The Year In College Basketball : Archers back on Top; Red Lions achieve 4-Peat

Both the UAAP and NCAA tournaments were filled with surprises and exciting games. Both tournaments produced new heroes in college hoops. Both tournaments became unpredictable until the finish line. 2013 was simply a great year for college basketball.


New kings of the UAAP hailed as Blue Eagles’ 5-year reign comes to an end

Season 76 started with the experts debating on who would be the heavy favorites this season. Most of them believed that six teams had almost equal chances of bagging the coveted UAAP crown this year, namely Ateneo de Manila, National University, University of Sto. Tomas, University of the East, Far Eastern University and De La Salle University.

The Blue Eagles were out to defend their five-year dynasty but lost key players, especially at the post, with the exodus of Greg Slaughter and Nico Salva. Many believed that Ateneo’s chances of taking home a sixth straight title would be slim, but not impossible. After all, it still had the sensational Kiefer Ravena in its fold.

The UST Growling Tigers seemed prime for the championship this season after losing their chance in the finals against Ateneo last year. Besides, they still have a formidable line-up that includes Jeric Teng, Karim Abdul, Aljon Mariano and Kevin Ferrer.

The NU Bulldogs looked solid with an almost intact line-up and a more seasoned Ray Parks. They also have an incredibly deep bench.

The UE Warriors surprised many with their conquest of the pre-season Fil Oil Cup. With the scoring prowess of Roy Sumang and the addition of the bull-strong Charles Mammie, they were certain to give other squads a run for their money.

The FEU Tamaraws are always considered a dangerous team with explosive guards like Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia. This was proven to be true when the Tams swept the first round this season.

The Green Archers entered the season with the tallest frontline and the deepest bench. Although a young team, they were immediately considered as title contenders.


So it was a wide-open race.

But nearing the playoffs, the tournament became even more interesting due to certain unexpected events including numerous suspensions on players and coaches. Ateneo’s chances were hurt when new head coach Bo Perasol was slapped a two-game suspension after a confrontation with a DLSU fan at the end of the Ateneo-La Salle second round match. UST eventually eliminated the Perasol-less Blue Eagles in their second round match-up to barge into the Final Four.
Thus, Ateneo’s five-year dynasty finally met its end.

And after the semis, the two teams that survived were also the most determined this year, having gone through the fire earlier in the tournament. The Green Archers were criticized in several games during the first round for their inability to close out games that they’ve dominated in the first three quarters. The Growling Tigers groped for form in several games due to the absence of Jeric Teng, who sustained a back injury during the first round encounter with NU.

La Salle entered the second round with a renewed spirit and has not lost a single game since. UST, the No. 4 squad in the semis, defied the odds and defeated the No. 1 team NU Bulldogs twice to return to the UAAP finals.

And the finale was everything it was expected to be. The best-of-three championship series went the distance, with all three games equally heart-stopping. The Tigers took Game 1, with a 73-72 squeaker over the Archers, in a highly charged contest. But La Salle got its act together to even the series with a convincing 77-70 victory. This set the stage for a climactic ending to a great season.

Game 3 was sure to bring out the best in both squads. It was electrifying, emotional, physical and spectacular.
From the get go, you could see the fire in the eyes of both sides. Both teams played excellent defense that neither of them was able to build a big lead, unlike in the first two games.

Four quarters could not settle the championship. Extra five minutes were needed.

At this point, both sides were slowly losing steam. Both coaches limited their player rotation. One after another, the players were getting the cramps. The overtime period was starting to look ugly, marred by forced shots and turnovers from both sides.
The first basket in the extra period was a lay-up by Vosotros after a loose ball play, 67-65 for DLSU. Jarencio asked for an isolation post play for Kevin Ferrer. Brilliant move. 67-all, 1:15 left in the game.

UST makes a stop. Jarencio directs another post play, this time for Jeric, against Vosotros. Jeric did a tough fade away shot for the 69-67 UST lead with only 34 seconds remaining.

Jeron takes charge and draws a foul from Mariano. He sinks the first but bungles the second.

Mariano got the loose ball but was trapped in the corner. He spots Ferrer on the weak side, but his pass was off target. Crucial turnover.

The ensuing play became the play of the game. Jeron attacks the hoop and draws all defenders to him, leaving Vosotros open. Vosotros makes his favorite move – a shot fake and one-dribble J. Swoosh. La Salle now up, 70-69.

Abdul misses on his penetration and LA Revilla recovers the leather. UST sends him to the stripe. He makes one of two for a 71-69 La Salle lead.

Abdul attacks coast-to-coast but Jeron taps the ball out. Upon video review, the officials gave the possession to the Tigers, with only 2.3 seconds to go. Abdul finds himself wide open from mid-range but muffs his third attempt in a row.

La Salle gets the win and the title.

Two months later, the Green Archers also took home the PCCL crown via a 2-0 sweep of the South Western University Cobras in the finals.

With only LA Revilla graduating from its program, La Salle looks to build its own dynasty in the UAAP after archrival Ateneo ruled the league from 2008 to 2012.

The Teng brothers became household names especially after the finals. But other UAAP heroes emerged during the season like AVO, Perkins, Mammie, Chris Newsome, and Jericho Cruz, even as Romeo got the MVP award and Kyles Lao the Rookie of the Year plum.

Red Lions struggle to keep NCAA dynasty but win four-peat just the same

Many thought this season was going to be a walk in the park for San Beda, especially with an almost intact line-up. But from the opening day when the Red Lions barely escaped the College of St. Benilde Blazers, it became clear that this year’s NCAA tournament was also going to be anybody’s season.

It was also the longest season in league history, which ran from June to November. All ten teams had brilliant games throughout the season. The Mapua Cardinals only won twice in the tournament but one of them was over San Beda. Lyceum, the cellar dweller last season, defeated all four semi-finalists once this year.

Up to the last two weeks of the elimination round, the final standings were still unclear with only San Beda and Letran assured of a semis ticket.

But just before the Final Four, reports came out that Red Lion guard Ryusei Koga saw action in another tournament during the season, which was a league violation. If proven true, up to four SBC wins would have been forfeited, dropping the Red Lions to no more than the No. 4 spot. It would have meant a date with the Knights in the semis, but with a twice-to-win disadvantage. The NCAA formed an investigating committee that found no evidence to prove the allegation.

San Beda still emerged on top of the standings after the elims, followed by Letran, San Sebastian and Perpetual Help.
The Red Lions and Knights easily won their semis matches to set a most awaited rematch. San Beda got its third straight championship last year in three games at the expense of Letran.

It was another chance for the Lions to win the four-peat after they failed to achieve this in 2009. But it was a chance for retribution too for the Knights after bowing to San Beda in the previous year.

Many thought the match-up was dead even. But many agreed too that this was Letran’s best opportunity to snatch the NCAA diadem, which it last held in 2005. The Knights, after all, were more balanced this year, especially with the vast improvement of Raymond Almazan. The 6’8” center was declared the season MVP. He was a good match-up against San Beda’s Ola Adeogun.

In Game 1, the Lions’ championship experience and bench depth proved useful as they turned a see-saw battle into a rout in the last five minutes to take the victory, 80-68. San Beda entered the fourth quarter with a 47-53 deficit. But the Red Lions imposed their will in the same period, scattering 33 points as against only 15 for the Knights.

n Game 2, the Knights’ bench delivered the goods to level the series with a 79-74 win. The Lions had an excellent first half that saw them on top by six. But with their backs against the wall, the Knights responded to new mentor Caloy Garcia’s call to fight with all their might in the second half. Letran used a run-and-gun attack to force a sudden death for the title.

Still fresh in the minds of some Knights from last year’s Game 3, especially Mark Cruz, Kevin Racal, Jonathan Belorio and Almazan, was the 28-point mauling they received from the Lions. This time, they were ready for war.

Game 3 was a basketball junkie’s dream. It was one of the best college games in recent years, especially if you appreciate a defensive-oriented approach. There were 11 lead changes and three deadlocks.

At halftime, San Beda’s rookie coach Boyet Fernandez pointed out the Lions’ usual meltdown in the third period. In Games 1 and 2, they were ahead going into the second half only to lose the lead midway in the third quarter. In Game 3, they were down by six points after 20 minutes of play.

When the Knights brought their lead up to eight points in the third, the Letran gallery went wild, as it was looking very much like Game 2. But Fernandez pulled one from his bag of tricks and surprised the Knights with a 2-2-1 zone press and 2-3 half-court zone that allowed the Bedans to slowly crawl back into the game until an Amer jumper from the corner put San Beda back in the driver’s seat by one point.

Then came the payoff period. There was so much passion from both sides in the jam-packed Mall of Asia Arena. It was winning time.

Both teams traded baskets and the lead kept shifting from one side to the other. Letran rookies Rey Nambatac and Reneford Ruaya came to play and hit some big shots in the last eight minutes of the game.

But in the final two minutes, sophomore power forward Arth Dela Cruz took over the game, converting two floaters that kept the Lions ahead. With under a minute to go, Yvan Ludovice split his charities to give San Beda a two-point lead.
Racal tried to tie the count but was blocked by Adeogun.

With only eight seconds remaining, all the Red Lions had to do was make a good inbound pass. They didn’t. Dela Cruz lost grip of the ball and was stolen by Racal.

But the Knights wasted a golden opportunity to tie the count after Racal's pass was deflected by Dela Cruz into the hands of Ludovice and then to Amer, who was eventually fouled. Letran still not in penalty.

This time, San Beda made sure to inbound the ball well, which landed in the hands of Adeogun. Letran sent the Nigerian gentle giant to the line. He calmly sank both charities to give San Beda a luxurious four-point advantage with just two ticks left in the game.

And then it was all over. The Red Lions celebrate their fourth consecutive NCAA championship via a 60-56 triumph in Game 3.
This season was unquestionably the most difficult for the Red Lions, who have won seven of the last eight NCAA titles.
Next year, the Red Lions gun for a league record five straight championships that San Sebastian first achieved in 1997. With only Rome Dela Rosa exiting the program, this seems to be a great possibility.

But then again, each year becomes tougher for the Red Lions to keep their dynasty in the NCAA.

One thing's for sure, the 2014 collegiate season should be something to watch out for in both the UAAP and the NCAA. JMP

A Secret I Couldn't Keep

You haven't left my thoughts. Ever. Not even once. To put it quite simply, I miss you. I miss the way you would confide in me. I miss the stories you would unfold in my ears. I miss feeling your smile even if it was only on the phone. I miss every moment lived with you. I despise every moment without you. I miss the portrait of you with my mind. And I could spend hours trying to explain why it still hurts, but its quite complicated and all I know is that I miss you. And sometimes I'd rather not know that you miss me too.

I would love to know why the thought of you still keeps me restless at the oddest hours of the day, but what I would love even more is to know if I have the same effect on you. Your eyes are still my favorite place to get lost in. Your heart is still the only place I can call home. Your arms are the single greatest comfort I've come to know. And call me crazy, but I don't think you'll ever understand the effect your smile has on me.

Sometimes when I look at your picture, I just want to kiss you. More than anything, I just want one kiss. A kiss to tell me that you trust your lips against mine. A kiss to prove to me that I can still see the world with my eyes closed. A kiss to remind me that actions do truly speak louder than words. I miss the feeling of having my lungs filled with the sweetest air possible, yet still feel so breathless.

But it already feels like an eternity ago when it was all so real. I traded away the happiness I found in your hands that fit so perfectly with mine. I traded away the peace I found when you rested your head on my shoulders. I traded away the harmony I found in your voice when I talked to you to sleep while I ran my fingers through your hair. I traded away the bliss I felt when you first called me Baby and made me realize that I would never be the same again. I traded away the way you made me feel that nothing else has compared or even came close to. And I'm afraid that nothing ever will.

I've lost you, and yet I still love you. A different definition this time around. A love that I've gradually learned from you. Unspoken. Unconditional. Resilient. You drive me crazy and keep me sane at the same time and I wouldn't want it any other way. At times it hurts to love you and it feels me with anger that I became ashamed to feel. Ashamed, not just for the wrong things I've done but also for the right things that I failed to do.

I forced myself out of a love that was given to me unconditionally. I forced myself into the dark, until I could no longer remember how to feel with my eyes. I forced to believe that I loved you more than you ever loved me. But the worst part was selling my soul for a price I know I can never repay, and forcing myself into thinking that you never truly loved me because you never would've left. It brings a subtle devastation to my life to know we could never be, because I was always willing to bet my life that you were meant for me.

You were the kind of secret I couldn't keep to myself. And I didn't really think about where it would end up because I was so enthralled in trying to recapture the best feeling that I've ever felt. No excuses. I turned my back on the one person that believed she could count on me. Never in a million years will I ever be able to forgive myself for destroying the world I once considered my everything. Not being able to have the only thing you want out of life hurts a lot more than they say it would. And I deserve every morsel of pain and suffering. I just hope one day that I'll fully comprehend how much you truly loved me.

Think of this as a simple love letter like before - full of emotions I cannot express, telling you everything you should hear with the words only my heart could comprehend. You are everything when I'm convinced that I should be nothing at all. Simply put, thank you. For every second of your time, for every ounce of your patience, every bit of your effort and every drop of your love. JMP

What If?

Every Filipino basketball junkie dreams of the day that a kid from our little island nation will finally make it to the biggest league in the world, the NBA. Imagine a guy of your own bloodline playing in this grand stage and actually making an impact. These hoop dreams are not far from reality with players getting taller, stronger, quicker and smarter. Even Manny V. Pangilinan or also known as MVP, is thinking of purchasing a share in an NBA team. Indeed the sky is the limit when it comes to our love of the game. Everything is possible when we dream. But imagine if the NBA or the US NCAA suddenly banned all foreigners who did not have American blood in them or who were not born in America. Citing that these foreigners are taking away opportunities for so many young Americans from playing college or professionally. If that happens, our hoop dream would be obliterated. Of course, the Filipino nation would cry foul, citing that this is racist and unfair for players who worked so hard just to get a chance to study in the US or play in the NBA. Players who risked everything chasing that dream. Unfair isn't it?

But thats exactly what we are doing in our own country. The NCAA has enacted a rule that would ban foreigners from playing in the league. The UAAP on the other hand, is putting some thought into enacting such a rule in their own league. This ban was enacted by the schools who advocated it, claiming that the influx of foreigners into Philippine basketball will destroy local scouting thus, will not help local talents, though the national team, Gilas Pilipinas, has acquired the service of a foreign player to shore up the center position. These so called men of upright education claim that we must prioritize our own race than others, yet would cry foul at the very hint of a racist murmur against our very own. They claim that these foreigners do not come here to study but just to play but does not bat an eye when they found out a local player, who happens to be their star player, does not attend classes. This cycle of hipocrisy and politics is what truly bringing Philippine basketball down. The fact that these rules were enacted in response to the rise of teams in their leagues shows that the true reason why they enact such rule is only to bring certain teams down. This is masked by misplaced nationalism that evolves into outright racism. A cycle of hate and bigotry that if not stopped, will only get worse.

Though I should not be surprised since I've always believed that Filipinos are racist. We call offensive names to different ethnic groups that only shows our ignorance to the world community. One game affirmed me that my belief was true. Game 3 of the 89th season of the NCAA Basketball Finals. Whenever Nigerian Ola Adeogun would go to the freethrow line, the whole Colegio de San Juan de Letran community resounded not with cheers or jeers but with monkey sounds and gestures. A Letran alumus was also photographed acting like a monkey to mock Ola. These acts are the most disgusting I've ever seen in my years of watching basketball. That act made me ashamed to associate myself to these people as my countrymen. They do not know the meaning or implications of what they did. As what I said to a friend who's a Letran alumnae, "I pray that you do not experience what you did to Ola that game." Yet I believe that it is more shameful that the institution itself did not do anything about the incident, not even an apology. It is perfectly clear that Letran accepts these kind of behavior from their alumni and students and has no intention of curtailing this.

They fail to realize that these athletes have risked so much to come to our shores to gain an education and/or realize their dreams to play professionally. Young men come here to seek own fortunes, quite similar to a Filipino teen coming to Metro Manila to try out for a college team. The stories of young men such as Ola Adeogun who left his homeland of Nigeria at a young age to follow his dream. Not only is he a well-loved man around campus and beyond because of his kindness at his obvious skill as a player but he also showed ability in his academics by becoming a dean's lister. He speaks impeccable Tagalog and is inlove with his adopted country. During the recent calamities, Ola wore a shirt dedicating his game to the victims of typhoon Yolanda. Yet through all his kindness he has shown and concern he has given, he is still treated in an appalling manner by certain people. He is no different from any Filipino kid who has dreams, a family, beliefs and his own pursuit of happiness. It just so happens that he is 6'9, dominant at the game and comes from a winning school.

While writing this article, I couldn't avoid but feel anger and shame. I feel angry that people could be so cruel and ignorant to do such things. Shamed that my own people, who ourselves fought for our right to be respected as a nation and as a race would do such things. Racism is a global concern for organizations like FIFA, spending a lot of money to curtail racism. I hope this article would shed some light into why these rules and why our treatment to these student-athlete are wrong. This game is not about skin color or where you came from. This is a game loved by many, so let us not ruin it with ignorant hate. These foreigners are not objects that we can easily disposed, they are people. They are humans just like us. JMP

For San Beda, Our Country and God

This is the 3rd time that San Beda and Letran has met in an NCAA Finals since 2006.

In Season 83, San Beda took the crown in 2 games. In Season 88, both were in the brink but San Beda prevailed in 3 games, taking over the reigns as the NCAA’s winningest team in history.

Bring out the challenges

A hard -fought battle on opening night against the Blazers. Losses to Lyceum and Letran in the 1st round then that stunning loss to cellar dweller, Mapua. The latter was a wake up call.

Although they were the favorites to go all the way, a lot of people questioned their resolve, their hunger, perhaps, waning. They have been playing inconsistently all -year, numbers don’t lie.

In their last game of the regular season, they needed an extra period to extinguish an unrelenting and hungry Knights squad.

What’s worse, enter the Koga ligang labas issue. The case erupted with proof that is unclear and without a shred of testimony. It added a black hole in an already long and weary NCAA season. No conclusion, no end in sight. During the finals, hecklers were shouting his name but San Beda wisely ignored the jeers.

Fear neither fire nor blood

At the series opener, the Red Lions claimed pole position at the final turn with a decisive, 80-68 dismantling of the Knights.

Ola Adeogun had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Baser Amer had an excellent game with 16-points, 8 rebounds while dishing out 6 assists, including 3 of 5 from long range. Ivan Ludovice also had his way from beyond the arc shooting 60% for a game total 11 points. San Beda out -rebounded Letran 49-40.

In their 2nd meeting, the Red Lions were appalling offensively, shooting just 38% compared to Letran’s 48%. A high scoring affair thwarted San Beda’s chance to close it out.

The Red Lions struggled to dictate the tempo and had 21 turnovers. The Knights took advantage, squeezing out an 18-9 edge in turnover points and 14-4 fastbreak points.

Art dela Cruz top scored for San Beda with 23 points and 12 rebounds with a 44% from 3 point range to keep up with the offensive minded Knights. Baser Amer only had 8 points, his 5th single digit performance of the season but contributed 6 assists.

Do it all Team Captain, Rome dela Rosa picked up his final foul midway thru the 3rd period and left the game with 10 points to his credit.

Adeogun, who earned his 4th personal early in the 2nd half, rode the bench thru most of the 3rd and early 4th quarters, could not make his presence felt with only a single attempt from the shaded area.

The most dominating center in the NCAA only had 10 points mostly from the free throw line but converted on a surprise 3-pointer to close the gap down the stretch.

They answered the Clarion’s call

In Game 3, San Beda started strong with a 14-7 advantage to end the 1st quarter. Letran made a furions comeback in the 2nd quarter to close the 1st half with a 6-point lead.

It was in this timeframe that multi-titled coach- Boyet Fernandez – used the zone to pressure the ball at the same time disrupting Letran’s drive and kick attack. It was his final card. He added that San Beda has never used the zone against Letran all year. It was a risk because the Knights are adept in hitting that deadly three -ball.

The Red Lions can go under in minutes but the ploy worked and that’s what coaching is all about.

The 3rd period was close with San Beda on top, 45-43. In the 4th quarter, it was a dog -fight all the way.

Adeogun’s strong move to the basket knotted the game’s final lead change. Dela Cruz’s floater with 3 minutes left, made it a 3-point lead for San Beda, 55-52.

After two free throws by Kevin Racal, Dela Cruz’s clutch jumper from the pinch post extended San Beda’s margin once again by 3.

A wide open jumper by Ford Ruaya from the right wing trimmed the Red Lions lead by a single digit until Mark Cruz suffered cramps with 28 seconds left.

Adeogun’s block on Racal’s baseline drive secured another possession for the Red Lions.

The hungry Knights had the chance to tie or steal the game on a poor inbounds pass by San Beda luckily Ludovice and Dela Cruz regained possession to finally seal the game and the title for the Red Lions.

Letran had the edge in fastbreak points, 11-4 but San Beda took care of business in the rebounding department, 48-42 with17 turnover points compared to Letran’s 10.

A winner everywhere he goes. An NCAA juniors title. A title in the UAAP with Ateneo in his rookie season and in his return in the NCAA with the Red Lions, helping them achieve no. 17. Dela Cruz is this year’s NCAA Finals MVP with a 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists, another double-double performance.

Adeogun , the main reason why the Red Lions have been title contenders the past two seasons and years to come, has contributed 17 points, 13 rebound and 4 blocked shots for probably the biggest game of San Beda since mounting their title run in Season 82.

8 finals appearances. 7 Championships. An 18-0 campaign. A pair of 3-peats. Four straight championships, the first in team history, with a grand total of 18 titles in the country’s oldest collegiate basketball league.

How sweet it is. JMP

Roar For Four

Experience. Poise. Composure and Drive.

Those are what drove the San Beda Red Lions to another victory and eventually their fourth straight title in the NCAA after edging Letran, 60-56 in Game 3 of the Finals of Season 89 at the jam -packed Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Arthur Dela Cruz, who is coming off a 23-point explosion paced the Red Lions with 20 points and 16 rebounds. The former San Beda Red Cub standout was also adjudged as the Finals MVP.

Letran was on the verge of snatching away the final game of the season as well as the championship after trailing the Red Lions by just two, 56-58 with less than a minute left.

As Kevin Racal drove to the baseline, Ola Adeogun, San Beda’s prized center went sky high for a monster block that made Racal’s floater crashing back to earth.

A costly turnover down the stretch almost caused the game for the Red Lions with Racal getting the leather but Dela Cruz came to the rescue for the counter steal.

The former Sta. Lucia stalwart in the PBA and now Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez, took over the chores left behind by Ronnie Magsanoc after winning San Beda’s third straight title last season. Fernandez was already a team consultant last year and already knew the capabilities and talents of the team members.

It was not until the fourth period during crunchtime when the San Beda started to act and play like three -time champions.

Even the inspired games from Ford Ruaya and Rey Nambatac to support Raymond Almazan and Mark Cruz could not stop the domination of the Red Lions.

It was San Beda’s seventh championship title in the last 8 years dating back from 2006. Their only runner-up finish was in 2009 when San Sebastian, led by Jimbo Aquino, Ian Sangalang, Ronald Pascual and Calvin Abueva snapped San Beda’s streak to just three.

The Red Lions could have achieved a four peat then but God had other plans for them.

The 22-year-old Adeogun had 17 points, 13 boards, two assists, one steal and four monster blocks across his name.

Just like in Game 2 which they lost, Adeogun struggled again in the first half. Fernandez never got tired of encouraging his ward.

Adeogun, who felt that it’s been physical all series long was just happy all their hard work paid off.

Sophomore Dela Cruz, who has a bright future ahead of him with 2 years of eligibility left is thahnkful for the trust that Coach Boyet Fernandez gave them amidst errors.

Dela Cruz is confident that this will not be his last championship with the squad.

The son of former San Miguel player in the pros Arthur Dela Cruz was commended well by Fernandez.

Team captain Rome Dela Rosa bade his collegiate career goodbye but not without a bang and a championship. He finished with six points and five rebounds across his name.

Dela Rosa, another second generation player trying to mark in the hoops scene started his career with San Beda in 2009, the year San Sebastian momentarily interrupted San Beda’s domination in the league. The next four years was a different story as the San Diego -raised forward went on to pile up championship titles one after the other.

This year’s Game 3 of the finals had an almost perfect ending for Letran. In last year’s rubber match, the Knights were sorely crushed by the Red Lions, 39-67.

Letran’s four -point loss today somehow shouted that they learned from their mistakes and that they made big adjustments. However, it was not enough to match or surpass the deep bench of San Beda.

Rookie coach Caloy Garcia of Letran, who has one more year left in his contract left the venue shortly after the game to catch his flight going to Davao to join the Rain or Shine Elastopainters in their season opener against the Alaska Aces tomorrow.

Joining Garcia is the third overall pick Almazan, who will right away join the pros tomorrow.

The Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player and Mythical team member finished his collegiate career with 14 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks across his name in his last game with a Letran jersey.

Almazan is the only legit center in the Letran roster. The Knights will have to find a suitable and worth replacement who can fill in the shoes left behind by the Bataan native.

The Red Lions will not have their usual victory celebration of a bonfire and street party in Mendiola. As a united country, San Beda will just celebrate their victory with a mass and a simple dinner. Instead, they will extend help and donations to the victims of supertyphoon “Yolanda” last week. JMP

Gameday Lesson

Gameday. It finally comes to this. Probably the last game of the season. I can still remember everything when it all started.

Eve of my birthday when season 89 of the NCAA unfolded. It was my beloved San Beda Red Lions up against the season host, College of St. Benilde Blazers. No one gave the Blazers a chance to win on this one but they showed they are one worthy opponents on the season opener. San Beda up in most of the game, suddenly collapsed in the middle of the 4th and giving the host a 1-point lead with 4 ticks remaining. I can eavesdrop on what my seatmates from UPSHD are saying. They said with this performance of the Red Lions they can't regain the crown and have a coveted 4 peat. I didn't believe them. Then, game resumes with a Rome dela Rosa alley-oop to Arthur dela Cruz for the first win of the season.

Then, it was the LPU Pirates. This was the most shocking of all. Nobody, I mean nobody could predict that the Pirates could win against the mighty Red Lions. But they did. The doubts to the San Beda team become stronger and stronger that they cannot win the season 89 title. But still, I believe that they can.

Then, its the arch-rivals' turn. The Letran Knights, last year's nemesis is up to task of giving the Red Lions their 2nd loss in the first round, a first in their 8 year campaign. The Letran Knights started hot in the first quarter, leading as much as 18 points. But the Red Lions fighted back and grabbed the lead in the 3rd. But the Letran Knights are so much resilient on this one and hold on to a 74-67 win. I remember someone asked me while we are watching "Anyare?". I just smiled and said, "After the season ends, we are still holding the trophy. I still believe in them."

Before the end of the 2nd round of eliminations, another shocker occurred. This time, it is the league-dwellar Mapua Cardinals who escaped with a 4-point lead. Just when I thought they already learned their lesson with that 3 games they had. I'm so disappointed with that loss but nevertheless, I didn't lose my trust in them.

And now that we are one win away from a 4-straight championship, I feel honored and great that I never leaved them just because of the 4 bad games they had early in the season. I believed in them so much that even they have given me heartaches with that bad games, I know that in the end, it will still be a fruitful season for us. That my folks is trust. Trust that will bring you places. Trust that may lead you to agony of defeat and also to ecstasy of victory. JMP

NCAA Season 89 Finals Preview : San Beda v Letran

Another classic college basketball game will unfold on November 11, as two of the winningest members of the country’s oldest collegiate basketball league will face off for the 2nd straight season in a championship series.

The San Beda Red Lions will go for a team best 4th straight NCAA title while the Letran Knights will attempt to dethrone the defending champs as they meet for the 3rd time since Season 83.

The Red Lions ended the elimination round with a 15-3 record while Letran ended their regular schedule campaign with a 14-4 mark.

Prior to their 74-67, August 24, 2013 1st round conquest of San Beda, it was on July 25, 2007 against an RJ Jazul, Rey Guevarra and coach Louie Alas led squad.

In their 1st game of Season 89, Raymond Almazan top scored for the league’s No. 1 offensive Team with 22-points, including 2 of 3 from the 3-pt range, 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shots while Reneford Ruaya chipped in for 15 points.

Ola Adeogun led the Red Lions with 27 points and 15 rebounds with Baser Amer contributing for 15 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. Although the Red Lions out -rebounded the Knights, 52-41, San Beda committed more turnovers 19-10virtually translating those mental lapses into 21 turnover points for the Knights.

In the their 2nd encounter, San Beda had to use the extra period to thwart the indefatigable Knights relying solely with a solid game from Adeogun who had 26 points and 26 rebounds with 3 blocked shots. Rome Dela Rosa and Amer had 13 points and 12 points respectively for the Red Lions while out -rebounding Letran, 62-47.

The Knights are at their best when they face the Red Lions. I have to emphasize that this team is genuinely veteran. Guys like Jonathan Belorio, Raymund Almazan, Jamil Gabawan, Kevin Racal, Mark Cruz, and even McJour Luib have tasted life at the postseason while new arrivals Ruaya, John Tambeling and Rey Nambatac are catching on and learning on the fly. This team has been together a long time, and would want to make the most of it especially once Almazan officially turns pro after this season. Don’t be deceived. The Knights have a lethal starting five with a reliable crew of relievers ready to show their worth.

Next to Perpetual Help and Lyceum, Letran is the next volume shooter from the 3-point area with a total 367 shots in the elimination round and a conversion rate of 26%. In both games against the Red Lions, that number jumped to 33%. Racal, Cruz, Nambatac, Tambeling and on some occasions, their bigs, Belorio and Almazan can hit the three ball.

The Knights are deadly from deep as witnessed against their Final Four match with the Golden Stags when they hoisted 30 attempts from that area which was more than what they had in each outing against San Beda, and made 10. There is no off switch from beyond the arc if they want to win this series. Their command of the perimeter will create more space in the shaded area for their guards to operate, create opportunities for their teammates, disrupt San Beda’s defensive rotation, penetrate the seams while their bigs take care of those 2nd chance opportunities.

In both games, the Knights have the advantage when playing above the 70+ range but had trouble limiting their opponents below 69 points except in their last game when they held the Golden Stags at the 58 point mark. They have to improve defensively and do it consistently if they want to stop a bigger, tougher opponent like San Beda.

The Red Lions have been inconsistent all year offensively. It took 2 1/2 quarters and two threes from Roldan Sara to wake them up en route to their semis win against the Altas.

Losing to Lyceum in the 1st round then to lowly Mapua and a close call against the Golden Stags, are signs of in dire need of a caffeine boost, but they have survived from their spotty production all season mainly on the defense end.

The scary part for the opponent is that we haven’t seen their best game. It’s tough to pinpoint their A-game and this trip to the finals for the 8th straight year might just provide the springboard for better things to come, besides, San Beda has never accomplished four -in -a-row and that poses another motivation to finally come out of their shell at the biggest show of the season.

The Red Lions are the best defensive team in the league, limiting their opponents to just 63 points.

Letran had the better rebounding stat during the elimination round, 47-37, but San Beda managed to out -muscle their finals counterpart in both encounters, 114-88, especially on the offensive glass, 38-26.

On offense, this team can rely on Adeogun, Dela Cruz and Amer for double-digit scoring numbers, while Rome Dela Rosa provides the little things. The rest are sporadic but are still dangerous and can erupt at any time.

The Red Lions has one of the deepest bench in college basketball teeming with size and skill. Coming off the bench are Kyle Pascual, David Semerad, JP Mendoza, Anthony Semerad, Francis Abarcar, and Ivan Ludovice, that can shine at a moments notice. In their Final Four series, they limited Perpetual Help to a meager 51 points, far away from their elimination round output of 71.

Offense versus Defense. Both have experience but depth is on San Beda’s side.

The Result, San Beda in 2. JMP

NCAA Final Four Preview : Letran v San Sebastian

The Letran Knights ended their elimination round campaign with a 14-4 record and 2nd twice to beat advantage, losing to Perpetual Help in the 1st round then Lyceum, EAC and San Beda in the 2nd round.

With an output of 73 points per game, the Knights are the no. 1 offensive oriented team in the league. They have a potent starting unit led by top PBA draft prospect Raymond Almazan with an average of 14 points, 14 rebounds and a good 40% from the field. Almazan has resurrected his basketball career from near oblivion in Season 88 on his way as one of the top bigs in college basketball.

Mark Cruz has increased his scoring output from 10 points in Season 88 to 14 points while dishing out 3.7 assists has immunity in Coach Garcia’s free style system. From 231 shot attempts last year, Cruz has been the team’s high volume shooter with 286, still a far cry from Kevin Alas’ 431 attempts from the field last season. “Dati hindi nila magawa yon, pero ngayon binigyan ko sila nang freedom”, said Coach Garcia.

The system has been working well for the Knights with inspired performances from Kevin Racal (12 points, 7 rebounds), Reneford Ruaya (6.81 points) and rookie Rey Nambatac (8 points), not to mention veterans Jonathan Belorio and Jamil Gabawan. Minus Kevin Alas and a few others, its core is comprised of veteran players ready and able to step up at any given moment.

Coach Robinson has been in the NCAA since 2011 and has somehow witnessed the Knights’ rise over the years, “Mas beterano pa nga sila kaysa sa San Beda”. Last year was a good test for them. Losing streaks, they’ve climbed a mountain all the way to the finals by beating an Abueva led Golden Stags twice in the semis. Their experience from Season 88 has taught them how to win.

The Knights pose a threat from anywhere on the floor offensively and in my opinion, the Knights are one of the best jump shooting teams in college basketball and Coach Robinson was right on when he said, “All can shoot”, because most their players can contribute offensively especially from beyond the arc with guys like Mcjour Luib and John Tambeling waiting in the wings.

This is Coach Garcia’s 2nd tour in the NCAA. At the pro -level, he is fully aware that defense wins championships, “Worry ko lang talaga depensa”, as the Knights allow their opponents to score within the 68 point range.

The Golden Stags, on the other hand, had lost 7 games during the elimination round – twice to Letran and San Beda, Mapua, JRU and Lyceum – then earned their 3rd place finish with a 12-7 after their playoff win over Perpetual Help, 81-71 last October 29.

I agreed with Coach Garcia when he said, “Sa tingin namin San Beda pa rin team to beat, pero pareho lang lahat”, but not against a team that’s on an upswing and peaking at the right time.

Coach Robinson tried to downplay his chances but I felt he has the makings of a possible upset.

The Golden Stags have a young nucleus. Rookies Jaymar Perez, the Golden Stags’ scoring leader with 15.39 points, 7.3 rebounds and 37% from the field, Leodaniel de Vera, 8.47 points 7.4 rebounds, former Staglet and FEU Tamaraw, John Ortuoste, with 14.56 points and 4 rebounds, not bad for a guy who just recovered from a back injury, and Center Bradwyn Guinto, form the main elements of Coach Robinson’s rotation with 3rd year veteran Jovit Dela Cruz (11.11 points, 7.3 rebounds) to lead them.

Back up big man, Ranimark Tano, and guard Mark Trinidad will provide the spark off the bench, both are capable offensively from mid to long range with a 49% and 38% shooting respectively from the field.

Both are lethal offensively. Experience and depth will count in the semis.

The result, Letran in 1. JMP

NCAA Final Four Preview : San Beda v Perpetual

The Final Four cast is complete and this is a repeat of last season’s 1 vs. 4 match up.

Interesting to note, San Beda prevailed in both encounters but both were close encounters, lets recap.

In their first meeting, Baser Amer singlehandedly carried the load for the Red Lions with 23 points while the Altas’ Nosa Omorogbe had 21 points. San Beda led the 2nd chance points department, 9-5 and rebounds, 43-34.

In their 2nd outing, Amer again top scored with 21 points followed by Art Dela Cruz with 16 points.

Omorogbe had a double-double performance with 23 points and 11 rebounds while Juneric Baloria had 16 points. San Beda had a double digit lead going for them until a 24-11 outbreak in turnover points by Perpetual Help has put them in great position for a possible take over, but the Red Lions were able regain control in the overtime period to thwart the bulldozing Altas.

The Red Lions are the No. 1 defensive team in the league. Their offense have been spotty all season, so defense, widely believed to be the philosophy of champions, will be their calling card.

Three things that the Red Lions have to do to stay ahead of their final four repeat adversary, first is rebounding. Since they do it as a committee, the Altas are the better rebounding team, 44-37 and has the edge in 2nd chance points, 7-5.

Although the Red Lions out-rebounded Perpetual Help in both outings, 99-82 the Altas had the better offensive rebounding output 34-23.

Second is to limit their turnovers. Overall, the Red Lions are better at taking care of the basketball, 17-19. However, in their last two games, San Beda committed a total of 46 turnovers compared to Perpetual Help’s 26, that’s a huge disparity, especially in their last game when the Altas led in turnover points, 24-11.

And third, pound the ball inside. Amer and Dela Cruz has been leading the Red Lions charge all season with 13 and 11 points respectively, but the one true advantage of San Beda is Ola Adeogun. In both games, Adeogun has performed way below his average of close to 14 points per game to just 5.5 points with a combined 12 shot attempts. They have to force feed him when necessary if they want to overcome their volatile performance on offense.

The Altas are the best 3-point shooting team in the league with a 31% accuracy from deep.

7 players average above the 25% range and will not hesitate whatsoever in shooting the 3-ball and that means more breathing room for their primary scorers to maneuver and attack the seams of the San Beda defense.

With more room to operate, Nosa Omorogbe can do his thing both inside and out.

He has been a match-up problem for the Red Lions in their past two games. Omorogbe can post up smaller guards and attack bigger defenders off the dribble.

Omorogbe has been the Altas’ 15 points, 8 rebounds spark, do-it-all guy and will definitely take matters into his own hands in close games.

At the wings are Juneric Baloria, the Altas’ leading scorer and league’s best with 19 points per game, is a rookie that plays like a veteran and a threat from anywhere on the court in tandem with Harold Arboleda, a double-double workhorse averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds per game.

For their lack of size and with a legendary college coach on their side, they will surely make-up for it with team grit.

Coach Aric Del Rosario is confident about his match up with the Red Lions. He believes that their Season 88 experience against the same foe has helped his team’s semis learning curve.

The result, San Beda in 1. JMP

NCAA Final Four Ticket Prices

Here's the ticket prices for the NCAA Final Four games on Thursday, November 7 at the MOA Arena. I hope I can still get free tickets. Question : Who's my lucky date? JMP

I Can't Take Any of It Back; Still Looking for Chichay

(Proof I reached Kamay ni Jesus)

As San Beda's former cager Sudan Daniel said "I only like talking to new people. For old friends, unless we talk on regular, I can't say much about."

As I journey on this time of my life, I'm officially leaving all my past behind. We, Jesus and I had a pact when I reached the top of the famous Kamay ni Jesus in Lucban, Quezon.

I hope everything will turn out well from this time on.

I will be starting to write sports stories again after 3 months of absence. I will also try to watch games live starting on the Final Four of the NCAA on Thursday(hope that my new work would allow me). It will also be the first time that I will be at Manila since I can remember.

PS. I'm right on the money when I blogged about my predictions about the UAAP. For my new friends, please follow me on twitter and IG : @hoopcamper. JMP

My First Five

A John Lloyd Cruz line that said "Sabi sa census may 11 milyon na tao sa Metro Manila. Sa dami ng taong yun, paano mo malalaman na nahanap mo na yung taong para sa’yo? Ano kaya kung nakasalubong mo na siya kaya lang 'di mo siya pinansin? Dumaan na pala sa harap mo, pero yumuko ka para magsintas ng sapatos mo. Nakatabi mo na pala, kaya lang lumingon ka para tumingin sa traffic lights. Baka nandun na siya, humarang lang yung pedicab.

Sa dinami-dami ng tao, may mga swereteng nakahanap na, may mga naghahanap pa, yung iba sumuko na. Pero ang pinakamasaklap sa lahat, yung na sayo na pero pinakawalan mo pa. Pero paano nga kaya noh, kung isang beses lang dumadating ang para sayo. Palalampasin mo pa?"

For 29 long years, as the famous British band said in one of their song, I still haven't found what I'm looking for. For 29 years, I'm still waiting for that "one" to arrive. Will she come? or Am I just too dumb to think that there is no the "one" for me?

For 29 years, I have made mistakes in each relationship that I got involved to. I have failed and failed and failed, again. In each relationship, I always ended up alone. Why? Well, I don't know. Is it something about myself? or is it my partner? or the chemistry isn't just right? What causes us to always being apart?

All my life, I had 5 of the most beautiful, intelligent and loving woman in the world, but all of that relationships failed. Let me reminisce all of them.

The Dancer

My first came when I was 15. Right from the start, I know that this won't work. She's someone that my parents would not like because she's into other activities like dancing and she's not that studious as I may say. But for me, she's the one of the sweetest, most thoughtful person I've ever knew. It failed maybe because we were too young that time and doesn't have a sense of that love that will last. Well, to cut it short, she's the wrong girl, at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Currently, I have heard she already does have kids of her own.

The Sosyalista

She's from San Lorenzo Village in Makati. Well, all we know from there is either rich and famous. Technically, this "AD" (her initials) girl, we didn't have the chance to get on the next level, if you know what I mean. She's one of the "what if's" of my life. The only memory that I have being with her was the time when she invited me to her junior prom at the Manila Polo Club. I will never ever forget that night. "AD" is now a interior designer and based in Singapore.

The Co-Student

After 4 years of being single, "JM" came into the picture. We both attended the same course and we were classmates then. Just for the record, I already saw her as early as our sophomore year but we only got hooked up during our senior year. Well, to start off, she's the one that changed my life forever. She's the one that taught me the valuable lessons in life. Yes, she's just the third in my list but she is first in most things. At that time, my world would just evolve around her. But after a year and a half, that relationship suddenly failed. I was too depressed after that. I thought that I could never love again. That was one of my painful moments. I really didn't think that I could ever stand again. Luckily, I did.

The Social Worker

A year has passed and I already did moved on. I just finished my college degree and working for a business solutions provider company. Then "AR" came. She's very simple and down-to-earth kind of woman. She's a "cowgirl". The thing I like about her the most is that she does have a charity which helps less unfortunate kids in their studies especially when it comes to music. I love seeing her with kids and the feeling that I got is that the kids are attached to her too. We lasted for a couple of weeks but never really hitted off because of our busy schedule.

The Workaholic

Four years after the social worker, I met "CA" from a common friend. Well, I already know her because she became my batchmate during my college days. We just never had the time to know each other back then because we both have our own relationship. The thing I like the most about this relationship is that when we became an item, I felt a sense of maturity for myself. I always felt that this is something. I knew that this may be the one I'm looking for. Well, she never failed to live up my expectations. But I did. I failed to met her expectations to me as a partner in life. We almost got into the next level but all of that dreams have squandered.

After 5 relationships, I looked into the mirror and think. Some people say "One is enough. Two is too much. Three is dangerous. Four is stupid. Five is to almost die". Should I look for the sixth? and if I ever found her, what's gonna happen? That's the most beautiful about love. Loving is someone is the best feeling yet you're not sure of what's gonna happen. Not knowing is the excitement ingredient of that love.

On that John Lloyd line, where am I? Obviously, I am not that one of the "mga maswerteng tao na nahanap na". I don't know if I will end up like the "yung iba sumuko na". I will never know if I'm one of the people like "yung na sayo na, pero pinakawalan mo pa" until I end up giving up. But after 5 relationships, I came to realize one thing. John Lloyd would asked "Paano nga kaya noh, kung isang beses lang dumadating ang para sayo. Palalampasin mo pa? I would answer in return and say it with confidence in love - hell no. JMP

Champions

2007 was a big year in Philippine sports. A rising talent named Manny Pacquiao was whipping apart Mexican superstars Jorge Solis and Marco Antonio Barrera. That was also the year that another Manny, Manny Velez Pangilinan, fittingly known to the nation as MVP, became the undisputed leader of Philippine basketball. He formed the Gilas Pilipinas program in 2009 and ran in the same excellence and thoroughness used in all of his multi-million dollar endeavors. Finally, the basketball crazy Philippines was assured that what needed to do to get things right will be done.

August 2013 will go down as the biggest month in the history of our national sport. Helm by full-blooded Filipino Chot Reyes and a phenomenal group of assistants, the single greatest national team ever assembled put on a show at the Mall of Asia Arena that will never be forgotten.

Why have we so nuts about basketball for so long? Basketball has given us 50 years worth of magical moments within our shores. But in an international stage, we haven't really proved anything, yet. I mean why basketball? Haven't we always undeniably been too short, too slow and too un-athletic to compete internationally?

Enter Marcus Douthit. Our very own naturalized Filipino, 6 foot 11, 230 pound-beast bursting with talent. Enter the smartest and slickest backcourt tandem in the continent. A backcourt driven by the mind of Jimmy Alapag and fueled by the skills and speed of Jayson "Castro" William. And what ever we lacked in inherit athleticism, we made up for exactly the way we should always made up for it - with shooters. Lets face it, the 3-point shot was never really a weapon of ours. But now, it is a weapon of mass destruction. Long-range snipers capable of making opponents feel like  receiving actual semi-automatic gunfire from the sky and with a rainfall frequency that made monsoon storms in Manila world-famous.

Every major rock band and popstars that came over, from Aerosmith, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga. Everyone has said that Manila is one of the best places to perform because we bring the craziness everytime. Why we couldn't have the better homecourt advantage than the Boston Red Sox or George Saint-Pierre in Canada?

Of course, we were. Our Gilas Pilipinas tolled right through the tournament. And the Filipino faithful were there every step of the way. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Japan, Hongkong, Kazakhstan. We made a tidal wave of social media witticisms like Jeff Chan being Allan Caidic back from the grave even if Allan Caidic isn't dead. And that anxious moment where Marcus Douthit went down and I said "Thank God that dude looks like he have a third leg". Sandwiched right in the middle of visits of Lebron James and Kobe Bryant, Gilas Pilipinas upstaged them both with a resounding battlecry that said - this is what witness history is really all about.

Then this happened. I've never seen 20,000 people cry at the same time, except for the time where the San Beda Red Lions ended their 28-year title drought. I've seen our local artist in concert and Lea Salonga in Miss Saigon. Yes, they made people cry. But this? This is different. Fans, celebrities, politicians, and the great Robert Jaworski, all shedding in joy with well-deserved tears. The image of a broken-down coach Chot will forever be etched in my mind. Twenty-thousand people standing and singing the words of "Noypi". A chorus that said "Hoy Pinoy ako, buo aking loob, may agimat ang dugo ko". That South Korea game was the most important game ever. It validated our half-a-century of basketball.

Now, as the most influencial Filipino boxer of all time comes in with two straight defeats, maybe pointing at the end of his spectacular career, a nation of 7,107 islands, built on the heart and resoluteness of 100 million Filipinos passionate about their sport and more passionate about their pride, need not worry that no longer existed of that universally epic enough to cause traffic and more than to temporarily die. Because every two years, at the Fiba Asia Championships, we can look forward to our basketball champions. The champions of our national sport. Maybe not first-place trophy champions but certainly, positively, unquestionably - champions. JMP

Fan Boy - Part III Beda Boys

After countless games I watched, I finally got the chance to get a picture of two of my favorite Red Lions.

With the Hammer, Baser Amer.

With Ola Adeogun. 

Baser was a little bit shy but Ola was so bright when asked if we can have a picture with him. He even made jokes like we should turn on the flash so that we can see him in the picture. What a guy! Thanks for making our night memorable. You will always be my favorite Red Lions ever. JMP

Illusion Yielded Into Reality

Just when everyone or at least every Letran fan thought that their Knights are unbeatable, the Altas proved them wrong. The University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas just turned an expected close game into a blowout, outscoring the Letran Knights as high as 22 points. The game ended, Altas leading the Knights by 14 points, 80-66.

(picture courtesy of Paul Mata, Interaktv/AksyonTV)

This game was supposed to be an acid test for the Knights, well, it really was. Although, Letran did have several down-the-wire finishes, I do believe that Letran's 7-0 start was mainly due to good scheduling and early pairing with weaker teams. Their last 2 assignments are the key and most important part. I believe that they needed to beat Perpetual to be considered favorites behind San Beda. And they failed, again. Cloud nine no more.

But the good thing for the Knights is that come their showdown against San Beda, they no longer have the enormous pressure of staying unbeaten and maintaining a spotless record. Their main objective on August 24 is just to beat the defending champs. JMP

Fan Boy - Part II FIBA Asia Special

Well, here we go again. College basketball is again rolling. But before I resume putting my insights, let me share some pictures I gathered during the FIBA Asia Championships. I'm so lucky to get some tickets during the Semifinals between our very own Gilas Pilipinas and South Korea.

Together with Coach Richard del Rosario. Founder of the Richard del Rosario School of Freethrow Shooting.

With fellow blogger, Sir Mico Halili. 

During the singing of national anthems.

After winning against South Korea and finally booking a slot in the World Championships in Spain on 2014. JMP

Reloading : The Tank is Coming!

First, it was Sam Ekwe. Then, came SUperman. Now, its Ola Adeogun. San Beda's basketball recruitment seems to know no end. After their success in 2006 which ended their 28-year NCAA title drought, the Red Lions always got the finest foreign recruits in the country which can be proven by their 6 NCAA titles in the last 7 years.

But they still reserving the best for last. With the impending NCAA rule that will permanently ban foreign recruits, San Beda was just in time to get one of the best African import to date. His name : Donald Tankoua.

 

(pictures courtesy of Red Eye Photography)

He is a 6'6, 18 year old from Cameroon and a cousin of former FEU cager Pippo Nondou and current Tamaraw Christian Sentchu. He does have an excellent fundaments for the game and seems like a do-it-all guy on the floor. According to the Fr. Martin's Cup Division II followers, this guy has impressed lots of Bedans observers from the get-go. Actually, current Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez said that Tankoua's skills are to be compared with DLSU's Ben Mbala, only Tankoua does have a decent outside shot and can even spread the floor with his 3-point range.

 

Pippo Nondou first brought him to Ateneo but long-time San Beda deputy Jude Roque was quick to the draw and brought him to Mendiola instead. Many wonder why Nondou brought him to Ateneo and San Beda, instead of FEU. The main reason is FEU's pipeline is loaded with Anthony Hargrove and Christian Sentchu already on board plus some more Africans on the pool. 

 

In 2015, it will be very interesting year for the San Beda Red Lions since their current big man, Ola Adeogun will just turn up 22 years old has played 3 seasons with the Red Lions and does have a year of eligibility left. By that year, San Beda will complete residency for Donald Tankoua and two other foreign recruits : a 6'8 Godsway Jeff Domalie and a 6'11 Christian Udor.  The problem is that should Ola Adeogun skip his final year and give way to Tankoua and co. that can play until 2020. 

Watch out for this kid! By the way, Fr. Tamberlane Lana, you scared? JMP.

Week 3 College Basketball - Goons at its Finest

Love Triangle

Minutes after the seniors game of Letran and Lyceum, Knights guard Franz Dysam and his girlfriend was found wounded in their car near Araneta Ave cor. N. Domingo St in San Juan. Sources and mirrons say that this has something to do about basketball. But further investigation leads that the main motive to the shooting was a love triangle. NCAA Mancom also ruled out game fixing because Dysam is seldom-used in the games and will have no effect in the final outcome of the games. Whether game fixing, love triangle or something else, this act of violence is condemnable. This has to stop. This incident has something like two years ago when FEU star-then Mac Barracael was also shot near FEU campus due to alleged game fixing. That was never found true.

Just physical? Nah. I don't think so, Jeff.  

Intentional or not, NU's Jeff Javillonar was already judged by his victim, UST's Jeric Teng after an incident that the former hits the latter from the blindside causing Teng a dislocated shoulder and missed UST's last 3 games. Jeric and Jeron, Jeric's brother couldn't help but to shout their feelings on tweeter.

JMP.

Week 2 College Basketball - Tearin' Tams and Bad Luck Blazers

Tearin' It Up

When UAAP Season 76 started, nobody see that the FEU Tamaraws would be still undefeated after 4 games. After winning against UE and Ateneo in the first week, they thwarted UP and DLSU this week. RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo showed that they can really play together and not just playing hero ball. The real test for these Tams is when they face up against UST and NU later this month.

At Last

At last, Ateneo won its first UAAP game at the expense of Adamson Falcons. Kiefer Ravena played but is still not in basketball shape. He just finished with 2 points, 0 out of 4 in the field and 2 turnovers. The biggest factors in that Ateneo win is the resurgence of big man JP Erram who finished with 12 markers and 12 boards; Juami Tiongson with a team high 15 points and Ryan Buenafe who had an almost triple-double game with 11 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists.

(picture courtesy of spin.ph)

Bad Luck

The NCAA Season 89 host CSB Blazers should be 4-0. But they are winless after 4 heartbreaking losses. They almost escaped NCAA 3-peat Champs San Beda on opening day; they collapsed in the final seconds in the EAC Generals game; another heartbreaking loss in the hands of mediocre JRU Heavy Bombers and another one against last year's finalist Letran Knights. Coach Gabby Velasco and his boys should be mental prepared and mentally tough by now. If not, they never will.

Back to Earth

After winning this summer's Filoil tourney, the UE Red Warriors was tagged as the dark horse in the UAAP Season 76. But after 4 games, they just seem to be a mediocre team. They just won one out of four games after escaping a gritty NU squad with Roi Sumang last second's heroics. Also, the team is under the limbo after the UAAP Management Committee is questioning big man Charles Mammie's eligibility. JMP 

Week 1 College Basketball - Surprises

Shockers

San Beda Red Lions shocked the whole college world in two games. A win and a loss. They won a tough game against a gritty CSB Blazers in opening day. If not for Art dela Cruz's heroics in the final seconds, the Red Lions should absorb its first opening loss in 7 years. But that's not the biggest story of the college basketball year yet. Its the shocker and monumental upset by the cellar-dweller Lyceum Pirates to the NCAA 3-peat Champions San Beda. In this game, San Beda never really were on the groove. The Pirates controlled the game all day long except for the last minutes where San Beda trying to pull another magic off their sleeves. But Shane Ko, Pirates' Captain ball would never be denied as he helped the Pirates to their first win against San Beda since joining the league in 2011.

(Picture courtesy of spin.ph)

No Kief, don't panic? 

Ateneo paraded  a lineup without their chief gunner and main man Kiefer Ravena in the two games, against NU and FEU, which resulted into losses, Ateneo worst start since 2007. Kiefer Ravena does have a grade 3 sprained ankle which will hinder him to play for at least 4 weeks. Coach Bo Perasol says that there's no need to press the panic button yet and insisted that fans should judge them at the end of the season.

Mikee Reyes' decision to left UP

After their first UAAP game, the UP Fighting Maroons has another setback, losing starting point guard Mikee Reyes in their lineup due to personal reasons. In some intervies, Reyes said that head coach Ricky Dandan told him that he will be relagated to the third team and will no longer need him to win. The heavy-hearted Reyes accepted his fate, moved on and left the squad.

Where Two Become One

Now, this is scary. Two of the most talented guards in the UAAP finally found their groove and chemistry and showed everyone that they are still a force to be reckoned with and can still be title contenders despite losing their big men in the off-season. RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo finally hit same notes together and notched two straight wins against UE, this year's Filoil Champs and against Ateneo, the defending UAAP 5-peat Champs. That really is something. JMP