HEALTH ALERT ON

Source: PBA.COM.PH

James Yap’s back injury will be sharing the spotlight when Purefoods and Alaska begin their titular series for the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday.

The injury has acted up since Game 3 of their semifinal match-up with San Miguel and has kept bothering the Giants’ lead scorer from time to time.

Ryan Gregorio, who will attempt to become the first Purefoods coach to win two All-Filipino championships, said James Yap’s state of health is under close watch but has not distracted their focus.

“I am not concerned about our injuries at this point because our will is greater than anything,” Gregorio emphasized.

Game 1 of the best-of-seven series fires off at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Barangay Ginebra, swept by Alaska in four games, and San Miguel, which squandered a 2-1 lead and lost to Purefoods in six games, contest the third place trophy at 5 p.m.

No team has played as many games as the Giants, who went through 29 games since the elimination round, raising questions whether they have the legs to ensure another seven-game series against a practically well-rested Aces.

“We were able to hurdle the 2nd best team [SMB] in the league, now the challenge is to topple the best team which is Alaska. They [Aces] have not relinquished the top spot from Day 1, that is an added motivation for us,” Gregorio said.

The series marks the seventh time these teams are facing each other for the championship and the third time in the All-Filipino Finals.

Among the league’s active coaches, no one has won as many championships as Alaska’s Tim Cone. He is responsible for all of the Uytengsu franchise’s 12 championships, including three All-Filipino crowns.

But he and the Aces have not a won this conference over the past 10 years since clinching their third AFC in 2000, coincidence, at the expense of Purefoods.

Alaska also made the Finals of the Philippine Cup last season but lost to Talk N Text in seven games.

“We fell short of our goal last year but we vowed to go all the way this time,” Cone proclaimed.

The American mentor said Game 1 is like a boxing match with both teams feeling each other out.

Both Gregorio and Cone believe defense will be vital in the series. Purefoods is giving up 85 points a game while Alaska is limiting opponents to 89 ppg.

“We’ve always believed in our defense and we feel we can step up our defense. Hopefully we can match them [Giants] stop-for-stop,” Cone said.

Gregorio said defense is the one reason why the Giants are in the Finals. “If we could prevent them from scoring easy baskets, we have a good chance of winning,” he said.

Cone, however, cautioned that Alaska’s trademark triangle is a tough offense to defend.

During their semifinal showdown with SMB, the Giants visibly struggled offensively. They shot just 44 percent from the field and had a woeful 24 clip from beyond the arc.

And with James Yap hurting, Gregorio is counting on Roger Yap, Kerby Raymundo, Nino Canaleta, Paul Artadi and Rafi Reavis to take over the offense.

But Cone also has his share of worries.

“It’s really about their [Giants] length. They’re not only long and tall, but they’re quick. They go to the boards very well. They’re able to cover for each other on defense. So we have to execute well and make sure we get good looks,” Cone said. (DBC)

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Clottey: It's no 'upset' if I beat Pacman

Source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - It’s either he hadn’t heard of the betting odds stacked against him or he’s just oozing with confidence.

Whatever it is, Johsua Clottey believes he’s got what it takes to wear down Manny Pacquiao and win it all.

If he wins, he said people shouldn’t think of it as an upset. Again, even if the betting odds say he just can’t.

“I will feel like I had a fight with Manny Pacquiao, the best fighter out there, and I won,” the 33-year-old told fanhouse.com.

“So even if I beat Pacquiao, and people talk about it like it’s a big upset, I’ll say, ‘It’s not an upset, but a win,’” said Clottey.

He has won 35 fights as a pro and only lost thrice. But he said in all those defeats, against Carlos Baldomir, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto, he never felt like a loser.

“I’ve never left the ring feeling like I lost. I feel like I’m undefeated. If I win this fight against Manny Pacquiao, I will never feel like I beat the best fighter in the world.”

He has moved on in training even if his chief handlers failed to secure US visas and join him in his headquarters in Florida.

Lenny de Jesus, a former Pacquiao cutman, is in charge of Clottey’s training, and the fighter with the body of a track star said they can do it.

But it’s always easier said than done when you’re up against a fighter like Pacquiao, who often made his opponents feel they were surrounded up in the ring.

Pacquiao just throws too many punches from too many angles as great champions like Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto learned over the last 13 months.

This makes Pacquiao the overwhelming favorite against Clottey and at -500 it means that you need to put $500 on Pacquiao just to win a hundred.

If you’re rooting for Clottey, and there may be very few of them outside Ghana, just a hundred bucks will give you $300 in return.

Pacquiao is favored in the March 13 fight that based on the odds the only way that could prevent him from winning that night is if a snow storm burries the whole of Arlington.

Again, Clottey thinks otherwise, against all odds.

“I’m in shape. I want to prove to the whole world that this a fight that I can win, and that they should be careful not to write me off,” he said.

On fight night, he’s got to prove a lot of people wrong.

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Two big men candidates for RP-5 center

Source: Joey Villar (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is seriously looking at two American players to naturalize in the hope of providing Smart Gilas more beef as the team competes against Asia’s powerhouse teams.

Seven-footer Michael Fey, who played for US NCAA Division I school UCLA from 2001 to 2005, and 6-foot-10 NBA journeyman Dwane Jones are the ones being considered by Smart Gilas, according to SBP executive director Noli Eala.

“Right now, our top two choices are Fey and Jones,” said Eala. “Fey is a legitimate seven-footer from UCLA while Jones has limited offensive skills but is a monster rebounder and defender.

“At any rate, I believe either one of them will be a good choice,” he added.

Smart Gilas’ Serbian coach Rajko Toroman and team manager Frankie Lim recently returned from the US where they held tryouts.

Actually, Courtney Simms, who averaged a solid 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in his four years with the University of Michigan Wolverines, was the most impressive. But the SBP was beaten to the punch by the Golden State Warriors, who will sign up the 6’11” slotman.

Although Fey and Jones are now on top of the list, Eala said they’re not yet delisting Gabriel Hughes, currently playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the NBA’s developmental league, the NBDL, former PBA import Earl Barron and a mysterious Kurt Lody.

Eala said he would meet with Toroman and Lim today to deliberate on which among these candidates will replace Jamal Sampson, who was recently released for failing to meet Smart Gilas’ expectations.

Whoever is chosen, Eala stressed, will join the Nationals in the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Doha, Qatar this May.

“Coach Rajko, Frankie and I are going to meet tomorrow (Tuesday) to decide on the matter. But for sure, we will go to the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup with an American import,” said Eala.

“The same player could be with us until the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and the Olympic qualifier in 2011 because naturalization is a long and tedious process and we have to start as soon as possible,” he added.

But it looked like the SBP would choose between the offense-minded Fey or the defense-oriented Jones.

Fey compiled norms of 8.6 points and 4.8 rebounds for the Bruins while Jones was a teammate of NBA veterans Jameer Nelson, Delonte West and Matt Caroll when then top seed St. Joseph made it to the Elite Eight of the 2004 NCAA.

He was an undrafted rookie in 2005 but was signed up by the Minnesota Timberwolves the same year before hopping with the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charlotte Bobcats.

Although Jones’ stat lines were a little bit more impressive, he had some bad records in Europe that might influence their decision. Jones reportedly left the Serbian Red Star last year in the final stretch of the Belgrade tournament for unknown reasons.

That’s why the SBP is hoping the naturalized player will not turn out a CJ Giles and Jamal Sampson, who were the earlier choices of Smart Gilas but were eventually dropped for different reasons.

“As soon as we finalized everything, Frankie will start the negotiation. I hope everything will turn out fine so we could continue our preparation for the 2011 Olympic qualifier,” said Eala.

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Alaska-Purefoods anybody's game

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - For both Alaska Milk and Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, fashioning out an incredible feat to make the finals is not enough.

The Aces and the Giants are raring to battle and beat each other to claim the 2009-2010 KFC PBA Philippine Cup championship.

The two teams figure in an all-Filipino finals showdown for the first time in nine years with Game One of the best-of-seven series set at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

League watchers and the title protagonists themselves foresee a series providing the tourney a climactic ending.

“It’s nice to be back. This is a big series and interesting one for us, and we intend to go hard. We’re here in the all-Filipino finals last year but went a game short,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“It’s been a while since we last made the finals. This is a good opportunity for us to be No. 1 again,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

Key players of both teams shared their own thoughts during the pre-finals press conference held at the elegant Gateway Suites in Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.

“Sa probinsya nga nakikipagpatayan kami sa laro para sa ice tubig lang, dito pa kaya sa PBA finals na million in bonuses ang nakataya,” Purefoods forward Marc Pingris said in half-jest.

“No less than the championship is at stake, so expect no less than a battle,” said Alaska main man Willie Miller.

Forget fatigue and injuries as the two teams are likely to be driven by a great desire and determination to win.

“Now that we’re in the finals, the heart and not weary legs is the thing,” said Gregorio, putting behind him the fact that they have played 29 games in the tourney, compared to only 22 of the Aces.

Gaining outright entry into the semis for topping the eliminations, the Aces also took a shortcut to the finals by sweeping the Barangay Ginebra Kings in their best-of-seven semis showdown.

Purefoods, No. 3 in the elims, needed five games to hurdle Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals and six games to get past second seed San Miguel in the Final Four.

Cone said they’re smart enough not to think the Giants are battle-weary.

“We will not fall on that trap,” said Cone, pointing out the series is about execution.

The veteran Alaska mentor explained they have to execute on both ends of the court to neutralize Purefoods’ tremendous size and quickness.

“It’s about their length. They’re long, tall and quick, making it easy for them to cover the court. But we feel we can step up our defense. Hopefully, we can match up step by step,” said Cone.

“Offensively, we have to execute and get ourselves good looks at the basket,” Cone added.

Gregorio is wary of the Aces for the sharpness they’ve shown throughout the tourney.

“Alaska is so sharp that I think our only chance is to get them out of their comfort zone and hopefully we have enough men to do that,” said Gregorio.

“Just like against San Miguel, we’ll come into the series with a defensive mindset. Our only chance really is to disrupt them,” Gregorio added.

“Sonny Thoss has been playing the best games of his career, Willie Miller and LA Tenorio are doing their thing and Tony dela Cruz has suddenly become a double-double (numbers) player. They have at least nine players who can light up the board,” Gregorio also said.

The Aces won their first game, 101-87, in the elims with five men, led by Tenorio with 24 points, finishing in double figures.

The Giants got back at the Aces, 94-77, on Jan. 15 when Alaska was already safe into the semis.

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Triumphant Patriots keep Dixon, Freeman

Source: (The Philippine Star)

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Given another chance to play for the Philippine Patriots, Jason Dixon will not hesitate to do so.

“Well, if given another chance, so why not,” said Dixon. “I like this team, it has the will to win. That’s the attitude I want for a team.”

If he’s free, Gabe Freeman is also willing to return for the Patriots.

“This is a great team, the management is good, I like them. I like to play for a winning team since I hate to lose a game,” said Freeman.

Dixon and Freeman played key roles in the Patriots’ 75-67 win that enabled them to sweep their best-of-five title series with Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma in the first ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Sunday at the BritAma Arena here.

Co-team owner Mikee Romero and coach Louie Alas also relish the idea of getting back the dynamic duo when the second conference of the league opens shop in October.

“They’re perfect combination, Jason is a very good inside operator while Gabe is a versatile player. If they want to play for us again, then it’s OK for us,” said Romero, who joined the team’s celebration along with wife and daughter.

“But before thinking about the next tournament, let’s enjoy this championship first. This is a sweet first for us,” added Romero who co-owns the team with Tonyboy Cojuangco. “This is great for Philippine basketball.”

Saving his best for last, the 6-foot-10 Dixon exploded for 28 points aside from grabbing 12 boards.

“Well, it’s time to win and it’s time to go home,” said Dixon.

Freeman had one of his poor shooting nights but still finished with 17 points and 19 rebounds. He also made life miserable for the usually hot scoring Alex Hartman of Satria Muda.

With their championship, Romero believes the five other teams in the league, including Indonesia, will intensify their build-up for the next conference.

“That’s for sure, they’re going to form a much competitive team in order to stop us. But we know the formula already, so we will just prepare early,” said the president and CEO of Harbour Centre.

Team manager Erick Arejola also disclosed that they have already in mind the players they will take in if collegiate stars Nonoy Baclao, Elmer Espiritu, Khazin Mirza and Val Acuna turn pro this year.

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Air21 Express back on PBA floor

Source: (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Air21 Express is back and vows to deliver.

Burger King, the Bert Lina-owned franchise, is returning to its old, revered name – Air21 – in the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference, which starts on March 20.

Lina, whose Lina Group of Companies is a conglomeration of various business
endeavors, ranging from freight and cargo forwarding services to food production, and other corporate services, made the decision after Burger King achieved its goal of becoming a household name in the quick service restaurant industry.

“Burger King has already gained a significant brand awareness through the PBA and with that, has decided to channel its resources for further growth. Hence, the Lina Group of Companies will be using the PBA to again promote its flagship company–which is Air21,” said Lina.

Under Air21, the Lina-owned franchise had its best years in the professional league, with the Express nearly snatching their first-ever PBA crown in the 2008 Fiesta Conference.

“Get ready for the return of the Ube Republic,” said PBA chairman and Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez, referring to the dominant color of the Air21 banner. “We will try to re-live the success that we had with the Air21 name,” he said. “We’re very upbeat because the Express name has been synonymous with a fast, exciting team that never surrenders until the final buzzer. We can do that again.”

The Lina franchise, now being coached by multi-titled mentor Yeng Guiao, entered the league in 2002 under the FedEx Express banner, before using the Air21 Express name a few years later, where they had their most successful seasons in the league, particularly in 2008.

Playing with 6-9 import Steve Thomas, Air21 made it to its first outright semifinals appearance with a league-best 12-6 record in the elimination round of the 2008 Fiesta Conference. The Express beat the Magnolia Beverage Masters in the semis in six games, to corner their first-ever stint in a PBA championship, setting up a memorable finale against Barangay Ginebra.

Although the Air21 Express lost in the championship to the Gin Kings in a best-of-seven series that went the full route, the Express were embraced by PBA fans wholeheartedly for their spirited play and exciting brand of basketball.

For the coming Fiesta Conference, the Express will be parading LeRey Hickerson, a two-time slam-dunk champion in the Mexican League. The 6-5 Hickerson arrives March 10 to join the team in preparation for the Fiesta Conference.

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Miller, Yap, Williams lead MVP candidates

Source: Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Former MVP winners Willie Miller, James Yap and Kelly Williams were among six players who emerged as official candidates for the Best Player of the Conference honors in the all-Filipino tourney which is about to end.

Arwind Santos, Joe De Vance and Mark Cardona also made the list, becoming contenders for the coveted award won last year by Miller.

With the statistical points (SPs) race over, the six players now dispute the BPC plum through balloting.

Based on the average SPs churned out by the players from the eliminations through the semis, Williams is on top with 40.6 points per game, followed by Santos (35.4), Miller (31.0), De Vance (31.7) and Cardona (30.7).

Yap failed to make the Top Five but was included in the candidates list for being the stats leader of his Purefoods Giants team, which reached the tournament finals.

Yap, the 2006 MVP winner, landed at No. 8 overall with Kerby Raymundo being the next best-placed Purefoods player at No. 13.

Raymundo was in the Top Five after the elims.

Narrowly missing the Top Five were LA Tenorio (29.8) and Gabe Norwood (29.0).

The Best Player of the Conference will be named before Game Four of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven series.

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Howard powers Magic to 101-95 win over Cavs

Source: By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press Writer (sports.yahoo.com)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Dwight Howard(notes) sat on a chair in front of his locker and plopped his son, Braylon, onto his lap. The 2-year-old was wearing a blue shirt with the Superman emblem stamped on the chest.

Statement? Hardly. The big man did that on the court.

Howard had 22 points and 16 rebounds in a bruising battle with Shaquille O’Neal(notes), and the Orlando Magic beat Cleveland 101-95 on Sunday for the Cavaliers’ first three-game losing streak in two years.

“He’s a big load,” Howard said of O’Neal, who had taken offense recently to Howard being called Superman. “You just got to get in there and fight him. You got to get out there and wrestle with him. You got to make him work.”

They both did plenty of that.

Howard was 8-for-13 shooting and added four blocks, and Vince Carter(notes) had eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Magic beat Cleveland for the first time this season.

O’Neal made his first eight shots and finished with 20 points, and LeBron James(notes) had 33 points and nine rebounds for the Cavaliers, who were eliminated by Orlando in last year’s Eastern Conference finals.

“Dwight is one of the only true big men left. I’m sure he doesn’t mind a little bit of physicality,” said O’Neal, who avoided any verbal jabs at Howard after this one. “I darn sure don’t mind it. Two big, strong guys. Old ball, young ball going at it. Fun game to watch.”

Stayed tuned. Might be plenty more matchups this season.

Although the Cavaliers’ losing skid - all since acquiring Antawn Jamison(notes) from Washington - comes on the heels of a 13-game winning streak, they still lead Orlando by five games. And with the Magic starting to play their best basketball, a conference finals rematch might be in store.

“We play the way we’re playing, they play the way they’re playing, we’ll eventually meet,” Howard said.

The hoopla surrounding the Howard-Shaq squabble over the Superman nickname finally lived up to the billing, and for a February game it sure felt like June.

Carter made a two-handed dunk over heavy traffic, and followed that with a layup over Jamison, pumping his fist to the crowd in celebration. Jameer Nelson(notes) came back with a 3-pointer to put the Magic ahead 96-88 with about 2 minutes left.

O’Neal tipped in a missed shot, and Anthony Parker(notes) made a 3-pointer to trim the deficit to three. But after James missed a 3-pointer on Cleveland’s next possession, Rashard Lewis(notes) made a 3 - from the same spot where he sent the Game 6 clincher into overtime last year - with 20.1 seconds remaining to seal the Magic’s win.

Jamison, acquired from Washington earlier this week, had 19 points - after starting his Cleveland career 0 for 12 - but still doesn’t know what it feels like to win with his new team.

“I think Antawn is really going to benefit us, we are just going through a little transition period right now trying to figure out lineups and figuring out certain sets,” James said.

Until the last few minutes, though, it was Superman vs. Superman.

O’Neal has been known as the comic book superhero for most of his 17-year NBA career, and he had taken exception with Howard getting the same nickname. It didn’t help that Howard has erased much of O’Neal’s shadow in Orlando - where he spent four years in the mid-90s - and has restored the Magic to prominence.

“I am not concerned with that,” said O’Neal, who has called Howard an “impostor” among other things. “When I am done playing, I will have four, five or six (titles). I am not concerned with useless titles.”

He’ll also be remembered for putting on quite a show.

O’Neal grabbed a rebound and caught Howard under the basket, hammering a powerful one-handed dunk over the young center in the opening quarter. Shaq added a put-back dunk, an alley-oop tip and a three-point play over Howard all before the half.

At the other end of the floor, Howard used his youth and agility to wiggle around O’Neal almost at will, slicing through the paint for layups and hook shots and making the elder center sprint down the court. Howard also banked a jumpshot from the wing and his defensive presence helped Orlando go ahead 46-35 late in the second quarter.

“I don’t think he smiled tonight so that should make everybody happy,” said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, referring to how some perceive Howard as a happy-go-luck center. “He’s playing as well as anybody in the league.”

And suddenly, so are the Magic.

“Sometimes people do forget that we’re the defending Eastern Conference champions,” Lewis said. “That’s OK. We just got to keep playing hard, because we know we might see them again.”

NOTES: Gina Marie Incandela sang the national anthem, the same 7-year-old girl the Magic had perform for most of their surprising NBA finals run last season. Orlando was 7-0 when she sang until losing consecutive home games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals. … Howard and O’Neal bumped fists before the opening tip.

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Donaire to fight in May

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - No opponent has been named but interim WBA superflyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. yesterday said his manager Cameron Dunkin confirmed his next fight will be on May 8 in Mexico or Las Vegas in the 118-pound bantamweight division.

“I’ll be ready for whomever Cameron and Top Rank put in front of me,” said Donaire who arrived in Manila last Friday with wife Rachel and father-in-law Gerry Marcial from San Francisco. “I’m hoping it’ll be a title fight. For what title, I still don’t know. But it probably won’t be against (WBO bantamweight champion) Fernando Montiel who’s committed to fight mandatory challenger Eric Morel next.”

Donaire, 27, said he’s moving up to bantamweight unless there’s an opportunity to face either WBO superflyweight titlist Jorge Arce of Mexico or unified WBA and WBC 115-pound champion Vic Darchinyan of Australia. He admitted scaling five to six pounds over the limit the day before the weigh-in for his superflyweight title defense against Mexico’s Manuel (Chango) Vargas in Las Vegas last Feb. 13.

“It was tough going down to 115,” said Donaire. “But a fighter has to do what he has to do. I made it on my first try at the weigh-in. I hardly ate for two days. I’ll stay a superflyweight only if I fight Arce or Darchinyan.”

Donaire said his “wish” order of battle for the year lists Darchinyan, Arce and Montiel.

“My first target is Darchinyan who holds two titles then Arce to unify the WBA, WBC and WBO superflyweight championships and finally, Montiel for the bantamweight belt before the year ends,” said Donaire. “If that happens, I’ll be a three-division world champion this year.”

Donaire said there’s also the possibility of challenging WBC superbantamweight champion Israel Vazquez who’s due to defend his crown against Rafael Marquez in their fourth grudge match in Los Angeles on May 22.

“Vazquez has been calling me out,” said Donaire. “I’ll move up to superbantamweight if we can make it happen. Going up to 122 pounds is no problem. I could fight the winner of his bout against Marquez at the end of this year or early next year.”

Darchinyan, 34, is set to defend his twin crowns against Mexico’s Rodrigo Guerrero in Rancho Mirage, California, on March 6. Arce, 30, won the vacant WBO title on a seventh round technical decision over Indonesia’s Angky Angkota in Mexico City last Jan. 30. Montiel, 30, retained his WBO diadem on a first round knockout over Filipino Ciso Morales in the Donaire-Vargas undercard. Vazquez, 32, ended a 19-month layoff to halt Angel Priolo in Los Angeles last October and has beaten Marquez in two of three meetings so far.

Donaire disclosed that Vargas suffered a dislocated jaw in the second round and proved to be a tough customer. Vargas was pulled in three days before the fight as a late replacement for Gerson Guerrero who was scratched after doctors confirmed a detached retina in the right eye.

“He was tougher than I thought,” said Donaire. “Vargas was in shape because he was scheduled to fight in Mexico that night. I remember Raul Martinez went down when I hit him with a right but I did the same to Vargas and he took it standing up. I finally got him with a left uppercut. It took me two rounds to figure him out. I trained hard for the fight. In the gym, I built up my speed with plyometrics. I worked on my legs. I was confident of winning and confidence is the key to victory.”

Donaire said his cornermen Robert Garcia and Jonathan Peñalosa set him on track for the knockout over Vargas.

“Robert and Jonathan worked well together,” he said. “During the fight, Robert told me to go side-to-side, to let loose and relax. Jonathan told me to keep pumping my jab and take advantage of my length. I was too stiff in the first two rounds trying to go for a one-punch knockout. In the third, I went side-to-side and it opened up angles for my shots. I felt really strong using my speed and power.”

Donaire said the win over Vargas showed the wide range in his arsenal.

“I’ve got a lot of weapons now,” he said. “I stopped Darchinyan with a left hook. I got Martinez with a right. I finished off Vargas with a left uppercut. Both my hands are weapons. I can attack with an overhand right and a right straight, too. I can switch to southpaw if it’s necessary. I’m sticking with Robert, Jonathan and my conditioning coach Mike Bazzel in my corner.”

Donaire cited Garcia’s contributions. Garcia, who trains fighters at the converted firehouse La Colonia Gym in Oxnard, near Los Angeles, was once an IBF superfeatherweight champion.

“Robert is a great strategist,” said Donaire. “He came in last January to visit my camp at Undisputed in San Carlos. We worked on a gameplan with Jonathan. He gave me solid advice. Two weeks before the fight, we hooked up. His two world champions Brian Viloria and Steven Luevano had just lost so he was feeling down. He’s a super nice guy and he’s really close to his fighters like they’re brothers. He was very happy after I knocked out Vargas and gave me a big hug in the ring.”

Donaire said he will stay in Manila until March 2.

“I’ll attend the PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Awards Night on March 1 for sure,” he said. “It’s an honor to join the country’s best athletes in an event organized by the PSA. But before that, I plan to visit Z Gorres in Cebu.”

Donaire provided Gorres, recovering from brain surgery, and his wife Datches ringside tickets to witness the “Latin Fury 13/Pinoy Power 3” sequel in Las Vegas and promised to give a share of his purse. Donaire will fly to Cebu to personally hand out the share to Gorres. He didn’t reveal how much is his contribution but said it comes straight from the heart. The amount is rumored to be in six figures.

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