FUTURE COACH

Take it from Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President and former teammate John Paxson, that incoming Hall-of-Famer Scottie Pippen will make an excellent coach someday. Paxson is optimistic that Pippen has the smarts and dedication of a very good basketball coach, according to ESPN. Pippen and Paxson were members of the Bulls first three-peat championship squad from 1991 to 1993.

“I think Scottie is smart enough and dedicated enough to the game that I think at some point he's going to want to get into coaching. My personal feeling is that Scottie Pippen will be an excellent basketball coach.

“You never know. Right now obviously at some point he's going to have to get into the profession. A lot of guys take different routes. It's all about what kind of timeline he would have. All I'm saying is I think he's just a very, very smart guy and that if he ever does want to get into coaching, I think he would be very good.”

BAD FOR THE GAME

Team USA head coach and current Duke University mentor Mike Krzyzewski said that the move made by New York Knicks owner James Dolan to name Florida International University coach Isiah Thomas as consultant for his pro franchise at the same time, is not a good idea for the game. He believes that the college game must be separated from the pro game and should remain like that, according to The New York Times. 

“It just seems to me that it should be separate, college and pro. I’m not going to call anybody and I’m not going to look into it anymore, but if a call comes to me, you can be sure I won’t accept anything like that.”

LEANING TOWARDS NEW YORK

Denver Nuggets franchise star Carmelo Anthony wants to play for the New York Knicks, according to CBSSports.com. The former Syracuse standout is currently in a dilemma on whether to accept the Nuggets offer of a three-year contract extension worth $65-M or join Amare Stoudemire in the Apple City. A reliable source said that Anthony has expressed strong desire to play for the Knicks.

“Carmelo already wants to play in New York. He doesn't need anybody to bring him there. He's a gunslinger. That situation is perfect for him.”

MERALCO OFFICIALLY JOINS THE PBA

It’s now official, Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) is the newest member of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), according to the PhilStar. The giant electric company is taking over the Sta. Lucia Realty franchise, which it bought for P50 million. MERALCO was a powerhouse team during the 60’s and early 70’s during the old MICAA days. Ramon Segismundo, MERALCO Senior Vice-President and the team’s representative to the PBA Board, said that it’s a great honor to be part of Asia’s first play-for-pay loop and they will slowly build a competitive team just like the MERALCO squad of yesteryears. 

“We will be building on our acquired franchise to develop a competitive team over the long-term. Meralco’s legacy has always been intertwined with Philippine basketball. It is an honor and privilege for us to be part of PBA’s future.”

BREAKTHROUGH FOR ASIAN HOOPS

No other than the greatest basketball player of all-time, Michael Jordan, foresees a very bright future for Asian basketball. With the influx of talents now strutting their wares in the NBA like Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets, Yi Jian Lian of the Washington Wizards and the latest sensation in the Bay Area, Jeremy Lin of the Golden State Warriors, Jordan thinks it has affected the continent in a positive way with regards to the hoops game. He refers to the continuing globalization of the NBA which has contributed to the rise of talents in the Asian region. And he expects more to come in the near future.

“I think Asia…. It will continue to grow with the talent that’s in the league now and the other players are going to want to do the things Yao Ming is doing. I think it’s going to be very positive.

“Those guys (up-and-coming Asian players) have started to show that the game has started to expand toward Asia.”

NBA REGULAR SEASON GAMES IN LONDON CONFIRMED

The NBA will hold its first ever regular season games at O2 Arena in London on March 4 and 5, 2011. Commissioner David Stern confirmed the London schedule, according to BritBall. The protagonists in the Three Lions showdown are the New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors. Japan is the only country thus far to host a regular NBA game in the past.

“We'll need to assess how we do in March. It would not surprise me if this becomes an annual event. But I don't want to make a commitment on it.

“It’s always about the games themselves and the activities around the games. Last year with our friendly in October, we did community service, we did clinics, we did court dedications. You can expect there will be a dramatic build-up towards March, that we begin to demonstrate to people that basketball – in particular NBA basketball but we hope all of basketball – has drawing power, especially for kids. 

“It’s a very inclusive sport. When you have rosters that demonstrate the impact of globalisation in the NBA, that together with the focus that LOCOG will be putting basketball, it is going to be a very catalytic series of events that will keep basketball in the public eye.”

CP3 ON HORNETS AND NEW 3 KINGS

In an interview with ESPN980, SportsRadioInterviews.com reported that Chris Paul hopes to stay healthy so he could help the New Orleans Hornets to have a better campaign next season. Paul also shared his thoughts on Miami Heat’s new “Three Kings”.

“Yeah, were all good. My biggest focus right now is making sure I’m healthy so this season can be better than last season.

“We’re fine with it. Those guys (LBJ, C-Bosh and D-Wade) exercised their ability and their option to opt out and things like that. I know those guys personally so I understand they want to win and different things like that. It means everybody else needs to get up.”

NOBODY BUT JORDAN

After all these years, the legendary duo is still at it. When one of them needs the other, count on it. With his coming induction to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Scottie Pippen has chosen his former Chicago Bulls partner, the great Michael Jordan, to be on his side in the biggest stage for the greatest night honoring his distinguished playing career, according to NBA.com. So many stories had already been told about the duo’s unforgettable exploits but expect to hear more this coming Saturday morning (Manila time).

“I can’t think of a better person to do it. Michael is someone I shared my career with, accomplishing most of what I have accomplished thus far. He was a great teammate, teacher and admirer. I’m excited to have an opportunity to be the first person that he has presented into the Hall of Fame. I figure if anyone deserves to be on the stage with me, it’s him.

“I wish Phil (Jackson) could be there. He did so much for me throughout my career, but this will be a lot of fun. It will give Michael and me a chance to be on a big stage together one final time.”

TURKEY TAPS BLACKMAN

As host of the FIBA World Basketball Championships, which is scheduled to tip-off late August, Turkey is making sure they will have a respectable showing and to finish with flourish before their adoring countrymen. To further enhance the National team’s competitiveness, Turkey has tap the services of ex-NBA star Rolando Blackman as assistant coach, according to ESPN. Blackman, who is currently the Dallas Mavericks director of basketball development, also served as assistant coach with Germany during the 2002 FIBA World Championships in Indianapolis. Turkey head coach Bogdan Tanjevic said Blackman will play an important role for the coaching staff and will be a big help to the team’s campaign. Blackman played for Tanjevic in 1996 when they won the Italian League Championship.

“Rolando has come here to help us for the FIBA World Championship. I've invited him. He was a great player, he has a great personality and will help our players. His ideas in the field, what to do in defense and attack, are very impressive. Blackman can be very important for us.”

CRITICAL MOMENT

After the Las Vegas camp, now comes the critical six-day New York training camp for Team USA hopefuls. According to USA Basketball Chairman Jerry Colangelo, the NY workouts will determine the final 12 line-up that will compete in the FIBA World Basketball Championships in Istanbul, Turkey starting August 28. Among the team’s activities in the Apple City includes a Blue-White exhibition game among the candidates and a tune-up match against France at Madison Square Garden, according to ESPN. The last fifteen men standing are forwards Kevin Durant, Lamar Odom, Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Jeff Green and Kevin Love; guards Chauncey Billups, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Andre Iguodala, Eric Gordon and Stephen Curry; and centers Tyson Chandler and JaVale McGee.

“Certain players were told that they're right on the bubble and that New York is really very critical and important to them in terms of making the final roster.”

THE CHIEF HAS SPOKEN

NBA legend Robert Parish said that the Miami Heat will not win the title next season and not even the Eastern Conference crown, according to Boston.com. The former Boston Celtics great, who is fondly called “The Chief” during is playing days, believes that the “Big 3 Formula” will not work in South Florida the way it worked in Beantown. He cited that Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce and the Celtics late in their career and they are matured enough to sacrifice their individual glory all for the sake of winning a championship. Parish sees it differently with the Heat as LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade are all under 30. He also said that the Heat are lacking a real point guard to backstop the new “Three Kings” and a low post threat as well at the center spot.

“One of the reasons why it worked out so well in Boston is Garnett and Allen were older players. Those guys [in Miami] are under 30, and are they going to be able to put their egos aside trying to carve out their niche, their legacy? It looks good on paper, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a success on the court.

“I don’t see them coming out of the East because they don’t have a true point and true center, because [Zydrunas] Ilgauskas is not going to get it done against Shaq, Jermaine, and [Orlando’s] Dwight Howard.”

LOVING STEVE NASH

Latvian center Andris Biedrins of the Golden State Warriors would not mind playing for the Phoenix Suns in the future, according to WarriorsWorld.net. Everybody loves to play with Steve Nash and Biedrins is no exception. He believes playing with the two-time NBA MVP  brings something different to the game.

“So, I guess, if they trade me, there could be some nice changes involved, maybe I’ll be on a better team, with better teamwork. When the rumors came out last year about me going to Phoenix, I would’ve loved to play with Steve Nash. Also, the Phoenix team, the city, it was all fun to think about. With a point guard like that, the game is different.”

NO MORE PUREFOODS HOTDOGS IN 2010-11 PBA SEASON

With the sale of San Miguel/Purefoods to new owners Del Monte Pacific Ltd. and Century Pacific Group of Companies already a done deal, the company’s pro basketball franchise was turned over to its mother company, San Miguel Corporation. The Purefoods Hotdogs basketball team was left behind as the new owners of the company are not interested of joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), according to GMANews.TV. Which means the team will carry a new SMC product brand next season. Jay Mercado of MYPBA.com said that with Purefoods exit in the PBA, it will have a big impact on the fans of the league. Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio is all set to move to new PBA team Meralco and ready to sign a five-year deal. Meralco has bought the Sta. Lucia Realty franchise.

“It will definitely have a big impact on its fans. The brand is already part of the fans' mainstream. Other companies under San Miguel Corporation, like Petron, may take over, but it won't have the same luster, at least, not now. But they made a good move by naming Purefoods B-Meg this conference. They did a great job testing the waters and reducing the impact.”

STAY AGGRESSIVE

Alaska Aces coach Tim Cone is not looking at his 2-0 advantage as a huge thing, according to the PhilStar. Far from it and he is not excited about it. He knows very well that the San Miguel Beermen can stage a comeback anytime in the PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven finals series. The focus is to stay aggressive and continue to apply pressure on the opposition.

“It’s so easy to let it down at this point but that’s not the idea. We have to go out and try keep putting the pressure on them. We have to stay aggressive. We have to come out and play to win, not like you’re in the middle of the game and with a 12-point lead, you try to hold on. It’s only 2-0 and it takes four games to win it for a reason. It doesn’t excite me. I’ve lost everything you could possibly lose throughout my career.”

Video: KNICKS PRESIDENT DONNIE WALSH UNHAPPY WITH ISIAH THOMAS RETURN

Video: US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S LOVE FOR HOOPS

BEGGING SHEED TO COMEBACK

Newly-acquired Shaquille O’Neal of the Boston Celtics is begging Rasheed Wallace to comeback from retirement and join him in the quest for the 18th  championship banner in Beantown, according to CSNNE.com. Wallace, who played with the Celtics last season, has announced his retirement after the NBA finals last June.

“I know Rasheed is thinking about coming back. Rasheed, go on and come back for one or two more years.”

BACKLASH

The New York Post reported that New York Knicks owner James Dolan’s rehiring of Isiah Thomas as consultant took a backlash from both the organization and its loyal followers. It seems nobody wanted Zeke back in Gotham City except Dolan. According to the New York Daily News, current Knicks President Donnie Walsh almost quit his post due to Dolan’s unpopular move. A team source confirmed that Walsh never wanted Thomas back into the team. Thomas, a Hall-of-Famer, is the former President and head coach of the Knicks.

“Donnie doesn't want him there, nobody wants him there but Dolan. Isiah seems to have Jim wrapped around his finger.

“When the Knicks lose two games in a row he'll be on the phone with Dolan and Donnie saying, 'This is all D'Antoni's fault. And if they lose three games he'll be on the phone with Dolan and Mike saying, 'This is all Donnie's fault.' That's Isiah.”

LBJ TO CLEVELAND: THANK YOU

Finally, the former “King of Cleveland” and now a major piece in the renaissance of the Miami Heat, had said the much-awaited words to his former team. LeBron James acknowledged the City of his home state for the all the great years he had with the Cavaliers, according to ESPN.com. He twice said the words “Thank you”.

“To the city of Cleveland, my fans in Cleveland, my fans in northeast Ohio, I want to say thank you for the last seven years and the years that continue to go in the future.

“So I want to thank the city of Cleveland, also northeast Ohio, for all the great years that I've had. Because I'm able to give back to the city that I grew up in, the city that I love. And the city that I will always give back to.”

SHAQ CAN STILL HELP

Ray Allen, the resident hitman of the Boston Celtics, believes that the hiring of Shaquille O’Neal is a good fit for Beantown, according to ESPN.com. Allen said that the 7-1 behemoth will be a big help to the Celtics off the boards. He cited offensive rebounding as one of the weak points for Boston last season. Actually, there are two new O’Neals that will man the Celtics frontcourt next season, seven-footers Shaq and Jermaine, who will join forces with old hands Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis. 

“It's definitely interesting to me, because I think he can help us. One of our bad traits this past year was offensive rebounding and rebounding in general, and he's a guy that takes up a lot of space, so I definitely think he can help us.”

THE REAL BEST IMPORT

For Alaska Aces hardworking import Diamon Simpson, there’s nothing more to prove on who the real best import is but rather set his eyes on the big one. The former St. Mary College standout is not really after individual awards (even though he is the most effective and consistent among all the reinforcements this conference) and the only thing that matters is winning the PBA Fiesta Championship. And now the Aces are up 2-0 and two wins away from winning it all. Simpson was his usual dominating self anew last night as he scored 29 points and hauled down 17 rebounds to lead Alaska to a 94-90 victory over the SMB Beermen. The 6-6 former NBA D-League star was all praised for his local teammates for pulling it through despite his fouling out with 29 seconds left and the Aces up by only three points. Simpson also mentioned that the presence of Miami Heat Fil-Am head coach Erik Spoelstra at the Big Dome pumped up the Aces.

“I’m proud of my team. I believe they can do it without me. I was aware that he’s there (Erik Spoelstra)  and he’s an inspiration. It’s definitely not over. Their coach would surely have new scheme, brand new set of plays and new attitude. Right now, we’ll just try to play hard and try to win the championship.”

BREAKING 72 AND 33?

Are basketball’s immortal records of  72-10 win-loss regular season slate of the Chicago Bulls in 1995-96 and the winning streak of 33 games by the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1971-72 season breakable? ABC/ESPN NBA TV analyst and former New York Knicks and Houston Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy honestly thinks so, according to the Miami Herald. With a powerhouse line-up anchored on the new “Three Kings” LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and a great young defensive coach in Filipino-American Erik Spoelstra, Van Gundy has all the reasons to believe that the Miami Heat can manage both. He added the Heat are now indefensible.

“They will break the single-season win record [of 72]. And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers' 33-game [winning] streak [in 1971-72], as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series. They will never lose two games in a row this year.

“They have put together a much better roster than anybody could ever have expected. There is now no good way to defend them. They are unguardable. They are indefensible. They are just too good and have added so much shooting and are so versatile that they will score at will.


“And with Erik Spoelstra coaching, they will be in the top three defensive teams in the league, as well. The other 29 teams better hope the lockout gets moved up a year.”

Video: ERIK SPOELSTRA MANILA VISIT 2010

Video: NOTABLE GAMES OF 2010-11 NBA SEASON

MAKING J-SAL A BETTER PLAYER

Hotshot John Salmons of the Milwaukee Bucks is looking forward and excited to play with newly-acquired swingman Corey Maggette, according to an interview with the Sporting News. Salmons said that Maggette’s versatility will play a vital factor in the Bucks offense next season. He also added that they don’t play the same position and they can play together at the same time.

“I don’t see us as similar at all. Of course we can play together. He is a guy who can get you scoring, can put points on the board, gets to the free-throw line. He can start, he can come off the bench. I am looking forward to playing with him. I think he will make me a better player.”

SMUSH WANTS BACK

Despite the love for playing as an import in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Smush Parker wants to be back soon in the NBA, according to the New York Post . Parker had spent the last two seasons strutting his wares for the Guandong Southern Tigers Hongyuan wherein he posted norms of 18.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 5.7 apg in 43 games last season. The 6-4, ex-Fordham University standout is a five-year NBA journeyman with career averages of 9.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.9 apg in 274 total games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers. Parker last played in the NBA during the 2007-08 season.

“I’m used to being away from home, but it was an adjustment because I wasn’t able to talk to anybody. At the same time I had a job to do. It’s about playing at the top level of basketball that there is. I feel like I can play at that level and I’ve proven myself. It’s just about trying to get back. I’m just going to let the chips fall where they may. I’m going to end up at somebody’s veteran camp and try to make the team. If I can’t get back,  I am content with going overseas.”

SPOELSTRA BELIEVES IN FILIPINOS

Miami Heat head coach Filipino-American Erik Spoelstra said that a Filipino may soon play in the NBA, according to the Manila Times. Spoelstra thinks that the Filipinos love of the game and their passion are the keys of someday making it to basketball’s biggest stage. Spoelstra also talked about how it feels good to return to his mother’s homeland.

“The NBA is now global. A lot of nationalities from all over the world are now playing in the league. The Filipinos’ love for basketball is a big asset to be there in the NBA. I really like it here because of the Filipino people’s passion for basketball. They [Filipino young players] must have a vision. That’s really very important to guide their interests. Talent-wise Filipino kids have, but I do hope, we can also promote a very healthy lifestyle here.

“The sport has been good to me. I don’t see any reason why it cannot be good for them. It’s just making the right decision for their future. Where I am now is a proof that it can be done. I hope it will be enough inspirations to anyone aspiring to become great in basketball. It’s a matter of making sacrifices and setting the goal. My mother doesn’t make it here now. But I am here and very exciting to once again visit the place of my family. It’s great to be here.”

EYEING A BIG RETURN

Just like Yao Ming, another former number one over-all pick in the NBA rookie draft is eyeing a big comeback from knee injury next season, according to TribStar.com. Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden is currently undergoing rehab and working out hard not just because of the injury but in his maturity as well. The 7-0 Buffalo native wants to return in full strength and aim for a possible all-star berth in February.  The 22 year-old ex-Ohio State star has appeared in only 82 games for Portland in three years as a pro, averaging 9.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.4 bpg. He was the top pick over-all in the 2007 draft by the Blazers.

“It happened in a game against the Houston Rockets. I was going up to block a shot [by Aaron Brooks]. I jumped in the air and my kneecap just broke in half. There actually wasn’t that much pain. The look of it was actually worse than the pain. They [doctors] told me that if I had kept my leg straight, I could have walked on it right after it happened. There was really nothing I could have done. They said the force of my jump — the way I jump, how my legs were — was at least 400 pounds.

“I got surgery the next day. I’m still in rehab, but I’m getting really close to where I want to be for the start of the season. [The rehab process] has been very long — a lot of ups and downs, good days and bad days. But things are looking good. I’ve just been working out. I’ve been here and Indianapolis. I’ve been working out really hard with some people who are really good for me … basically changing my lifestyle, just getting myself right and being around people who I know and grew up with.

“Doctors have told me that I should be 100 percent by the time it’s all healed. I can’t predict the future, but I know I’m preparing myself right now to be an [NBA] all-star. I know what I need to do, growing up, maturing, 22 [years of age] now. It’s time to mature.”

YAO IS STILL THE MAN

Future Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs believes that China’s great wall Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets is still the best big man in the league. Yao is making a comeback next season after sitting-out the whole of last season due to a serious injury. Duncan said that each game with the 7-6 Shanghai native requires thorough physical and mental preparations.

“He is a presence in there, someone you have to focus on and make a game plan for. His size, his touch, the way he can shoot the ball is pretty impressive.”