(INSIDE STORY) RAFE’S TAKE ON THE MANILA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

A lot of stories had already been told regarding the recently-concluded, once in a lifetime event, the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend which featured a nine-man NBA dream cast of Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Tyreke Evans, Derek Fisher, James Harden, JaVale McGee and Derrick Williams. But the most interesting and revealing of them all is an article written by Rafe Bartholomew. Yes, if his name rings a bell in the ears of Filipino hoop fans, it is because he authored the best-selling book on Philippine basketball, “PACIFIC RIMS”. Bartholomew wrote this masterpiece of an article from the planning stages of the All-Star tour and all the way to its breathtaking conclusion that further cemented the never-ending fascination of pinoy hoop followers of America’s best pro players. Part of the article reads:

“When the players finally arrived in Manila, they weren't quite prepared for the Beatlemania level of adulation that awaited them in the Philippines. After landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, they walked through a This wasn't about making money," Scott said. "It was about MVP's legacy and giving Filipinos a basketball event they've always dreamed of.">gauntlet of hundreds of screaming, clapping, picture-taking fans. "Shock and awe" was the only way to describe the players' response to their reception in the terminal, Scott said.

“The games went off as planned. Kobe served as the player/coach of the Smart All-Stars. Thanks to the lockout, the NBA wasn't mentioned in TV broadcasts and its logo didn't appear on anything the players wore. Before the first game against a group of all-stars from the Philippine pro league, reigning PBA most valuable player James Yap addressed the crowd in Tagalog: "We know that all of them are our idols, so I hope you'll cheer for us, too."

Bartholomew’s very interesting article entitled “Kobe Takes Manila; NBA Not Invited (How the Philippines became the first stop on NBA players' lockout tour)" can be read at GRANTLAND website.

PBA FRIDAY NOTES

Talk N Text head coach Chot Reyes was a picture of frustration during and after the Tropang Texter’s worst defeat of the season at the hands of the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters, 96-81 last Wednesday. “We had our worst shooting leading to lowest point total (against Rain or Shine). But what disappoints me more is how badly we got outworked. Hopefully, we can put these things behind us and just focus on the next game”, Reyes said. And that next game will be tonight against the dangerous B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados. Despite the unexpected loss to RoS, the Tropang Texters still leads the six-team semis of the PBA Governor’s Cup with a 7-3 win-loss slate.

*****

Adding woes to the Tropang Texters playoffs campaign is the untimely injury to prolific forward Ranidel De Ocampo. It was reported that De Ocampo suffered from a fractured nose during a pre-game scrimmage one week ago. Coach Reyes has to dig deeper in his rotation and hope someone will step up his game in the absence of De Ocampo, who is currently averaging 13.3 points and 5.62 rebounds an outing in eight games so far this conference.

*****  

Alaska Aces head coach Tim Cone was criticized for not bringing back LD Williams for the season-ending conference in the Governor’s Cup and instead went for former Air21 Express import Jason Forte as his team’s import reinforcement. Now, Cone is beginning to justify his choice as Forte is slowly but surely has become one of the most consistent imports in the conference. Forte went berserk in pouring in 36 big points in the Aces 88-81 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters last Sunday. The former Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles standout is currently posting norms of 22.0 points and an impressive 15.6 caroms an outing in 10 games so far with the Aces.

*****   

Boosters import Anthony Grundy finally nailed down his first win in Philippine shores and what a way to do it after three starts. Grundy erupted for 21 points to lead the Boosters to a 96-88 overtime win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings. His over-all display of court wizardry was instrumental in overcoming a 28-point deficit in the second canto.  Given the chance by Solar Sports courtside reporter Patricia Hizon to give a shout-out during the post-game interview, the all-smile Grundy barked, “I love you PHILIPPINES!”.

*****

The old spark is back in Barangay Ginebra Kings star Mark Caguioa. Not a few said it is because of his new tomahawk hairstyle. Ever since he wore the said hairdo at the beginning of the Governor’s Cup, Caguioa has found his old rhythm back and has led the Ginebra locals in scoring with a 20.2 points average in ten games.

TEAM AUSTRALIA: MILLS IN, BOGUT OUT IN OLYMPIC OCEANIA QUALIFIERS

Milwaukee Bucks starting center Andrew Bogut will not suit up for the Australian Boomers national team in the coming FIBA-Oceania Olympic qualifiers. Australia will meet rivals New Zealand in a best-of-three series to determine the continent’s representative to the 2012 London Olympics basketball championship. Game one is set on September 7 in Melbourne, game two on September 9 in Brisbane and if necessary, game three will be played on September 11 in Sydney. Insurance issues had forced Bogut not to play for the Boomers but instead will assist Australia head coach Brett Brown on the bench. Bogut was the number one pick over-all in the 2005 NBA rookie draft and has so far had played 396 total games with the Bucks with norms of 12.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per outing. However, the Boomers will have an NBA player in Portland Trail Blazers guard Patrick Mills, who announced his availability for the qualifying competition. The 6-0 Mills, who was the 55th pick over-all by the Blazers in the 2009 draft, is a two-year NBA veteran with career averages of 5.1 ppg and 1.5 apg in 74 total games so far. Mills says with his current free-agent status, he is definitely seeing action for Australia in the coming New Zeland series, according to FIBA website.

“Being a free agent I haven't actually signed with a team for next season, but I will definitely play for the Boomers in September. We would rather also have Andrew Bogut and David Andersen on the team, but the way things go they have not been able to join us. The New Zealand series is always a tough one. Lucky for us the games are all in Australia - but you never know.”

SPOELSTRA BACK IN MANILA FOR NBA FIT 2011

My good friend, Tessa Jasminez of Larc and Asset PR sent me an email concerning the coming week-long 2011 NBA FIT event in Manila on July 30 and 31 at SM Mega Mall and August 6 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA). Miami Heat Fil-Am head coach Erik Spoelstra will once again spearhead the activities as NBA Fit Ambassador to the Philippines. This is the third consecutive year that Spoelstra will visit the country. 

“NBA FIT – the National Basketball Association’s comprehensive health and wellness program-- is back for its second consecutive year to spread the message of healthy living, an active lifestyle, good nutrition and a positive outlook. Fil-American Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra leads NBA FIT activities in Manila as NBA FIT Ambassador to the Philippines. The public is invited to participate in NBA FIT via fun games, fitness challenges, health and wellness seminars, healthy cooking demos and interactive booths at SM Mega Mall on July 30 and 31 and at SM Mall of Asia on August 6. One of the biggest NBA Fit events in Asia, the week-long festivities are open to the public -- all ages and genders. Participation is free.”

Media Contacts: 


NBA Asia
Sheila Rasu          Tel.: 852-2843 9628 Email: srasu@nba.com


Larc & Asset
Tessa  Jazmines  Tel.: 09175261369          Email: tessa@larcandasset.com
Kalvin Sangalang Tel.: 09228399548 Email: kalvin@larcandasset.com

$400K EACH FOR KB24, CP3 AND D-ROSE FOR MANILA EXHIBITION GAMES?

TV5/AKTV Photo

Everything was magical during the two-day NBA Manila Smart Ultimate All-Star Games last weekend. The Filipino hoop fans were treated to non-stop action by the visiting American superstars, which defeated the PBA Selection, 131-105 and walloped the Smart Gilas national team, 98-89, before jampacked crowds at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) Sports Foundation made it all happened and fans around the country will forever be grateful for this once in a lifetime event. The MVP Sports Foundation even went out of the way to have the two games covered live on local TV. There was no holding back the nine-man NBA All-Stars from performing top-class acts highlighted by countless alley-oops, incredible passes and out-of-this world slams that was never before witnessed live by local fans in the country. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets were said to be paid at least $400,000 each for the two-game extravaganza, according to Sports Illustrated. But surely, any Filipino fan would say its worth the price.

“Star-studded exhibition games like the two taking place in the Philippines this weekend are proving to be quite profitable as well, with one source with knowledge of the deals saying the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Chicago's Derrick Rose are being paid more than $400,000 apiece for their weekend of work (reminder: tax-free). Worthwhile ventures like these are a less-explosive strategy on the labor front, though there is -- as reported by Yahoo! Sports on Saturday -- an impatient contingent of agents who is pushing for a more aggressive approach that involves the decertification of the union and subsequent antitrust lawsuits.”

SLAM PHL 151 FEATURES J-WASH AND THE MIGHTY MOUSE

Talk N Text  Tropang Texters ever-reliable point guard Jimmy Alapag and injured Petron Blaze Boosters star forward Jay Washington are featured in an interesting article on SLAM PHILIPPINES issue 151 (September 2011) with 20011 NBA finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks on the cover. What makes it a collector’s item is the 2011 NBA Finals special where every game of the recently-concluded best-of-seven series between the eventual champions Mavericks and the Miami Heat were recapped. Also included as part of the finals special was a great article on Mavericks veteran guard Jason Kidd and great photo shots from the 2010-11 season. Plus other great write-ups on Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors, Landry Fields of the New York Knicks, Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz, Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets, hoops legend Dennis Rodman, and UAAP squads De LaSalle Green Archers and the University of the Philippines Maroons. I got my copy last Saturday at the Fully Booked branch in SM Mall of Asia (MOA). It sells at P 200.00 and it's truly worth the price.

IT’S ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR THE ULTIMATE NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND MANILA

As the Filipino hoop fans starts to get crazy, the NBA players, who the whole country will be watching in the coming Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday and Sunday, have expressed their excitement for this once in a lifetime event. The nine-man Smart-NBA selection of Kobe Bryant (playing coach), Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Derek Fisher, Tyreke Evans, James Harden, JaVale McGee and Derrick Williams will play the All-Filipino PBA selection and the Smart Gilas national team, respectively, before an expected Big Dome sell-out crowd. Herewith are the messages posted by some of the visiting NBA stars, who are probably on their way now to Manila, in their respective twitter accounts.   

Kevin Durant: “Headed to the Philippines tomorrow night...I can't wait! Are yall ready??”

Chris Paul: “WHEELS DOWN in NY...in 2hrs WHEELS UP to Manila!!! Big S/O to the PHILLIPINES...On my wayyyy!!!”

JaVale McGee: “Pierre is gonna find some cool placed to plank in Manila !!!!”

Tyreke Evans: “Tomorrow I head to the Philippines to play in Manilla. Can't wait.”

James Harden: “I'm going to be in the Philippines next week!!!!!!!!!”

Derrick Williams: “Philippines goin to be crazy next week!”

SPURS ROOKIE TO LEAD TEAM CANADA IN FIBA-AMERICAS

Hopes are high that San Antonio Spurs top rookie guard Cory Joseph will join the 17-man Canadian national training team preparing for the coming 2011 FIBA-Americas Olympic qualifiers in Argentina. Joseph was the 29th pick over-all of the Spurs out of the University of Texas at Austin. He played a single season for the Longhorns, posting norms of 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists a game in 36 appearances as the lead point guard. Joseph had previously suited up for Canada in the FIBA World Championships in 2007 and 2009. Miami Heat center Joel Anthony leads the training pool which includes Jermaine Anderson, Mangisto Arop, Antwi Atuahene, former PBA import Denham Brown, Murphy Burnatowski, Aaron Doornekamp, Carl English,  Jeff Ferguson, Brady Heslip, Levon Kendall, Nemanja Mitrovic, Kelly Olynyk, Andy Rautins, Jevohn Shepherd, Jamie Vanderbeken, and Jesse Young. Former NBA and Canadian national player Leo Rautins returns once again as Team Canada head coach with Renato Pasquali, Scott Roth, and Greg Francis as assistant coaches. Cleveland Cavaliers rookie forward and Joseph’s former Longhorns teammate Tristan Thompson, who was the fourth pick over-all in last month’s NBA draft, will not suit up for the Canadians due to some personal reasons.

TRISTAN THOMPSON: STEAL OF THE DRAFT?

With reference to attitude and hoop skills, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson might just become the steal of the 2011 NBA rookie draft. The 6-8 newbie, who was born in Toronto, Canada, was the 4th pick over-all of the Cavaliers behind teammate Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Enes Kanter of the Utah Jazz in the draft held last month. Thompson was a former high school star at Findlay College Prep (NV) before spending a season of college ball at the University of Texas at Austin. He averaged 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in 36 outings with the Longhorns. St. Edward HS coach Eric Flannery, who had the chance to mentor Thompson during the 2010 McDonald’s All-American game, says he is very impressed with the personality and basketball ability of Thompson. He also admits that the Cavaliers did a great job in choosing the former Longhorns star, according to The Plain Dealer.

“I think they hit a home run. I really do. You take in the whole picture, how can you take somebody else? If you're taking a chance on somebody else, either character or skill set, I thought he was right there and definitely worth it ... I thought he'd be a perfect fit. My personal opinion is, and I mean this sincerely, I think he's the steal of the draft.”

BRANDON JENNINGS LOOKS AHEAD

After a sensational rookie season highlighted by a 55-point performance against the Golden State Warriors, the injury bug has caught up with Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks in his second pro season. The former Oak Hill Academy phenom played in all 82 games during his first year in the league but saw action in only 63 outings last campaign with norms of 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Jennings is devoting more of his time this summer working on fundamentals as he looks forward for a stronger showing next campaign, according to the Journal Sentinel.

“I'm just getting back to the basics of basketball. Just working on my fundamentals. Getting set back last year with the injury made me have a different approach to the game. It's not (taken for) granted. Next year will be my third year and I need to establish myself as one of the best point guards and one of the best players in the game. It's just trying to get better and better every day. Working with Scott Skiles (before the lockout), getting in the weight room, dedicating the summer to strictly basketball. It's going to be my third year, so it's time to become an all-star.”

AN EYE-OPENER AWAITS NBA STARS OVERSEAS

A rude awakening awaits NBA stars planning to play overseas due to the current lockout situation. They maybe in for a big shocker as their stint will not be all that rosy. There are several factors to consider in playing overseas. First is attitude. They maybe called superstars in the NBA but they could be just one of the boys in their new team. They may not enjoy the love that is given to them by their American hoop fans. Then there is also the need to sacrifice. While the NBA game showcase more the one-on-one plays, it is the complete reversal in international leagues where team play takes the front seat. Former NBA player Pat Burke, who is now retired and had played as an import in Poland, Greece, Spain and Russia, says he saw a lot of bigtime NBA players who easily come and go in the European circuit because of their attitude, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

“You have to live it to understand it. I saw a lot of NBA guys come and go. It's their attitude. That was the biggest thing. Any guys going overseas have to really adjust their thinking. It's one of the biggest sacrifices you'll ever make. No fade-away jumpers, no running down shooting 3s. You have to work for shots. NBA guys who didn't like that were on the next flight out.”

WILL ALLEN DO IT ALL FOR B-MEG DERBY ACE LLAMADOS?

After four games, Darnell Hinson replaced original pick Stefhon Hannah and again after only four outings, Hinson will be replaced by Myron Allen as import reinforcement of the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup. Hinson, who posted norms of 20.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in his four appearances with the Llamados, had to leave the country immediately for emergency reasons but not after helping secure a playoff spot for B-MEG. Allen, 32, is a player rich in international hoops experience. The 5-11 former Charles H. Milby HS star played only eight games for the University of North Dakota before being suspended by school authorities due to eligibility problems. It was not mentioned what triggered the eligibility issue on Allen but it could be his 10-day stint at the training camp of IBA semi-pro team Fargo-Moorhead Beez in which he played a single exhibition game in 1999. Allen has brought his acts to other semi-pro leagues like the USBL, WBA, ABA and the NBA D-League. He also had seen action in Bosnia, Mexico, Israel and China as an import. This past season, Allen suited up for Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango in the Mexican league. He averaged 9.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.5 apg in two games. He later had a stint with Shandong in the Chinese league, seeing action for 32 games with norms of 15.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 4.9 apg. Despite his short ceiling, Allen is described as a high-leaping athletic guard who can fly and slammed it in, according to 610 Sports Management.

“The kind of crowd-pleasing, athletic point guard, who passes well, runs the court and dunks in traffic.”

TNT TROPANG TEXTERS TO BRING IN SCOTTIE REYNOLDS?

Even though the team had finished at the top of the heap with a 6-2 win-loss slate in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup eliminations, the grand-slam seeking Talk N Text Tropang Texters are leaving no stone unturned. Reports have it that the Tropang Texters are bringing in former Villanova Wildcats star guard Scottie Reynolds to replace NBA veteran Maurice Baker as its import reinforcement beginning the playoffs. TNT head coach Chot Reyes seems not content with Baker’s inconsistent game. Baker submitted norms of 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in eight outings for TNT during the elims. Tapping Reynolds might truly help Reyes and his charges in attaining their goal of a triple crown this season. The 6-2, Huntsville (AL) native starred for Herdon HS Hornets during his prep days before embarking on a four-year stint with the Wildcats. He averaged 16.02 points in 139 total games for Villanova. Reynolds became the second highest scorer in Wildcats history with 2,222 career points. He was not picked during the 2010 NBA draft and then played four outings with Prima Veroli in the Italian pro league. He posted norms of 12.3 ppg and 2.5 apg in his short Italian stint. Reynolds later resurfaced with the Springfield Armor in the NBA D-League, where he averaged 13.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, and 5.9 apg in 46 appearances. Reynolds is said to be a master of the “pick-and-rolls”, plays good team basketball, and is a decent shooter offensively, according to Draft Express.

“Looking at his game, Reynolds is doing a lot of his damage operating out of pick-and-rolls, something his team's offense relies heavily on. He does a good job recognizing multiple options and keeping his head up, getting most of his assists in this manner either hitting the screen man or an open shooter in the corner.

“As for his own offense, Reynolds is shooting well from the perimeter when he gets open looks, being equally dangerous spotting up or pulling up.”

DURANTULA IS COMING TO MANILA

When it rains, it truly pours! Filipino cage fans will be doubly happy to know that one of the NBA’s young rising stars, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, will replace DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers in the eight-man cast of NBA All-Stars that will play the PBA selection and Smart Gilas national team in the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend this coming Saturday and Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Durant, who was the second pick over-all in the 2007 NBA rookie draft by the Seattle Supersonics (now OKC Thunder), was a strong MVP candidate last season. He has career averages of 25.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 314 games so far with the Sonics/Thunder franchise. The man called “Durantula” also led Team USA in reclaiming the FIBA World Basketball title last year in Turkey, ending a 16-year title drought. Talk N Text Tropang Texters head coach Chot Reyes, who will handle the PBA selection, confirmed Durant’s entry to the NBA All-Star team in a message posted in his tweeter account.

“Bad news! Kevin Durant IS replacing Deandre Jordan in d Smart Ultimate Weekend. Bad news for us & Gilas. Great for Pinoy Bball fans.”

CASEY TO CHANGE RAPTORS IMAGE

It’s an open secret that players avoid playing for the Toronto Raptors. First and foremost, because it is a Canadian city. Top flight players like Vince Carter, Damon Stoudamire, and Chris Bosh have come and go since the Raptors became an NBA franchise in 1995. Maybe it’s the weather and the fact that ice hockey and not basketball remains as the country’s most popular sport. Newly-appointed Raptors head coach Dwane Casey’s first mission is to change that image by luring big stars to the Maple City outfit. Casey, whose NBA coaching record is 53-69 in two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves (2005-07), says he will try his best to turn things around in Toronto starting off with a good recruiting plan, according to the Boston Globe.

“The misnomer that you are in Canada and not in the States is totally misplaced. Because it’s a great sports city. I can’t imagine if you turn the program around how exciting it would be. It’s a melting pot for anybody. But a lot of times players just come there in the dead of winter and don’t really get a taste of the city. That’s one thing that’s going to be our mission, is to try to change that image and go back to my recruiting days at Kentucky, and try to recruit.”

END OF THE SEASON FOR WILLIE MILLER

Willie Miller will not see action anymore in the season-ending PBA Governor’s Cup following his trade to the already eliminated Air21 Express for KG Canaleta and a 2012 draft pick. The two-time MVP Miller, who has seen action in only four games for the Barangay Ginebra Kings in this conference due to an injury, will be playing for his fifth PBA club after Red Bull, Talk N Text, Alaska, and Ginebra. He posted career-low norms of 2.50 points, 2.00 rebounds, and 0.50 assists per game for the Gin Kings. Canaleta on the other hand, averaged 9.62 ppg, 3.12 rpg, and 0.25 apg in eight outings with the Express. He will be seeing action for the Kings beginning the playoffs. PBA anchorwoman Patricia Hizon posted the news of the trade on her twitter account this morning.

“About to post on Yahoo the trade that I tweeted about this morning. Willie Miller headed to Air21 for KG Canaleta and a future 2012 pick.”

VIVA ESPANA FOR SERGE IBAKA

Serge Ibaka’s addition to Spain's national team roster further made the defending champions the solid favorites to repeat in the coming EuroBasket set to start on August 31 in Lithuania. Ibaka will join co-NBA players Paul and Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernandez, Jose Calderon, Juan Carlos Navarro and Ricky Rubio to form one of the strongest Spanish national teams ever assembled. Ibaka, one of the most promising young athletic big men in the pro league, is a native of Congo and his petition for nationality was recently approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers. The 6-10, 21 year-old power forward was drafted 24th over-all by the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) in the 2008 rookie draft. He has career averages of 8.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks a game in 155 total outings so far with the Thunder. News of Ibaka’s confirmation of Spanish nationality appeared in an article on Slam On Line.

“Serge Ibaka has been granted Spanish nationality, and will hoop for its national team at the European Championship next month. The AP reports: “Ibaka must swear loyalty to the Spanish crown and constitution to finalize the process after Spain’s Council of Ministers approved his petition for nationality on Friday. The 21-year-old was born in the Republic of Congo but played for Spanish clubs for three years before moving to the NBA in 2009. According to Spanish media reports, he maintains a residence in Barcelona. Ibaka can join Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol and brother Marc of the Memphis Grizzlies in a formidable front court for Spain.”

TOUGH TEST AWAITS SMART GILAS IN 2011 JONES CUP

As one of their final warm-up tourneys toward the FIBA-Asia Olympic qualifiers this coming September in Wuhan, China, the Smart Gilas national team will see action anew in the 2011 Jones Cup Invitational Championship in Taipei from August 6 to 14. The Nationals placed fourth in last year’s edition behind Iran, Lebanon and Japan.  Five PBA players are expected to beef up Smart Gilas in Taipei namely Asi Taulava, Dondon Hontiveros, Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams and Ranidel De Ocampo. Smart Gilas opens up its bid in the nine-nation meet against perennial Asian powerhouse Jordan on August 6. Herewith is the complete schedule of the 2011 Jones Cup Invitational Championship:

 Aug. 6

13:00 South Africa-Iran

15:00 Korea-UAE

17:00 Philippines-Jordan

19:00 Opening ceremony

19:30 Taiwan-Japan

Aug. 7

13:00 South Africa-Korea

15:00 UAE-Philippines

17:00 Japan-Malaysia

19:00 Iran-Taiwan

Aug. 8

13:00 UAE-Japan

15:00 Jordan-Iran

17:00 Korea-Malaysia

19:00 Taiwan-South Africa

Aug. 9

13:00 Iran-UAE

15:00 Japan-Jordan

17:00 Philippines-Korea

19:00 Malaysia-Taiwan

Aug. 10

13:00 UAE-Malaysia

15:00 Philippines-South Africa

17:00 Iran-Japan

19:00 Korea-Jordan

Aug. 11

13:00 South Africa-UAE

15:00 Malaysia-Iran

17:00 Japan-Philippines

19:00 Taiwan-Jordan

Aug. 12

13:00 Philippines-Malaysia

15:00 South Africa-Jordan

17:00 Japan-Korea

19:00 Taiwan-UAE

Aug. 13

13:00 Malaysia-South Africa

15:00 UAE-Jordan

17:00 Korea-Iran

19:00 Philippines-Taiwan

Aug. 14

13:00 Jordan-Malaysia

15:00 South Africa-Japan

17:00 Iran-Philippines

19:00 Taiwan-Korea

Closing ceremony

Venue: Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City

NBA ALL-STARS FEVER TO HIT MANILA THIS WEEKEND

After a long, long time, the dream has come into reality. In the biggest NBA event since the 1979 NBA finalists Washington Bullets (now Wizards) played a lone game against a PBA selection bolstered by imports some 32 years ago, and the 32-man NBA barnstorming group that played a mini-series in 1975, certified NBA stars are set to see action in the two-game Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend on July 23 and 24 at the Araneta Coliseum. A crack eight man squad led by 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and another MVP (2008) Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, will play the PBA all-Filipino selection on Saturday and the Smart Gilas National team on Sunday. Completing the NBA all-stars are former rookie of the year winners Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets and Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, Lakers veteran warrior Derek Fisher, young stars James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers exciting big man DeAndre Jordan and the second pick over-all in the 2011 NBA rookie Draft, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bryant will act as playing coach of the team. Business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan’s MVP Sports Foundation is behind this once in a lifetime thrill for pinoy cage buffs. MVPSF official Al Panlilio says it took them many sleepless nights to make this event happen, according to the PhilStar.

“We’re proud to announce that a select group of superstars are coming over to play our own PBA All-Star selection and Smart Gilas Pilipinas in a couple of dream matches. We’ve had sleepless nights and we’re really glad this will happen.”

MAKE WAY FOR THE NEWEST PRO LEAGUE: NBL OF CANADA

Canada has joined the world of pro basketball as the newly-created National Basketball League (NBL) is set to tip-off with its inaugural season this coming November. The league has three founding franchises in Halifax Rainmen, Quebec Kebs, and Saint John Mill Rats. Four other franchises are expected to join such as Charlottetown, London, Oshawa, and Moncton. Each team will play a 36-game regular season. With this development, NBA players will now have the option to play in the fledgling league while awaiting for the current lockout to end. Mill Rats head coach Jaren Jackson says the NBL can become an attraction to those Canadian players in the NBA as well as those from the East Coast, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

“I think there will be some players interested, maybe some Canadian players in the NBA, or any other guys from the East Coast who just want to continue to stay in shape or play while the lockout is going on.”

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS: A GRAND PICK IN GRUNDY?

The unfortunate injury to import Jeremy Wise paves the way for the entry of ex-Atlanta Hawks guard Anthony Grundy to the league-leading Petron Blaze Boosters in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup. However, the jury is still out on whether Grundy can help sustain the Boosters momentum. Grundy, who had a stellar college career with the North Carolina State Wolfpacks, played most of his pro career in Europe. The 32 year old, Louisville (KY) native played 12 games for the Hawks during the 2005-06 season, posting norms of 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. After college, Grundy was left undrafted in the 2002 NBA rookie draft and started toiling the European leagues, playing in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. In 2005-06, Grundy suited up for the Roanoke Dazzle in the NBA D-League. He had an impressive 44-game stint with the Dazzle, wherein he averaged 23.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, and eventually signed to a ten-day contract by the Hawks. This past season, Grundy saw action for AEK Athens in the Greek league, averaging 14.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg, and 3.1 apg in 10 outings. He later posted norms of 15.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, and 3.6 apg in 14 appearances for Mersin Buyuksehir in the Turkish league. A black mark in his career was the news that Grundy was arrested last February for DWI (driving while intoxicated) charges in Raleigh, North Carolina.