by Migs
Over the last few days, I've heard a lot of things said about the DLSU Green Archers' Rico Maierhoffer giving Ateneo's Rabeh Al Hussaini "the finger" in Game 2 of the UAAP finals.
Here are my thoughts on the issue.
I thought that what the Puerto Galera native did was not only telling of a semblance of emotional immaturity, but it too was telling of fear. Rico was afraid that he'd be blamed for a, then, impending DLSU loss. So, instead of being a part of a La Salle team that was being hammered by the Blue Eagles, he decided to go for broke by taunting the biggest fellow on the hardwood, getting ejected, and making it look like he had been cheated by the referees via a bum call.
Referees are not perfect. Trash talking happens in basketball. However, it would be preposterous to believe that Rico got the short end of the stick here. First of all, his alibi, which basically describes that he had intended to "signal his teammate JVee Casio and not taunt the Eagles' star center", seems to hold as much water as Charles Manson saying declaring himself to be a Marian Devotee. Give me a break. And what of number 10's antics as he was being escorted off the court? What of his threatening gestures to a fan on the Blue side of things? Absolute rubbish, I say. An absolute lack of class, I say.
Call him the Rasheed Wallace or Ron Artest of the UAAP. There's no denying this kid's skills, but then, he's got to keep his head in the game enough for the fans, the referees, and the general public at large, not to give him, and consequently, his entire team, unwarranted heat.
After this latest spat, is there still any doubt as to why the De La Salle Green Archers have slowly become the "villains" of college basketball? Throw in the Bryan Ilad punching incident from Season 70, the "slap" on Arwind Santos by a member of the DLSU alumni in the year 2005, former Archer Joseph Yeo's shenanigans with former Eagle Enrico Villanueva, and former DLSU swingman Mark Cardona's swagger, and we've got ourselves enough evidence to rival even OJ Simpson's almost unmistakeable guilt.
It's that I'm being hard on Maierhoffer and La Salle here for the sake of doing so. All I'm saying is that the UAAP, and basketball in general, should stand for more than just "winning". Sometimes, it's how we win, and more importantly, how we accept defeat, that people remember in the years that follow our glory days on the parquet, dirt, or cement courts we play on. Once the spotlights are switched off, and our bones get brittle and our bodies can't take the punishment of a full ballgame anymore, we only have memories, and the ideals attached to such recollections, to fall back on.
From the way things have been going, Maierhoffer looks to be on his way to his later years filled with memories of how, many times over, he had to chomp on sandwiches full of his empty words and actions which, sadly, may eventually end up overshadowing his accomplishments, purely, as a baller.
Also, it's one thing to taunt a player with words that can't really be picked up by any microphones parked around courtside, but it's a totally different and far graver sin to give your fellow player the MIDDLE FINGER for a globl audience to see, no matter how intense the game, and no matter how high the stakes. Doing so would be low, uncivilized, and utterly baseless a course of action.
If there were more games to play, Maierhoffer may have been suspended for a contest or two, and before anyone thinks that the UAAP board will take this and La Salle's no show at the awarding ceremonies lightly, then, well, curb your enthusiasm. Knowing how commissioner Chito Narvasa goes about his business, league rules might end up being tighter than ever come next year, or, official sanctions may be thrown at some folks in Green sooner than later.
Then again, the Commish might just forgive the people involved in the acts devoid of character described above, and may just stand pat until next season with regards to any drastic actions taking place.
As much as the latter may occur, remember this- people may forgive, but then, forgetting is a whole other ballgame.
People, let's be reasonable here and condone what should be condone and condemn what should be condemned. Let's do this all in the name of justice and sound judgment. This is a good enough track for our minds to run on, don't you think?
_________________________________________________________________
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Long and Winding Road.
by Migs
"After 14 long years, the Eagle is once again King, of the UAAP."
These were the words uttered by then commentator and Ateneo graduate Mico Hallili at the end of Game 3 of the UAAP finals. Ateneo had won its first UAAP crown in 14 seasons at the time, led by former MVPs Rich Alvarez and Enrico Villanueva. The stalwarts for DLSU at the time, were the likes of Mike Cortez and Mark Cardona.
It's funny how history has an odd way of repeating itself. The names and faces may have changed, but the institutions they play for, and what these institutions stand for, have remained the same.
In 2008, Ateneo and La Salle battled in out again. The Archers once again found themselves defending the UAAP title, and Ateneo, again, found itself in the hunter's role. This time, though, the Eagles were the favored team, and the Archers, as with the 2007 incarnation of their squad, found themselves wearing the underdog's colors. The Ateneans were once again portrayed as the "good guys" by the media- clean cut, law-abiding, and type of guys you'd supposedly want to bring home to mom. The Green Archers, again, seem to have been framed as the "villains" in the mis-en-scene- brash, edgy, in your face types mom's warn their kids about. Accuracy of the labels attached to the school's cagers aside, the 2008 stage was set, yet again, for another battle for the ages.
That's one tag that did not fail to come to fruition. Not by any means.
In Game 1 of the finals, fans witnessed the Archers' vaunted press in action, and they too witnessed Ateneo's stellar zone defense in full effect. The Blues' interior offensive game, though, proved to be too much for DLSU to handle. Think 31 points by Rabeh Al Hussaini on a bum ankle. Think solid, all-around, play from Nonoy Baclao. As a bonus, think timely perimeter production from floor general Jai Reyes. Despite only 2 markers from Chris Tiu, the Ateneans managed to jot down a win and move one step off of their first title in 6 years.
In Game 2, DLSU came out firing. Rico Maierhoffer, once again, tried into the heads of the Baclao and Al Hussaini, and JVee Casio, although struggling to find his range against Ateneo all year long, poured on the points early and often. Chris Tiu had once again found his rhythm, scoring 16 points for the match, assisting a still ailing Al Hussaini, who by then, had been named UAAP MVP, and who finished with only 7 points to his name. By the second half, Maierhoffer had been tossed because of apparent taunting directed at Rabeh, and from there, the DLSU monolith crumbled further, with them only managing one field goal (a PJ Walsham stick back) for the entire 4th quarter.
By the last minute or so, with the game in the bag, Eagles Team Captain Chris Tiu couldn't help but shed a few tears. This was, after all, his final game for the university that had given him so much, and that, in turn, he had given so much to. The win represented affirmation for certain Ateneo cagers. It affirmed Rabeh Al Hussaini's status as the opposite of the "fluke" his naysayers said he was years ago, and the status of Norman Black as a master mentor. It affirmed the status of Chris Tiu as the closest the Blue and White has ever gotten- or will ever get- to a Michael Jordan-type player and human being- someone who has the skills, heart, and soul to make a significant impact both in athletic competition and, ultimately, in the game of life. The triumph affirmed Jobe Nkemakolam and Jai Reyes' statuses as bona fide contributors for arguably the country's most popular amateur sports team. Jobe and Jai had always been criticized as underachievers throughout their college careers (especially the latter, who enjoyed MVP-level success as a Blue Eaglet), and this past series, and this past season, is proof that both can do their share in making the Eagles win and the Ateneo community proud (Jobe scored 8 points in the first half of Game 2 when Rabeh was down and out; Jai's reinvigorated his career this season with a steady mix of hot shooting displays and heady point guard play). This champioship serves as affirmation for Eric Salamat who, in the past, had been criticized as a player who had the tools, but didn't have enough control/discipline to harness his skills towards having a positive impact on the team. The kid found his niche as a sixth man this year, and, with highlight play after highlight play, helped in quelling the opposition's attempts at stealing victories, especially during those instances when Ateneo's first stringers would need to rest or be benched due to injury. This title serves as a testament to Yuri Escueta's work ethic, and how effort, courage, and a little bit of luck can go a long, long, way. The former Team B-er, in my view, provided the Blue and White with a steading influence on the floor, especially during the more phrenetic, turnover-plagued, ballgames.
Beyond the players, though, rests a semblance of affirmation for the Ateneo community itself, that, all of the cheering, the words of encouragement, and yes, lining up for tickets from the wee hours of the morning until the afternoon, has paid off. It's all been worth it. To everyone who has supported the Blue Eagles in the name of sportsmanship, of a passion to be the best, while knowing how to win and lose gracefully, the team thanks you. During the thanksgiving mass last Thursday at the Church of the Gesu, certain words from Coach Norman struck me. He mentioned that he and the boys had been inspired each team they'd see the multitudes in Blue at the Big Dome screaming, singing, jumping, pumping fists, laughing, crying, and altogether pouring their hearts and souls out in the name of the Ateneo.
Coach Norman, we in the community have been constantly inspired by the dedication the players and the coaching staff have shown over the past season. Yawping 'til we drop's the least we could do to as "6th Men and Women".
I'm no Mico Hallili, but then, I believe that the essence of what he stated during the waining moments of the 2002 title series, can once again be said with conviction, with pride, and with honor, for this year's proof of the Lord's bountiful blessings,
"After 6 long years, the Blue Eagle is once again King of the UAAP!"
Thank you, guys, for a glorious season! See you all at the bonfire!
-And to a certain fellow who mentioned that success in the UAAP/NCAA isn't tantamount to anything in the big picture, well, perhaps you need to go through a little bit of Basketball 101. Yes, we do need improved grassroots development for other athletic endeavors, but if we confine the discussion to basketball, then, it must be noted that the future national team-ers are born in the college ranks. Where did guys like Ren Ren Ritualo and Alvin Patrimonio first gain prominence anyway? Besides, increased exposure for cagers in the UAAP/NCAA (and other college leagues, for that matter), should make for a rich hoops "gene pool" from which to build on. We're no China, and yes, we should do better at spreading the wealth in terms of which sports we're passionate about, but it would totally ignorant to completely dismiss the value of amateur basketball and hoops development programs in the Philippines. Other Asian nations that have become globally competitive in this vein started from the bottom, and worked their way up the ladder through proper sourcing and enrichment. We may be a long way from the apex of worldwide (or even Asiawide) basketball supremacy, but then, who says that it's a sin to dream? We just need to achieve a sense of balance for our sports programs, and eliminate misfits who seek to pad pockets a the expense of our athletes. We need discipline and competency infused into our government systems as a whole. As cliche as this sounds, it is true- all dreams are achievable, so long as we "want" them enough and allot effort into reaching our goals which go above and beyond the established standards.-
-Congratulations to the De La Salle Green Archers for their 2nd place finish. I really do wish you had come out to receive your trophy and medals as a sign of good sportsmanship, though. It would have been fitting to have accorded the fans, and the officials of the UAAP- if not the Ateneans themselves- some honor by losing with grace and not falling with a ton of sour graping in tow. That's just my ten cents on the matter.-
"After 14 long years, the Eagle is once again King, of the UAAP."
These were the words uttered by then commentator and Ateneo graduate Mico Hallili at the end of Game 3 of the UAAP finals. Ateneo had won its first UAAP crown in 14 seasons at the time, led by former MVPs Rich Alvarez and Enrico Villanueva. The stalwarts for DLSU at the time, were the likes of Mike Cortez and Mark Cardona.
It's funny how history has an odd way of repeating itself. The names and faces may have changed, but the institutions they play for, and what these institutions stand for, have remained the same.
In 2008, Ateneo and La Salle battled in out again. The Archers once again found themselves defending the UAAP title, and Ateneo, again, found itself in the hunter's role. This time, though, the Eagles were the favored team, and the Archers, as with the 2007 incarnation of their squad, found themselves wearing the underdog's colors. The Ateneans were once again portrayed as the "good guys" by the media- clean cut, law-abiding, and type of guys you'd supposedly want to bring home to mom. The Green Archers, again, seem to have been framed as the "villains" in the mis-en-scene- brash, edgy, in your face types mom's warn their kids about. Accuracy of the labels attached to the school's cagers aside, the 2008 stage was set, yet again, for another battle for the ages.
That's one tag that did not fail to come to fruition. Not by any means.
In Game 1 of the finals, fans witnessed the Archers' vaunted press in action, and they too witnessed Ateneo's stellar zone defense in full effect. The Blues' interior offensive game, though, proved to be too much for DLSU to handle. Think 31 points by Rabeh Al Hussaini on a bum ankle. Think solid, all-around, play from Nonoy Baclao. As a bonus, think timely perimeter production from floor general Jai Reyes. Despite only 2 markers from Chris Tiu, the Ateneans managed to jot down a win and move one step off of their first title in 6 years.
In Game 2, DLSU came out firing. Rico Maierhoffer, once again, tried into the heads of the Baclao and Al Hussaini, and JVee Casio, although struggling to find his range against Ateneo all year long, poured on the points early and often. Chris Tiu had once again found his rhythm, scoring 16 points for the match, assisting a still ailing Al Hussaini, who by then, had been named UAAP MVP, and who finished with only 7 points to his name. By the second half, Maierhoffer had been tossed because of apparent taunting directed at Rabeh, and from there, the DLSU monolith crumbled further, with them only managing one field goal (a PJ Walsham stick back) for the entire 4th quarter.
By the last minute or so, with the game in the bag, Eagles Team Captain Chris Tiu couldn't help but shed a few tears. This was, after all, his final game for the university that had given him so much, and that, in turn, he had given so much to. The win represented affirmation for certain Ateneo cagers. It affirmed Rabeh Al Hussaini's status as the opposite of the "fluke" his naysayers said he was years ago, and the status of Norman Black as a master mentor. It affirmed the status of Chris Tiu as the closest the Blue and White has ever gotten- or will ever get- to a Michael Jordan-type player and human being- someone who has the skills, heart, and soul to make a significant impact both in athletic competition and, ultimately, in the game of life. The triumph affirmed Jobe Nkemakolam and Jai Reyes' statuses as bona fide contributors for arguably the country's most popular amateur sports team. Jobe and Jai had always been criticized as underachievers throughout their college careers (especially the latter, who enjoyed MVP-level success as a Blue Eaglet), and this past series, and this past season, is proof that both can do their share in making the Eagles win and the Ateneo community proud (Jobe scored 8 points in the first half of Game 2 when Rabeh was down and out; Jai's reinvigorated his career this season with a steady mix of hot shooting displays and heady point guard play). This champioship serves as affirmation for Eric Salamat who, in the past, had been criticized as a player who had the tools, but didn't have enough control/discipline to harness his skills towards having a positive impact on the team. The kid found his niche as a sixth man this year, and, with highlight play after highlight play, helped in quelling the opposition's attempts at stealing victories, especially during those instances when Ateneo's first stringers would need to rest or be benched due to injury. This title serves as a testament to Yuri Escueta's work ethic, and how effort, courage, and a little bit of luck can go a long, long, way. The former Team B-er, in my view, provided the Blue and White with a steading influence on the floor, especially during the more phrenetic, turnover-plagued, ballgames.
Beyond the players, though, rests a semblance of affirmation for the Ateneo community itself, that, all of the cheering, the words of encouragement, and yes, lining up for tickets from the wee hours of the morning until the afternoon, has paid off. It's all been worth it. To everyone who has supported the Blue Eagles in the name of sportsmanship, of a passion to be the best, while knowing how to win and lose gracefully, the team thanks you. During the thanksgiving mass last Thursday at the Church of the Gesu, certain words from Coach Norman struck me. He mentioned that he and the boys had been inspired each team they'd see the multitudes in Blue at the Big Dome screaming, singing, jumping, pumping fists, laughing, crying, and altogether pouring their hearts and souls out in the name of the Ateneo.
Coach Norman, we in the community have been constantly inspired by the dedication the players and the coaching staff have shown over the past season. Yawping 'til we drop's the least we could do to as "6th Men and Women".
I'm no Mico Hallili, but then, I believe that the essence of what he stated during the waining moments of the 2002 title series, can once again be said with conviction, with pride, and with honor, for this year's proof of the Lord's bountiful blessings,
"After 6 long years, the Blue Eagle is once again King of the UAAP!"
Thank you, guys, for a glorious season! See you all at the bonfire!
-And to a certain fellow who mentioned that success in the UAAP/NCAA isn't tantamount to anything in the big picture, well, perhaps you need to go through a little bit of Basketball 101. Yes, we do need improved grassroots development for other athletic endeavors, but if we confine the discussion to basketball, then, it must be noted that the future national team-ers are born in the college ranks. Where did guys like Ren Ren Ritualo and Alvin Patrimonio first gain prominence anyway? Besides, increased exposure for cagers in the UAAP/NCAA (and other college leagues, for that matter), should make for a rich hoops "gene pool" from which to build on. We're no China, and yes, we should do better at spreading the wealth in terms of which sports we're passionate about, but it would totally ignorant to completely dismiss the value of amateur basketball and hoops development programs in the Philippines. Other Asian nations that have become globally competitive in this vein started from the bottom, and worked their way up the ladder through proper sourcing and enrichment. We may be a long way from the apex of worldwide (or even Asiawide) basketball supremacy, but then, who says that it's a sin to dream? We just need to achieve a sense of balance for our sports programs, and eliminate misfits who seek to pad pockets a the expense of our athletes. We need discipline and competency infused into our government systems as a whole. As cliche as this sounds, it is true- all dreams are achievable, so long as we "want" them enough and allot effort into reaching our goals which go above and beyond the established standards.-
-Congratulations to the De La Salle Green Archers for their 2nd place finish. I really do wish you had come out to receive your trophy and medals as a sign of good sportsmanship, though. It would have been fitting to have accorded the fans, and the officials of the UAAP- if not the Ateneans themselves- some honor by losing with grace and not falling with a ton of sour graping in tow. That's just my ten cents on the matter.-
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
3 Letters, 2 Teams, 1 Prize.
By Migs
(Photo courtesy of fabilioh.com)
Pictures speak a thousand words. The one posted here, though, can pretty much be summed up in 3 letters.
M-V-P.
After Ateneo Center Rabeh Al Hussaini's stellar 31 point performance against the Green Archers in Game 1 of the UAAP Finals last Sunday, all that's left to do is to hand the "Rabman" over the trophy.
Not since the days halcyon days of Ateneo ball in 2002 have the Eagles had a big man in their lineup so dominating and so fundmentally sound on offense. While Ford Arao had a breakout year in Season 70, his performance parallels the skills of a Sam Perkins more than it does a Tim Duncan, who, cooly enough, Rabeh has managed to mimic in 2008.
What makes Rabeh difficult to supress is his ability to run the floor, and his proficiency at netting mid range jump shots. Compared to seasons past, Al Hussaini's improved at catching passes in the high/low post, and he's improved passing off of double teams, too.
Chris Tiu, Yuri Escueta, and maybe Jai Reyes (there is talk that "Jainamite" might not return for a 5th go around with the Blue Eagles next season) will be hanging up their Blue and White garbs after this year's festivities come to a close, but with a core of Rabeh, ace rookie Ryan Buenafe, and human fly swatter Nonoy Baclao, Ateneo seems poised to make a few more runs at glory in the years to come.
If any of you managed to watch the Ateneo Blue Eaglets beat the FEU Baby Tamaraws over the weekend, then you'd know that, should ADMU be able to keep the likes of JV Dumrique, Kiefer Ravena, and AJ Banal in the fold come college, then the good times should keep rolling.
I mentioned in a previous post that I thought that the Eagles would probably manage finish off DLSU this coming Thursday towards winning their first UAAP championship in six years and their second in the last two decades. Despite having said that, expect the Archers to come out swinging in Game 2. While they're going to have to shoot exceptionally well from the outside in order to steal one for Taft, the Green and White will have one thing immediately in their favor come Thursday- a kill or be killed swagger. Back a wounded animal into a corner, and, sometimes, you can most dangerous sort of aggressiveness out of it. Give a dog a steak, and sometimes, it becomes complacent. It isn't that Ateneo will get lazy or lose heart come Round 2, but then, if they start slow, and allow the Archers to come out of the blocks with a lot of energy, then, they might get themselves under-rug-swept. The Blue and White has had a tendency to start a bit slow at times this season, and Franz Pumaren and company should take advantage of this bad habit their nemeses possess.
One thing's for certain- both of these squads are championship-caliber teams. Fans, basketball pundits, know when two teams have true skill beyond just having grit, and vice-versa. Araneta Coliseum's ticket booths being mobbed is evidence of this fact.
Talking any further would only serve to irk pundits dying for the hours to pass 'til Thursday.
This is the calm before the storm.
Irregardless of who triumphs in this series' second salvo, we're in for a perfect storm, one that will surely feature "tears" and "destruction" for one side, and the aftermath, filled with the most beautiful rainbow-tattooed skyline, accorded to the eventual victor.
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Sunday, September 21, 2008
On the Cusp?- Ateneo Takes Game 1
by Migs
So I was fortunate enough to have eventually gotten General Admission tickets to today's game. The money shelled out was worth the it. Period.
Game 1 of the UAAP finals featured all of the drama and grit expected from a finals tiff, and furthermore, a battle between Ateneo and De La Salle.
Here are some of my initial postgame thoughts on the much hullaballoo-ed opening salvo of the Season 71 finals.
*Rabeh Al Hussaini pretty much stamped his name of the MVP trophy via his 31 point performance in this contest. Save for a few fumbles, his calm (almost stoic) demeanor and solid footwork and soft touch reminded me of another former MVP- the San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan. If he plays this way in Game 2, Ateneo should be able to wrestle away the title from their nemeses from Taft.
*La Salle took way too many errant jump shots today. As much as Ateneo's perimeter defense ought to be credited for shadowing the Archers' jump shooters, there were also a handful of tosses that could have been avoided had the Archers swung the ball around a little more. Again, credit is due the Eagles defense for clogging up the inside, ergo, making La Salle settle for more jumpers than trysts into the paint.
*Rabeh may have scored 31 markers today, but Nonoy Baclao provided a number of emphatic moments on defense. Any doubt about how intimidating the West Negros native can be on the inside? Just ask Rico Maierhoffer who, by my count, was denied- twice. He even had a "Wesley Gonzales" moment after his final, Earth-shattering block against Maierhoffer. What "Wesley Gonzales" moment am I talking about? Dig up your old 2002 UAAP finals VCDs and check out the final moments of regulation of Game 1. Look for Wesley Gonzales, who then, wore number 15 for the Eagles, and consequently, look for Mark "Captain Hook" Cardona, who then, wore number 17 for the Green and White. From there, note the similarities. Boom.
*Chris Tiu scored 26 points in Ateneo's first game against DLSU. Today, he only scored 2 points in spotty minutes on the hardwood. I think that Coach Black balanced out Chris' minutes on purpose, giving more floor time to guys like Yuri Escueta and ex-pat guard Kirk Long. Coach Norman's a master tactician, and while last year's "magic hugot" in the Final Four was forward Mike Baldos, in this game, it was giving more minutes to Escueta and Long (and even Bacon Austria) who, conveniently enough, played solid basketball, especially on the defensive end.
*Give props to Rico Maierhoffer for being aggressive and not making questionable decisions on the floor. He may have been overwhelmed by the Eagles' imposing front line, but then he did the right thing in trying to combat the Blue's twin towers. He kept attacking the basket. He was judicious, for the most part, about throwing up jumpers. He kept his emotions in check (the usually stoic Nonoy Baclao turned out to be the most animated cager of the day). Rico played well, but if DLSU wants to win, he'll need more consistent help. JVee Casio scored in the twenties, but not without a lot of ugly bricks having been volleyed. James Mangahas, Maui Villanueva, Simon Atkins, Bader Malabes and PJ Barua were pretty much non-existent in this afternoon's contest. Someone's got to step up not be erratic for the Green side on the offensive end, lest they get crushed by Ateneo's ground n' pound attack.
Speaking of ground n' pound...
*Apart of Rabeh's usual exploits, Ryan Buenafe had his way with La Salle's forwards today. He didn't cruise through scoring lanes per se, however, he did manage to slither past DLSU's supposedly quicker wingmen using strength and savvy positioning. With Rabeh, Ryan, and Nonoy barrelling through the Archers' paint patrollers, speedsters like Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat gained just enough confidence to chuck up (and nail) 3's, or go in closer for pop shots or layups/And 1's.
*The Ateneans wore "Norman Black" tribute warmers today. Norman Black wore number 24 during his PBA days. The shirts the boys wore were black. You can't get any cooler than that.
*Coach Norman Black can be mad about one thing- his team's love for turnovers. The Archers' press is suffocating, yes, however, it could be better. Fix this problem, and close the door on DLSU for the title.
*Perhaps Coach Franz should consider playing PJ Walsham more to try and counteract Ateneo's size inside. If PJ avoids doing things outside his scope of influence- like taking 3's- he should be able to help.
*Jai Reyes seems to be a man on a mission. Heady play from the 4th year point guard in Game 1 helped further bury DLSU on the offensive side of things. Okay, so Jai made a bad pass or two, but then on the whole, I think he played "spark plug" well enough to offset his bungling. Kudos to Eric Salamat for his usual "microwave"-ish play as well.
*The Archers have to realize that they aren't the offensive juggernaut they used to be. Ergo, if they want any shot at winning Game 2, they need to play gang defense on Ateneo's bigs. They need to pressure the ball in the backcourt, but then, get back on defense in time to cover the paint. On offense, they need to play an impeccable perimeter game, along with staying aggressive enough to attack the hoop to try to fish for fouls from the Eagles' bigs.
*Ateneo's target stats for Game 2- 75 or more points, 5 or more threes, 10 turnovers or less, 4 or fewer misses from the line.
*DLSU's target stats for Game 2- 75 or more points, 8-10 threes, 4 or fewer misses from the line, 25 or more fastbreak points, a 45 or more percent from the floor.
Initial Prediction- DLSU victory in Game 2 by 8-10 points.
Revised Prediction After Game 1?- Ateneo by 7-9. Ateneo wins championship.
(But hey, 2006 could happen to Ateneo- again, despite their defensive prowess.)
Good luck with your search for tickets for Thursday. :)
__________________________________________________________
So I was fortunate enough to have eventually gotten General Admission tickets to today's game. The money shelled out was worth the it. Period.
Game 1 of the UAAP finals featured all of the drama and grit expected from a finals tiff, and furthermore, a battle between Ateneo and De La Salle.
Here are some of my initial postgame thoughts on the much hullaballoo-ed opening salvo of the Season 71 finals.
*Rabeh Al Hussaini pretty much stamped his name of the MVP trophy via his 31 point performance in this contest. Save for a few fumbles, his calm (almost stoic) demeanor and solid footwork and soft touch reminded me of another former MVP- the San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan. If he plays this way in Game 2, Ateneo should be able to wrestle away the title from their nemeses from Taft.
*La Salle took way too many errant jump shots today. As much as Ateneo's perimeter defense ought to be credited for shadowing the Archers' jump shooters, there were also a handful of tosses that could have been avoided had the Archers swung the ball around a little more. Again, credit is due the Eagles defense for clogging up the inside, ergo, making La Salle settle for more jumpers than trysts into the paint.
*Rabeh may have scored 31 markers today, but Nonoy Baclao provided a number of emphatic moments on defense. Any doubt about how intimidating the West Negros native can be on the inside? Just ask Rico Maierhoffer who, by my count, was denied- twice. He even had a "Wesley Gonzales" moment after his final, Earth-shattering block against Maierhoffer. What "Wesley Gonzales" moment am I talking about? Dig up your old 2002 UAAP finals VCDs and check out the final moments of regulation of Game 1. Look for Wesley Gonzales, who then, wore number 15 for the Eagles, and consequently, look for Mark "Captain Hook" Cardona, who then, wore number 17 for the Green and White. From there, note the similarities. Boom.
*Chris Tiu scored 26 points in Ateneo's first game against DLSU. Today, he only scored 2 points in spotty minutes on the hardwood. I think that Coach Black balanced out Chris' minutes on purpose, giving more floor time to guys like Yuri Escueta and ex-pat guard Kirk Long. Coach Norman's a master tactician, and while last year's "magic hugot" in the Final Four was forward Mike Baldos, in this game, it was giving more minutes to Escueta and Long (and even Bacon Austria) who, conveniently enough, played solid basketball, especially on the defensive end.
*Give props to Rico Maierhoffer for being aggressive and not making questionable decisions on the floor. He may have been overwhelmed by the Eagles' imposing front line, but then he did the right thing in trying to combat the Blue's twin towers. He kept attacking the basket. He was judicious, for the most part, about throwing up jumpers. He kept his emotions in check (the usually stoic Nonoy Baclao turned out to be the most animated cager of the day). Rico played well, but if DLSU wants to win, he'll need more consistent help. JVee Casio scored in the twenties, but not without a lot of ugly bricks having been volleyed. James Mangahas, Maui Villanueva, Simon Atkins, Bader Malabes and PJ Barua were pretty much non-existent in this afternoon's contest. Someone's got to step up not be erratic for the Green side on the offensive end, lest they get crushed by Ateneo's ground n' pound attack.
Speaking of ground n' pound...
*Apart of Rabeh's usual exploits, Ryan Buenafe had his way with La Salle's forwards today. He didn't cruise through scoring lanes per se, however, he did manage to slither past DLSU's supposedly quicker wingmen using strength and savvy positioning. With Rabeh, Ryan, and Nonoy barrelling through the Archers' paint patrollers, speedsters like Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat gained just enough confidence to chuck up (and nail) 3's, or go in closer for pop shots or layups/And 1's.
*The Ateneans wore "Norman Black" tribute warmers today. Norman Black wore number 24 during his PBA days. The shirts the boys wore were black. You can't get any cooler than that.
*Coach Norman Black can be mad about one thing- his team's love for turnovers. The Archers' press is suffocating, yes, however, it could be better. Fix this problem, and close the door on DLSU for the title.
*Perhaps Coach Franz should consider playing PJ Walsham more to try and counteract Ateneo's size inside. If PJ avoids doing things outside his scope of influence- like taking 3's- he should be able to help.
*Jai Reyes seems to be a man on a mission. Heady play from the 4th year point guard in Game 1 helped further bury DLSU on the offensive side of things. Okay, so Jai made a bad pass or two, but then on the whole, I think he played "spark plug" well enough to offset his bungling. Kudos to Eric Salamat for his usual "microwave"-ish play as well.
*The Archers have to realize that they aren't the offensive juggernaut they used to be. Ergo, if they want any shot at winning Game 2, they need to play gang defense on Ateneo's bigs. They need to pressure the ball in the backcourt, but then, get back on defense in time to cover the paint. On offense, they need to play an impeccable perimeter game, along with staying aggressive enough to attack the hoop to try to fish for fouls from the Eagles' bigs.
*Ateneo's target stats for Game 2- 75 or more points, 5 or more threes, 10 turnovers or less, 4 or fewer misses from the line.
*DLSU's target stats for Game 2- 75 or more points, 8-10 threes, 4 or fewer misses from the line, 25 or more fastbreak points, a 45 or more percent from the floor.
Initial Prediction- DLSU victory in Game 2 by 8-10 points.
Revised Prediction After Game 1?- Ateneo by 7-9. Ateneo wins championship.
(But hey, 2006 could happen to Ateneo- again, despite their defensive prowess.)
Good luck with your search for tickets for Thursday. :)
__________________________________________________________
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Splinters and Pillows- Ateneo/La Salle, Game 1
by Migs
Does anyone have extra tickets to Sunday's game?
Okay, the fankid side of me shall remain silent until the end of this article.
I trooped over to Ateneo last Thursday, in the hope that I could nab even the most meager of passes for the hottest ticket in town- Ateneo/La Salle, for all the marbles, 2008 style, round one. I did come out empty handed after my Ateneo tryst, however, reflecting on the ins and outs of the impending clash between Green and Blue sufaced as my futile quest for rectangular pieces of paper that, these days, are as good as gold, came to a close.
Who's going to win? Is Ateneo going to dominate? Will La Salle come out kicking enough to kick themselves all the way home? Will the Eagles' wings be clipped by the vaunted DLSU press?
Here are my keys to victory, per squad:
ADMU:
*Close out on DLSU's shooters: Because the Archers do not have a legitimate post presence ala Rabeh Al Hussaini, DLSU may have to stake their life on the shooting prowess of their wingmen. La Salle can choose to use Rico Maierhoffer and his isolation penetration skills as a decoy of sorts which could eventually lead to kick out passes to shooters like Malabes, Atkins, and Mangahas. Off misses, bigs like Walsham, Ferdinand, and Maierhoffer can chase down loose balls. If the misses are slightly long, though, expect the Eagles to dominate the glass with their superior height and length. Ateneo won't have to double anyone in the paint per se, but then penetrators like Rico (Maierhoffer) and James (Mangahas) will have to have the proverbial door shut on them. The defensive onus, then, will rest squarely on the shoulders of guys like Jai Reyes, Eric Salamat, Ryan Buenafe, and Chris Tiu if and when the Greens kick out to anywhere beyond the arc.
*Push the tempo, but don't forget to establish post game: Ateneo currently leads the entire UAAP in fastbreak points, and while they have more traditional bigs than hybrid 4's or 5's, they've proven themselves to be capable of speeding things up just enough so as to still have guys like Rabeh and Jobe find their footing for easy pop shots around the hoop. Pushing the odometer upward just right allows them not to be too susceptible to La Salle's press, while still being able to get their perimeter guns good shots in "semi transition" ("semi transition" J's mean guarantees better rebounding opportunities; if your bigs can follow your wings upcourt, then you'll be fine in terms of 2nd chance throws at the basket).
*Minimize Turnovers: The Eagles are 14-1 for the season up until this juncture, however, it must be noted that they haven't always taken care of the spheroid like a championship-caliber club. Eric Salamat will have to be more judicious with his kamikaze drives, as any errant knock-aways should always immediately lead to a successful Archers fastbreak.
*Play through Rabeh and Chris: Chris Tiu and probable MVP Rabeh Al Hussaini are catalysts for positive basketball. When he isn't draining threes from parking lots across the nation, Tiu is starting drive and dish plays cooked to perfection. When he doesn't have the rock on the low block, Al Hussaini is a master at moving without the ball towards getting good rebounding position, or towards receiving drop passes from teammates streaking across the lane. If Ateneo manages to run their offense through these two players, such that they don't have any of their other men play out of position, then, the Eagles should have a shot at victory. Let Mike Baldos and Kirk Long do their best Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili impersonations, totally eschewing the established, effective, offensive system, and you will most likely find yourself in deep, deep, trouble, much to the liking of those from Taft.
*Help Nonoy: Columnist Rick Olivares recently unveiled his "IAMNONOY" Ateneo-themed shirt with the words, "I REBOUND, I BLOCK SHOTS, I AM A BLUE EAGLE" emblazoned on its back. By golly, rebound and block shots he does.
Nonoy Baclao is the anchor of the Ateneo defense. He's quelled attacks from the likes of Elmer Espiritu to Dylan Ababou to Rico Maierhoffer. When the perimeter defenders in Blue and White fail, Nonoy awaits, ready to strike, ready to clean up any of his teammates' shortcomings.
As great as it is to have a fly swatter in the paint, the Eagles cannot rely on Baclao alone to deter La Salle from establishing themselves inside. Rabeh Al Hussaini will have to be quicker in terms of moving switching off screen and rolls. Chris Tiu and Eric Salamat will have to be wary of taking gambles on the Archers' wingmen, and rooks like Salva and Buenafe will need to be wary of working through screens and clogging passing lanes during kickouts. Support Nonoy, and Ateneo will have the game in the palm of the hand. Let him do all the dirty work, and what you get is a fouled out former West Negros High School power forward, and, believe it or not, a large, gaping, hole in the middle. Lord knows Rico Maierhoffer would love that.
DLSU:
*Establish shooters' confidence early: Former Detroit Piston Joe Dumars once said that having a shooter's mentality allows a man to chuck up shots even after he's gone 1 for 10 over three quarters. Not that the Archers need to go 1-10 from behind the arc before they wake up, but what I'm trying to say is that DLSU needs to ascertain that their shooters get good looks- early.
A good shooting game from Simon Atkins or Bader Malabes would put a lot of pressure on Ateneo's defense. If they shoot well, the Blue's defense will have to sag out, giving more multidimensional players like Casio, Mangahas, and Maierfhoffer more room to operate closer to the rim. What's more, a decent shooting display from DLSU's shooters should help in negating Ateneo's own shooters from laying on some extra hurt on the offensive end. At this point, the game boils down to who executes better, and who blinks first. Based on how La Salle has played during the waining moments of games this year, this might be just the way they'd envision winning the inaugural game of the UAAP finals against their arch rivals.
*Let JVee Casio run the show: At times this season, he's looked human in the scorecards, but then, JVee Casio can do so much more than just chalk up points. Use him as a decoy when he's on the brink of being double-teamed. Use him a passer for drops to bigs like Ferdinand and Walsham. Let him run the offense and create. What's the worse that could happen? He's the King Archer and it's either he takes a big shot and makes or misses it, or makes a great pass, which eventually translates into an outstanding, or, bungled, play. As long as he gains a semblance of control over the good and bad, DLSU should be fine. If Casio scores more than 10 points or dishes out more than 6 assists in game one, look out.
*Who'll the surprise "shooter" be?: In the 2002 UAAP Finals, Franz Pumaren threw young Martin Urra Jr. onto the grill as part of a certain DLSU five. Coach Franz has been known to play rookies during pressure packed situations, and he's netted favorable results as per this habit. This year, some DLSU rookies and sophomores, namely Joshua Webb, Ferdinand, Maui Villanueva, and LA Revilla have proven to be capable of handling stress on the court in one way or another. With the Eagles' defense gunning for established veterans like JVee and Rico, will the rookies and shock troopers come to play?
For the sake of those in Archerland, the reserves better be at their best, lest their team be in for a long, grueling, afternoon.
*Keep Rico Maierhoffer's head in check: The man's got size, speed, and savvy from the perimeter and on the inside. So what's not to like?
When he's forcing layups over two bigs or chucking up ill-advised threes with reckless abandon, you've got to believe such antics drive Coach Franz Pumaren bananas.
Rico Maierhoffer is perhaps DLSU's most potent inside/outside threat. He's quick enough to match up with Nonoy Baclao and quick enough to potentially outmaneuver Rabeh Al Hussaini. He's this team's Rasheed Wallace. When he's under control, and aggressive, the Archers become tough to beat. When he's too eager beaver to score "emotional" baskets and too eager to be scrappy on defense, that's when things get ugly.
With JVee and Rico go the Archers. Or so I think.
*Run, run, run: Ateneo is the league's best fastbreak team, however, the tools Franz Pumaren has on his bench can sprint with the best. Later today, they'll get their chance.
In my view, the Archers should unleash the likes of LA Revilla, JVee Casio, and Rico Maierhoffer, plus throw in a little bit of Maui Villanueva, and try to outduel Ateneo's slower lineups. DLSU must be wary, though- an Eagles lineup of Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes, Chris Tiu, Rabeh, and Nonoy Baclao can and will match up well with them. Ergo, DLSU needs to be judicious about knowing when to go coast to coast, and when to stop and pop.
In any event, slowing the game down will be disadvantageous for those in Green, considering the fact that Ateneo's frontline is pretty much the UAAP's version of the Great Wall of China. The Eagles will pound the Archers into submission in a slow motion slugfest. In a Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote type game, the Archers will have a chance. The less established the Ateneo rampart becomes, the more room for easy baskets there will be, presumably.
The Archers have to think like the Phoenix Suns, sans Shaq, of course.
**INTANGIBLES:
-Will Kirk Long make an impact in this series? He's been sleepwalking through the season so far, shooting miserably from the field and occupying the Norman Black's doghouse in favor of super rookie Ryan Buenafe. In my opinion, Kirk can make a statement in this series on the defensive end, shadowing, perhaps, JVee Casio or James Mangahas.
-Ferdinand is one of the hardest working big men in the UAAP, and in this series, he'll have his work cut out for him. The Archers need the Indonesian giant to play with a lot of grit if they hope to try and quell Rabeh Al Hussaini's impact in the paint. Honorable mention to PJ Walsham in this vein, too. Good luck, guys.
-Jai Reyes has been looking good recently, scoring in double figures in 3 of his last 5 games (his most recent outing featuring him scoring 13 points on 5-8 shooting). Him shooting decently in this series will take a monumental amount of pressure off of Chris Tiu and Al Hussaini. Franz will probably double Rabeh in this tiff, while James Mangahas will most likely be asked to shackle Tiu. "Jainamite" shooting the lights out should also force guys like JVee Casio and Simon Atkins to chase Jai around screens more, hence, tipping the fatigue scales in favor of the Blue and White.
This same logic applies to Ateneo supersub Eric Salamat.
-Chris Tiu's quest for a championship could end within the next week. In an interview before Season 71, Chris mentioned that one of his primary motivations for coming back for a 5th year was to win a UAAP title. He's Ateneo's coach on the floor, and DLSU should be aware of that. While he may not score twenty points on you every night, he does so many other things on the floor which help the Eagles win, so, if anything, the Archers need to find a way to shatter the focus and confidence of the Atenean captain by getting under his skin, and from there, fluster the rest of the troops in blue. That, of course, is something easier said than done.
-Beyond strategy, will come a surpreme test of will. Who will wilt under the pressure of playing before 20plus thousand raucous fans with the UAAP title on the line? Who will be able to keep their poise despite the utterly emotional atmosphere? Beyond the X's and O's, the victor in this category could very well take the crown.
Prediction: All things considered, I predict the opening salvo to be close, decided by anywhere between 6 to 8 points. The second game might be a bit more of a stretch, decided by anywhere from 10-12 points. This is a series defined by keeping steady at the onset of momentum. With all of the hype surrounding this matchup, it would only be natural to be all jumpy after tipoff, so, it's the team that exudes a superior sense of control and poise that will come out on top. I think this series will go the distance, with the Eagles winning game one, and the Archers grabbing the second round (ala-2002). Game three should be a classic, and I firmly believe that Ateneo's discipline on both ends of the floor, coupled with their well-balanced lineup, should be enough to supress the Archers who, while not as well-shaped as Ateneo in terms of personnel, possess a whole lot of moxy, the sort of moxy you find in feisty champions who will stop at nothing to defend their throne.
This time, though, the prevailing winds will speak volumes, and the Blue Eagle will once again be King of the UAAP.
I say Ateneo in 3.
See you at the games, everyone (if I can manage to tickets to all 2, or, 3). Cheer, cheer, cheer!
_________________________________________________________
Does anyone have extra tickets to Sunday's game?
Okay, the fankid side of me shall remain silent until the end of this article.
I trooped over to Ateneo last Thursday, in the hope that I could nab even the most meager of passes for the hottest ticket in town- Ateneo/La Salle, for all the marbles, 2008 style, round one. I did come out empty handed after my Ateneo tryst, however, reflecting on the ins and outs of the impending clash between Green and Blue sufaced as my futile quest for rectangular pieces of paper that, these days, are as good as gold, came to a close.
Who's going to win? Is Ateneo going to dominate? Will La Salle come out kicking enough to kick themselves all the way home? Will the Eagles' wings be clipped by the vaunted DLSU press?
Here are my keys to victory, per squad:
ADMU:
*Close out on DLSU's shooters: Because the Archers do not have a legitimate post presence ala Rabeh Al Hussaini, DLSU may have to stake their life on the shooting prowess of their wingmen. La Salle can choose to use Rico Maierhoffer and his isolation penetration skills as a decoy of sorts which could eventually lead to kick out passes to shooters like Malabes, Atkins, and Mangahas. Off misses, bigs like Walsham, Ferdinand, and Maierhoffer can chase down loose balls. If the misses are slightly long, though, expect the Eagles to dominate the glass with their superior height and length. Ateneo won't have to double anyone in the paint per se, but then penetrators like Rico (Maierhoffer) and James (Mangahas) will have to have the proverbial door shut on them. The defensive onus, then, will rest squarely on the shoulders of guys like Jai Reyes, Eric Salamat, Ryan Buenafe, and Chris Tiu if and when the Greens kick out to anywhere beyond the arc.
*Push the tempo, but don't forget to establish post game: Ateneo currently leads the entire UAAP in fastbreak points, and while they have more traditional bigs than hybrid 4's or 5's, they've proven themselves to be capable of speeding things up just enough so as to still have guys like Rabeh and Jobe find their footing for easy pop shots around the hoop. Pushing the odometer upward just right allows them not to be too susceptible to La Salle's press, while still being able to get their perimeter guns good shots in "semi transition" ("semi transition" J's mean guarantees better rebounding opportunities; if your bigs can follow your wings upcourt, then you'll be fine in terms of 2nd chance throws at the basket).
*Minimize Turnovers: The Eagles are 14-1 for the season up until this juncture, however, it must be noted that they haven't always taken care of the spheroid like a championship-caliber club. Eric Salamat will have to be more judicious with his kamikaze drives, as any errant knock-aways should always immediately lead to a successful Archers fastbreak.
*Play through Rabeh and Chris: Chris Tiu and probable MVP Rabeh Al Hussaini are catalysts for positive basketball. When he isn't draining threes from parking lots across the nation, Tiu is starting drive and dish plays cooked to perfection. When he doesn't have the rock on the low block, Al Hussaini is a master at moving without the ball towards getting good rebounding position, or towards receiving drop passes from teammates streaking across the lane. If Ateneo manages to run their offense through these two players, such that they don't have any of their other men play out of position, then, the Eagles should have a shot at victory. Let Mike Baldos and Kirk Long do their best Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili impersonations, totally eschewing the established, effective, offensive system, and you will most likely find yourself in deep, deep, trouble, much to the liking of those from Taft.
*Help Nonoy: Columnist Rick Olivares recently unveiled his "IAMNONOY" Ateneo-themed shirt with the words, "I REBOUND, I BLOCK SHOTS, I AM A BLUE EAGLE" emblazoned on its back. By golly, rebound and block shots he does.
Nonoy Baclao is the anchor of the Ateneo defense. He's quelled attacks from the likes of Elmer Espiritu to Dylan Ababou to Rico Maierhoffer. When the perimeter defenders in Blue and White fail, Nonoy awaits, ready to strike, ready to clean up any of his teammates' shortcomings.
As great as it is to have a fly swatter in the paint, the Eagles cannot rely on Baclao alone to deter La Salle from establishing themselves inside. Rabeh Al Hussaini will have to be quicker in terms of moving switching off screen and rolls. Chris Tiu and Eric Salamat will have to be wary of taking gambles on the Archers' wingmen, and rooks like Salva and Buenafe will need to be wary of working through screens and clogging passing lanes during kickouts. Support Nonoy, and Ateneo will have the game in the palm of the hand. Let him do all the dirty work, and what you get is a fouled out former West Negros High School power forward, and, believe it or not, a large, gaping, hole in the middle. Lord knows Rico Maierhoffer would love that.
DLSU:
*Establish shooters' confidence early: Former Detroit Piston Joe Dumars once said that having a shooter's mentality allows a man to chuck up shots even after he's gone 1 for 10 over three quarters. Not that the Archers need to go 1-10 from behind the arc before they wake up, but what I'm trying to say is that DLSU needs to ascertain that their shooters get good looks- early.
A good shooting game from Simon Atkins or Bader Malabes would put a lot of pressure on Ateneo's defense. If they shoot well, the Blue's defense will have to sag out, giving more multidimensional players like Casio, Mangahas, and Maierfhoffer more room to operate closer to the rim. What's more, a decent shooting display from DLSU's shooters should help in negating Ateneo's own shooters from laying on some extra hurt on the offensive end. At this point, the game boils down to who executes better, and who blinks first. Based on how La Salle has played during the waining moments of games this year, this might be just the way they'd envision winning the inaugural game of the UAAP finals against their arch rivals.
*Let JVee Casio run the show: At times this season, he's looked human in the scorecards, but then, JVee Casio can do so much more than just chalk up points. Use him as a decoy when he's on the brink of being double-teamed. Use him a passer for drops to bigs like Ferdinand and Walsham. Let him run the offense and create. What's the worse that could happen? He's the King Archer and it's either he takes a big shot and makes or misses it, or makes a great pass, which eventually translates into an outstanding, or, bungled, play. As long as he gains a semblance of control over the good and bad, DLSU should be fine. If Casio scores more than 10 points or dishes out more than 6 assists in game one, look out.
*Who'll the surprise "shooter" be?: In the 2002 UAAP Finals, Franz Pumaren threw young Martin Urra Jr. onto the grill as part of a certain DLSU five. Coach Franz has been known to play rookies during pressure packed situations, and he's netted favorable results as per this habit. This year, some DLSU rookies and sophomores, namely Joshua Webb, Ferdinand, Maui Villanueva, and LA Revilla have proven to be capable of handling stress on the court in one way or another. With the Eagles' defense gunning for established veterans like JVee and Rico, will the rookies and shock troopers come to play?
For the sake of those in Archerland, the reserves better be at their best, lest their team be in for a long, grueling, afternoon.
*Keep Rico Maierhoffer's head in check: The man's got size, speed, and savvy from the perimeter and on the inside. So what's not to like?
When he's forcing layups over two bigs or chucking up ill-advised threes with reckless abandon, you've got to believe such antics drive Coach Franz Pumaren bananas.
Rico Maierhoffer is perhaps DLSU's most potent inside/outside threat. He's quick enough to match up with Nonoy Baclao and quick enough to potentially outmaneuver Rabeh Al Hussaini. He's this team's Rasheed Wallace. When he's under control, and aggressive, the Archers become tough to beat. When he's too eager beaver to score "emotional" baskets and too eager to be scrappy on defense, that's when things get ugly.
With JVee and Rico go the Archers. Or so I think.
*Run, run, run: Ateneo is the league's best fastbreak team, however, the tools Franz Pumaren has on his bench can sprint with the best. Later today, they'll get their chance.
In my view, the Archers should unleash the likes of LA Revilla, JVee Casio, and Rico Maierhoffer, plus throw in a little bit of Maui Villanueva, and try to outduel Ateneo's slower lineups. DLSU must be wary, though- an Eagles lineup of Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes, Chris Tiu, Rabeh, and Nonoy Baclao can and will match up well with them. Ergo, DLSU needs to be judicious about knowing when to go coast to coast, and when to stop and pop.
In any event, slowing the game down will be disadvantageous for those in Green, considering the fact that Ateneo's frontline is pretty much the UAAP's version of the Great Wall of China. The Eagles will pound the Archers into submission in a slow motion slugfest. In a Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote type game, the Archers will have a chance. The less established the Ateneo rampart becomes, the more room for easy baskets there will be, presumably.
The Archers have to think like the Phoenix Suns, sans Shaq, of course.
**INTANGIBLES:
-Will Kirk Long make an impact in this series? He's been sleepwalking through the season so far, shooting miserably from the field and occupying the Norman Black's doghouse in favor of super rookie Ryan Buenafe. In my opinion, Kirk can make a statement in this series on the defensive end, shadowing, perhaps, JVee Casio or James Mangahas.
-Ferdinand is one of the hardest working big men in the UAAP, and in this series, he'll have his work cut out for him. The Archers need the Indonesian giant to play with a lot of grit if they hope to try and quell Rabeh Al Hussaini's impact in the paint. Honorable mention to PJ Walsham in this vein, too. Good luck, guys.
-Jai Reyes has been looking good recently, scoring in double figures in 3 of his last 5 games (his most recent outing featuring him scoring 13 points on 5-8 shooting). Him shooting decently in this series will take a monumental amount of pressure off of Chris Tiu and Al Hussaini. Franz will probably double Rabeh in this tiff, while James Mangahas will most likely be asked to shackle Tiu. "Jainamite" shooting the lights out should also force guys like JVee Casio and Simon Atkins to chase Jai around screens more, hence, tipping the fatigue scales in favor of the Blue and White.
This same logic applies to Ateneo supersub Eric Salamat.
-Chris Tiu's quest for a championship could end within the next week. In an interview before Season 71, Chris mentioned that one of his primary motivations for coming back for a 5th year was to win a UAAP title. He's Ateneo's coach on the floor, and DLSU should be aware of that. While he may not score twenty points on you every night, he does so many other things on the floor which help the Eagles win, so, if anything, the Archers need to find a way to shatter the focus and confidence of the Atenean captain by getting under his skin, and from there, fluster the rest of the troops in blue. That, of course, is something easier said than done.
-Beyond strategy, will come a surpreme test of will. Who will wilt under the pressure of playing before 20plus thousand raucous fans with the UAAP title on the line? Who will be able to keep their poise despite the utterly emotional atmosphere? Beyond the X's and O's, the victor in this category could very well take the crown.
Prediction: All things considered, I predict the opening salvo to be close, decided by anywhere between 6 to 8 points. The second game might be a bit more of a stretch, decided by anywhere from 10-12 points. This is a series defined by keeping steady at the onset of momentum. With all of the hype surrounding this matchup, it would only be natural to be all jumpy after tipoff, so, it's the team that exudes a superior sense of control and poise that will come out on top. I think this series will go the distance, with the Eagles winning game one, and the Archers grabbing the second round (ala-2002). Game three should be a classic, and I firmly believe that Ateneo's discipline on both ends of the floor, coupled with their well-balanced lineup, should be enough to supress the Archers who, while not as well-shaped as Ateneo in terms of personnel, possess a whole lot of moxy, the sort of moxy you find in feisty champions who will stop at nothing to defend their throne.
This time, though, the prevailing winds will speak volumes, and the Blue Eagle will once again be King of the UAAP.
I say Ateneo in 3.
See you at the games, everyone (if I can manage to tickets to all 2, or, 3). Cheer, cheer, cheer!
_________________________________________________________
Sunday, September 14, 2008
IT'S OFFICIAL: Ateneo/La Salle In the UAAP Finals!
by Migs
Ladies and gentlemen, it's official- the Eagles and the Archers will once again tussle for the UAAP championship.
For many fans, it's been a long time coming.
With today's Ateneo win over UE (70-50 final), and with La Salle's victory over FEU (67-62), sports fans are on their way to being treated to the first Ateneo/La Salle finals tiff since 2002 (the two previous ADMU/La Salle finals battles happened in 1988 and 2001).
Bust open the bubbly- we're in for, potentially, 3 games between arguably the most reknowned collegiate squads in the country.
For the first time, Ateneo seems to be the favorite going into this series. For the first time, it seems that defense is the Blue Eagles' calling card coming into the finals. For the first time in years, the Loyola Heights natives have a dominant big man to rely on (Al Hussaini- present; Villanueva- past).
For the first time, DLSU coach Franz Pumaren seems to be coming into the finals as the "clear" underdog (they weren't quite that even against UE in 2007). For the first time in a while, the Archers have an inside/outside threat in the middle in Rico Maierhoffer. For the first time ever, we're going to see former San Miguel Beermen Franz Pumaren and Norman Black tussle in the UAAP Finals in a battle of bench tacticians that is set to be a chess match for the ages.
For everyone else, there are no first times- only familiar feelings. Ateneo/La Salle games have had the propensity to bring out the worst in alumni, fans, and spectators from other walks of life, however, it has tended to allow for the emergence of heroes, win or lose.
This campaign's final round should be no different.
In a week's time, it will all begin- again.
____________________________________________
Ladies and gentlemen, it's official- the Eagles and the Archers will once again tussle for the UAAP championship.
For many fans, it's been a long time coming.
With today's Ateneo win over UE (70-50 final), and with La Salle's victory over FEU (67-62), sports fans are on their way to being treated to the first Ateneo/La Salle finals tiff since 2002 (the two previous ADMU/La Salle finals battles happened in 1988 and 2001).
Bust open the bubbly- we're in for, potentially, 3 games between arguably the most reknowned collegiate squads in the country.
For the first time, Ateneo seems to be the favorite going into this series. For the first time, it seems that defense is the Blue Eagles' calling card coming into the finals. For the first time in years, the Loyola Heights natives have a dominant big man to rely on (Al Hussaini- present; Villanueva- past).
For the first time, DLSU coach Franz Pumaren seems to be coming into the finals as the "clear" underdog (they weren't quite that even against UE in 2007). For the first time in a while, the Archers have an inside/outside threat in the middle in Rico Maierhoffer. For the first time ever, we're going to see former San Miguel Beermen Franz Pumaren and Norman Black tussle in the UAAP Finals in a battle of bench tacticians that is set to be a chess match for the ages.
For everyone else, there are no first times- only familiar feelings. Ateneo/La Salle games have had the propensity to bring out the worst in alumni, fans, and spectators from other walks of life, however, it has tended to allow for the emergence of heroes, win or lose.
This campaign's final round should be no different.
In a week's time, it will all begin- again.
____________________________________________
At the Half- Ateneo Vs UE (September 14, 2008)
by Migs
At the half, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have built an 11 point pillar between them and the UE Red Warriors, 32-21. Jai Reyes leads the Ateneo Blue Eagles with 10 points on 4-5 shooting, while supersub Eric Salamat has scoring 9 on a number of daredevil penetrations. After a sluggish start, the Eagles found their stride with Salamat's entry, going on a 16-0 scoring run. After hitting on a few early baskets, UE's James Martinez has seen his shooting go cold and good looks become less and less easy to come by thanks to stifling perimeter defense led by Ateneans Tiu, Salamat, and Long. UE's bright spots at this point include Pari Llagas who has remained aggressive despite the Blue's onslaught, scoring on inisde pop shots, and even hitting on a right corner court three. Marcie Arellano's struggles against the Eagles have continued, as he has yet to string up baskets from the field. Hans Thiele seems to have lost his swagger as well. After bursting onto the scene in the game's early stages with a jumper and good defense on Rabeh Al Hussaini, he seems to have gotten tentative on the offensive end as the Eagles have tighted up the screws on defense.
Keys to the Game: 2nd Half
For UE-
*Limit Eagles' dribble penetrations which lead to drop passes and easy layups.
*Box out Baclao and Al Hussaini.
*Remain assertive with regards to going to the hoop.
*Be cognizant of Ateneo wingmen in fastbreak situations.
*Run, run, run...but don't be reckless. Don't take errant shots.
For Ateneo-
*Remain relentless on the dribble penetrations. Force the issue in terms of fastbreaks.
*Keep playing through Tiu, Jai, and Rabeh. Remain patient on the offensive end. The clock is on their side. No careless shots.
*Minimize turnovers, especially on the way upcourt.
*Keep controlling the paint. Dominate the boards.
*Silence UE backcourt/wingmen. UE lives and dies with their wingmen. Supress them, supress UE.
Halftime Stats:
FG:
15/29 admu
8/24 UE
Assists:
12 ADMU
4 UE
Turnovers:
11 Ateneo
14 UE
Fastbreak Points:
13 Ateneo
4 UE
______________________
At the half, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have built an 11 point pillar between them and the UE Red Warriors, 32-21. Jai Reyes leads the Ateneo Blue Eagles with 10 points on 4-5 shooting, while supersub Eric Salamat has scoring 9 on a number of daredevil penetrations. After a sluggish start, the Eagles found their stride with Salamat's entry, going on a 16-0 scoring run. After hitting on a few early baskets, UE's James Martinez has seen his shooting go cold and good looks become less and less easy to come by thanks to stifling perimeter defense led by Ateneans Tiu, Salamat, and Long. UE's bright spots at this point include Pari Llagas who has remained aggressive despite the Blue's onslaught, scoring on inisde pop shots, and even hitting on a right corner court three. Marcie Arellano's struggles against the Eagles have continued, as he has yet to string up baskets from the field. Hans Thiele seems to have lost his swagger as well. After bursting onto the scene in the game's early stages with a jumper and good defense on Rabeh Al Hussaini, he seems to have gotten tentative on the offensive end as the Eagles have tighted up the screws on defense.
Keys to the Game: 2nd Half
For UE-
*Limit Eagles' dribble penetrations which lead to drop passes and easy layups.
*Box out Baclao and Al Hussaini.
*Remain assertive with regards to going to the hoop.
*Be cognizant of Ateneo wingmen in fastbreak situations.
*Run, run, run...but don't be reckless. Don't take errant shots.
For Ateneo-
*Remain relentless on the dribble penetrations. Force the issue in terms of fastbreaks.
*Keep playing through Tiu, Jai, and Rabeh. Remain patient on the offensive end. The clock is on their side. No careless shots.
*Minimize turnovers, especially on the way upcourt.
*Keep controlling the paint. Dominate the boards.
*Silence UE backcourt/wingmen. UE lives and dies with their wingmen. Supress them, supress UE.
Halftime Stats:
FG:
15/29 admu
8/24 UE
Assists:
12 ADMU
4 UE
Turnovers:
11 Ateneo
14 UE
Fastbreak Points:
13 Ateneo
4 UE
______________________
Breaking News: De La Salle University Claims the 1st UAAP Finals Slot.
by Migs
This just in:
The De La Salle Green Archers have claimed the first UAAP Finals slot by downing the 3rd ranked FEU Tamaraws, 67-62. Mac Baracael missed two critical free throws for the Tams with less than 30 ticks left on the game clock, which later paved the way for 1-2 foul shots made by DLSU's James Mangahas to up the Archers' lead to three. FEU had one last chance to tie the game with a Paul Sanga leaner three, which came up short. With a James Mangahas breakaway layup at the buzzer, the De La Salle Green Archers punched their ticket to the UAAP's final round, putting them on a collision course with either 4th seeded UE, or top seeded Ateneo.
Now it's time for red versus blue, UE versus Ateneo. Let's get it on!
________________________________________________
This just in:
The De La Salle Green Archers have claimed the first UAAP Finals slot by downing the 3rd ranked FEU Tamaraws, 67-62. Mac Baracael missed two critical free throws for the Tams with less than 30 ticks left on the game clock, which later paved the way for 1-2 foul shots made by DLSU's James Mangahas to up the Archers' lead to three. FEU had one last chance to tie the game with a Paul Sanga leaner three, which came up short. With a James Mangahas breakaway layup at the buzzer, the De La Salle Green Archers punched their ticket to the UAAP's final round, putting them on a collision course with either 4th seeded UE, or top seeded Ateneo.
Now it's time for red versus blue, UE versus Ateneo. Let's get it on!
________________________________________________
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Quatro Quatro.
by Migs
Today, the UAAP Season 71 Final Four begins, and while I do not have tickets to this afternoon's games at the Araneta Coliseum, I do not feel less thrilled at what should be an afternoon of intense hoops action.
Here are some notes I have for the two games today featuring the Tams, Archers, Eagles, and Warriors.
-If Eric Salamat and one other Eagle score in double figures in addition to Al Hussaini and Tiu's typical production, Ateneo will have a higher than average chance of winning. If Nonoy Baclao can get consistent help on the inside from Rabeh or maybe even Baldos or Burke, then the Eagles would have all but punched their ticket to their first UAAP Finals appearance since 2006.
-The keys UE are Paul Zamar and Paul Lee. These guys are Dindo Pumaren's "Energizer Bunnies"- diving for loose balls, making 3's in transition, driving hard to the hole in fastbreak situations, etc. If either of these guys can get 8-12 points, then Ateneo will have one extra inside/outside threat to deal with, hence giving up more points, racking up more fouls for Rabeh or Baclao, and/or giving guys like Buenafe, Long, Tiu, or Salamat more reason to get tired and potentially be less potent down the stretch.
-If Paul Sanga jacks up threes for FEU like he did against La Salle, forget about it. If FEU want to stand a chance against a heady and jacked Green Archers squad, they need to play within the arc. No ill advised threes. Andy Barroca should do a Chauncey Billups and play Casio and Atkins physically. Baracael should take it to the hole like there's no tomorrow. Ben Fernandez should try and take a few extra dribbles for higher-clip conversions. All in all, I feel like if FEU loses today, it'll be due to them shooting themselves in the foot as much as it'll be due to La Salle's defensive prowess.
-DLSU likes to drive and kick. If Bader Malabes and Atkins have their crosshairs locked on properly this afternoon, look out. The Green and White could crush the Green and Yellow quicker than you can say...
Okay, I ran out of witty repartee. Next point, please.
-Neutralizing UE's transition game will be a challenge for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, considering the fact that they seem to be weaker in terms of perimeter defense as opposed to employing schemes that are designed to clog up the paint. Look for Kirk Long to get time today after playing sparingly in the Blue's last few outings. They need all the help they can in terms of chasing James Martinez, Paul Lee, Marcie Arellano, and Paul Zamar up and down the floor. As for Hans Thiele and Elmer Espiritu, if Rabeh and Nonoy keep their hands up on these guys and try to body them up, Ateneo should be fine.
-FEU needs a big game from Ben Fernandez. He was the Tamaraws' leading scoring when Mac Baracael went down, and now that it's money time, he needs to produce. Should La Salle's defense force him to drive, he should be cognizant of the fact that he's got bruiser Reil Cervantes and the athletic Aldrich Ramos to pass to for easy deuces. If this fellow can keep his head in the game and find his shooting/passing touch, the Morayta boys will have a shot at victory.
-Rico Maierhoffer's been tearing it up as of late. He scored 14 points, grabbed 10 boards, and tallied 2 blocks in La Salle's last game against Far Eastern University, and in the four games prior to that, he's quietly registered performances of 16 and 10, 16 and 16, 16 and 14, and 18 and 13. Being a big man who has been given the "green" light to roam the floor, he's bound to get a lot of touches, put backs, and shots. FEU's got to put a body on this guy if the expect to get anywhere near the finish line. I expect Rico to put up big numbers again, though, as I don't see anyone on the FEU frontline (yep, not even Ramos) who can keep up with number 10 on iso or screen and roll sets.
-Last season, the UE Red Warriors swept the elimination round, and then, sadly were swept when it counted the most. This year, the Ateneo Blue Eagles own the Superman cape and tights. Will they fold similar to how the Warriors crumbled a year ago, or can the Eagles bring the glory of the late eighties back to the fore?
-In 2002, Gec Chia shattered UE's dreams of a finals berth with one miraculous right cornercourt jump shot that found the bottom of the net as time expired in a raucous stadium in stadium in Cubao. Expectations are that the UE/Ateneo tiff set for later today will go down the wire. With Ateneo's bench scoring for Season 71 being dead last in the league, who will the Eagles unsung hero/es be if and when the going gets rough for their first five? Conversely, who will the Warriors' James Yap and Paul Artadi (and oh yes, Ronald Tubid) be in this day and age?
-Today could be the final game days for UAAP stalwarts Mac Baracael, Elmer Espiritu, Marcie Arellano, and Ben Fernandez. Will wins by their teams today be labeled as, "delaying the inevitable", or, the "beginnings of greater things"? Over the fourteen years in which the modern Final Four format has been used, the #1 seed has downed the #4 seed 100% of the time, with the #1 seed beating the 4th seed 23% of the time in the second game of the series. The 2nd seed has defeated the 3rd seed 57% of the time, with the #2 team winning 57% percent of the time in the sophomore encounter of the series.
Furthermore, in the modern history of the UAAP finals, the win loss ratios are as follows:
The #1 seed has beaten the #2 seed 6 times (43%)
The #1 seed has beaten the #3 seed 3 times (21%)
The #2 seed has beaten the #1 seed 2 times (14%)
The #3 seed has beaten the #1 seed 3 times (21%)
The #1 seed has won the championship 9 times (64%)
(Stats courtesy of wikipedia.org)
While history has not been all that kind to lower UAAP Final Four and Finals seeds, in sports, as we all know, having a miniscule chance at glory at all, is as good a shot at winning as any. There are a multitude of intangibles in basketball after all, and to say that pure skill and strategy were the SOLE factors in successful UAAP teams triumphing like they did would be to deem one's self as dreadfully naive.
and finally...
-It always intrigues me what gimmicks the Pep Squads of the UAAP's upper eschelon teams come up with for their halftime routines, especially for their showcases during big money contests (well, apparently the better than average win-loss record qualification didn't stop National University from fielding in a "guest cheerdancer" not so long ago, but I digress). Will Ateneo bring out its "Polly Pocket" Babble Group? Will we see a live Eagle in the Big Dome (maybe they're prepping the big fella up for the Finals)? Will the DLSU pep squad be shooting toy arrows into the stands? Will the FEU squad come up with a routine that'll make Arwind Santos want to come back? Will UE's cheerdancers- red and white apron-looking outfits and all (sorry, I'm just calling it like I see it...would it help if I said that Ateneo and La Salle cheerers tend to look fairie-ish in their outifts? Not ugly, mind you...just....fairie-ish)- find a way to jump, jive, and multiple cartwheel and handset their way towards rallying their compatriots from Recto to a Final Four upset?
So long as no aged alumni from any of the schools get involved in some whimsical (or disconcerting) manner, then, I'm all for lavishing the halftime routines (and taking in winning or losing later) with as much creativity and panache, as possible.
Tickets or no tickets, let's all enjoy the games later on. No wagering, please
=)
__________________________________
Today, the UAAP Season 71 Final Four begins, and while I do not have tickets to this afternoon's games at the Araneta Coliseum, I do not feel less thrilled at what should be an afternoon of intense hoops action.
Here are some notes I have for the two games today featuring the Tams, Archers, Eagles, and Warriors.
-If Eric Salamat and one other Eagle score in double figures in addition to Al Hussaini and Tiu's typical production, Ateneo will have a higher than average chance of winning. If Nonoy Baclao can get consistent help on the inside from Rabeh or maybe even Baldos or Burke, then the Eagles would have all but punched their ticket to their first UAAP Finals appearance since 2006.
-The keys UE are Paul Zamar and Paul Lee. These guys are Dindo Pumaren's "Energizer Bunnies"- diving for loose balls, making 3's in transition, driving hard to the hole in fastbreak situations, etc. If either of these guys can get 8-12 points, then Ateneo will have one extra inside/outside threat to deal with, hence giving up more points, racking up more fouls for Rabeh or Baclao, and/or giving guys like Buenafe, Long, Tiu, or Salamat more reason to get tired and potentially be less potent down the stretch.
-If Paul Sanga jacks up threes for FEU like he did against La Salle, forget about it. If FEU want to stand a chance against a heady and jacked Green Archers squad, they need to play within the arc. No ill advised threes. Andy Barroca should do a Chauncey Billups and play Casio and Atkins physically. Baracael should take it to the hole like there's no tomorrow. Ben Fernandez should try and take a few extra dribbles for higher-clip conversions. All in all, I feel like if FEU loses today, it'll be due to them shooting themselves in the foot as much as it'll be due to La Salle's defensive prowess.
-DLSU likes to drive and kick. If Bader Malabes and Atkins have their crosshairs locked on properly this afternoon, look out. The Green and White could crush the Green and Yellow quicker than you can say...
Okay, I ran out of witty repartee. Next point, please.
-Neutralizing UE's transition game will be a challenge for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, considering the fact that they seem to be weaker in terms of perimeter defense as opposed to employing schemes that are designed to clog up the paint. Look for Kirk Long to get time today after playing sparingly in the Blue's last few outings. They need all the help they can in terms of chasing James Martinez, Paul Lee, Marcie Arellano, and Paul Zamar up and down the floor. As for Hans Thiele and Elmer Espiritu, if Rabeh and Nonoy keep their hands up on these guys and try to body them up, Ateneo should be fine.
-FEU needs a big game from Ben Fernandez. He was the Tamaraws' leading scoring when Mac Baracael went down, and now that it's money time, he needs to produce. Should La Salle's defense force him to drive, he should be cognizant of the fact that he's got bruiser Reil Cervantes and the athletic Aldrich Ramos to pass to for easy deuces. If this fellow can keep his head in the game and find his shooting/passing touch, the Morayta boys will have a shot at victory.
-Rico Maierhoffer's been tearing it up as of late. He scored 14 points, grabbed 10 boards, and tallied 2 blocks in La Salle's last game against Far Eastern University, and in the four games prior to that, he's quietly registered performances of 16 and 10, 16 and 16, 16 and 14, and 18 and 13. Being a big man who has been given the "green" light to roam the floor, he's bound to get a lot of touches, put backs, and shots. FEU's got to put a body on this guy if the expect to get anywhere near the finish line. I expect Rico to put up big numbers again, though, as I don't see anyone on the FEU frontline (yep, not even Ramos) who can keep up with number 10 on iso or screen and roll sets.
-Last season, the UE Red Warriors swept the elimination round, and then, sadly were swept when it counted the most. This year, the Ateneo Blue Eagles own the Superman cape and tights. Will they fold similar to how the Warriors crumbled a year ago, or can the Eagles bring the glory of the late eighties back to the fore?
-In 2002, Gec Chia shattered UE's dreams of a finals berth with one miraculous right cornercourt jump shot that found the bottom of the net as time expired in a raucous stadium in stadium in Cubao. Expectations are that the UE/Ateneo tiff set for later today will go down the wire. With Ateneo's bench scoring for Season 71 being dead last in the league, who will the Eagles unsung hero/es be if and when the going gets rough for their first five? Conversely, who will the Warriors' James Yap and Paul Artadi (and oh yes, Ronald Tubid) be in this day and age?
-Today could be the final game days for UAAP stalwarts Mac Baracael, Elmer Espiritu, Marcie Arellano, and Ben Fernandez. Will wins by their teams today be labeled as, "delaying the inevitable", or, the "beginnings of greater things"? Over the fourteen years in which the modern Final Four format has been used, the #1 seed has downed the #4 seed 100% of the time, with the #1 seed beating the 4th seed 23% of the time in the second game of the series. The 2nd seed has defeated the 3rd seed 57% of the time, with the #2 team winning 57% percent of the time in the sophomore encounter of the series.
Furthermore, in the modern history of the UAAP finals, the win loss ratios are as follows:
The #1 seed has beaten the #2 seed 6 times (43%)
The #1 seed has beaten the #3 seed 3 times (21%)
The #2 seed has beaten the #1 seed 2 times (14%)
The #3 seed has beaten the #1 seed 3 times (21%)
The #1 seed has won the championship 9 times (64%)
(Stats courtesy of wikipedia.org)
While history has not been all that kind to lower UAAP Final Four and Finals seeds, in sports, as we all know, having a miniscule chance at glory at all, is as good a shot at winning as any. There are a multitude of intangibles in basketball after all, and to say that pure skill and strategy were the SOLE factors in successful UAAP teams triumphing like they did would be to deem one's self as dreadfully naive.
and finally...
-It always intrigues me what gimmicks the Pep Squads of the UAAP's upper eschelon teams come up with for their halftime routines, especially for their showcases during big money contests (well, apparently the better than average win-loss record qualification didn't stop National University from fielding in a "guest cheerdancer" not so long ago, but I digress). Will Ateneo bring out its "Polly Pocket" Babble Group? Will we see a live Eagle in the Big Dome (maybe they're prepping the big fella up for the Finals)? Will the DLSU pep squad be shooting toy arrows into the stands? Will the FEU squad come up with a routine that'll make Arwind Santos want to come back? Will UE's cheerdancers- red and white apron-looking outfits and all (sorry, I'm just calling it like I see it...would it help if I said that Ateneo and La Salle cheerers tend to look fairie-ish in their outifts? Not ugly, mind you...just....fairie-ish)- find a way to jump, jive, and multiple cartwheel and handset their way towards rallying their compatriots from Recto to a Final Four upset?
So long as no aged alumni from any of the schools get involved in some whimsical (or disconcerting) manner, then, I'm all for lavishing the halftime routines (and taking in winning or losing later) with as much creativity and panache, as possible.
Tickets or no tickets, let's all enjoy the games later on. No wagering, please
=)
__________________________________
Monday, September 8, 2008
UAAP Schtick- Snipe N' Hype.
by Migs
The Ateneo Blue Eagles have finished the elimination round of the 71st UAAP campaign with a near-spotless 13-1 win-loss record. The mark, however, has not been free of blemishes beyond their lone loss to Far Eastern University.
Kirk Long's been off all year, and there are concerns over Ateneo's shooting and poise beyond its first five. Eric Salamat's been turnover-prone, and Bacon Austria's underachieved.
Enter Ryan Buenafe- arguably the most-heralded of all of Ateneo's rookies this season, getting his name up on the proverbial marquee ahead of fellow freshmen Vincent Burke, Justin Chua, and Nico Salva. In high school, Buenafe averaged points in the 30's. In his first year in the Seniors, let's admit- his 7.4 ppg, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists don't jump out and grab you by the scruff, but then, there have been times this year than Ryan's on-court demeanor, his poise under duress, and his ball sense have overshadowed otherwise normal numbers with a picture of unlimited potential just waiting to explode.
His pet move? A crossover drive off of an isolation play into a pirouet for a layup or a leaner for a power bank shot. The problem? RB's become a tad bit predictable, as evidenced, in part, by the 2.6 turnovers per contest he commits.
The solution? Variation. Ryan professes to be a Kobe Bryant fan, and what does Kobe have that Ryan doesn't?
A reliable jumper. Ah, the jumper. Who needs a jump shot if you can barrel your way through anything?
All basketball players, if they want to make it big, need a consistent outside stroke. Remember when Shaquille O'Neal was all power and no finesse? Olajuwon killed him for years with moves that paralleled those of a ballet dancer and a jump shot so soft you could hardly hear the ball swish through the net each time he'd do a Dream Shake topped off with a fadeaway J. What about Dwyane Wade? If he didn't have any kind of outside game, he'd be retired by now due to injuries. If you want to fall seven times, and get up at eight, without diminishing your overall offensive value, you need to know how to "stroke it". Plain and simple.
In the UAAP, big men- and shooters, come at a premium price. Former amateur snipers Jeff Chan (of FEU) and Ren Ren Ritualo (of La Salle) are now both in the PBA. Big men Carlo Sharma, Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, and Paolo Bugia have all made it to the next level, with reigning UAAP MVP Jervy Cruz being on the cusp of taking his bruising paint game and reliable medium range shot to the pros.
Just a year ago, Ryan Buenafe was a San Sebastian Stag, and the Season and Finals MVP of the NCAA Juniors Division. If Ateneo wants to survive beyond this year, and the next (in short, once Rabeh and Tiu pack it up), Ryan's got to be poised to take the mantle of King Eagle. I believe that this kid's got enough moxy to do it, but does he have enough willingness to put work in towards expanding his offensive game?
His high arching, crank back and pull jump shot release tends to cover his line of sight, which is a no-no. His first instinct, as of the moment, is to toss in a few pump fakes when behind the arc, before eventually doing a spin move or a UTEP-Two Step (yes, I'm old; this is a reference to the pet crossover move of former Golden State Warrior Tim Hardaway who happened to be aquite the prolific scorer in his younger years). That's fine and all, but throw in a step back jumper, or a fadeway jumper from 15 feet and you've got yourself some gold.
This post isn't a knock on Ryan Buenafe for the sake of publishing a knock on somebody. Rather, this is a critique. It wasn't until Michael Jordan was dubbed as a "selfish" player that he became the epitome of the word, "leader". Number 13 has a shot to be, in my opinion, the leader of a champion team someday, until then, he can stay an 18 year old wunderkind who, hopefully, as Casey Kasem would often say, "keeps his feet on the ground and keeps reaching for the stars".
Remind the kid about a disciplined approach to training. Teach the kid to snipe, and the rest will follow.
________________________________________________
The Ateneo Blue Eagles have finished the elimination round of the 71st UAAP campaign with a near-spotless 13-1 win-loss record. The mark, however, has not been free of blemishes beyond their lone loss to Far Eastern University.
Kirk Long's been off all year, and there are concerns over Ateneo's shooting and poise beyond its first five. Eric Salamat's been turnover-prone, and Bacon Austria's underachieved.
Enter Ryan Buenafe- arguably the most-heralded of all of Ateneo's rookies this season, getting his name up on the proverbial marquee ahead of fellow freshmen Vincent Burke, Justin Chua, and Nico Salva. In high school, Buenafe averaged points in the 30's. In his first year in the Seniors, let's admit- his 7.4 ppg, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists don't jump out and grab you by the scruff, but then, there have been times this year than Ryan's on-court demeanor, his poise under duress, and his ball sense have overshadowed otherwise normal numbers with a picture of unlimited potential just waiting to explode.His pet move? A crossover drive off of an isolation play into a pirouet for a layup or a leaner for a power bank shot. The problem? RB's become a tad bit predictable, as evidenced, in part, by the 2.6 turnovers per contest he commits.
The solution? Variation. Ryan professes to be a Kobe Bryant fan, and what does Kobe have that Ryan doesn't?
A reliable jumper. Ah, the jumper. Who needs a jump shot if you can barrel your way through anything?
All basketball players, if they want to make it big, need a consistent outside stroke. Remember when Shaquille O'Neal was all power and no finesse? Olajuwon killed him for years with moves that paralleled those of a ballet dancer and a jump shot so soft you could hardly hear the ball swish through the net each time he'd do a Dream Shake topped off with a fadeaway J. What about Dwyane Wade? If he didn't have any kind of outside game, he'd be retired by now due to injuries. If you want to fall seven times, and get up at eight, without diminishing your overall offensive value, you need to know how to "stroke it". Plain and simple.
In the UAAP, big men- and shooters, come at a premium price. Former amateur snipers Jeff Chan (of FEU) and Ren Ren Ritualo (of La Salle) are now both in the PBA. Big men Carlo Sharma, Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, and Paolo Bugia have all made it to the next level, with reigning UAAP MVP Jervy Cruz being on the cusp of taking his bruising paint game and reliable medium range shot to the pros.
Just a year ago, Ryan Buenafe was a San Sebastian Stag, and the Season and Finals MVP of the NCAA Juniors Division. If Ateneo wants to survive beyond this year, and the next (in short, once Rabeh and Tiu pack it up), Ryan's got to be poised to take the mantle of King Eagle. I believe that this kid's got enough moxy to do it, but does he have enough willingness to put work in towards expanding his offensive game?
His high arching, crank back and pull jump shot release tends to cover his line of sight, which is a no-no. His first instinct, as of the moment, is to toss in a few pump fakes when behind the arc, before eventually doing a spin move or a UTEP-Two Step (yes, I'm old; this is a reference to the pet crossover move of former Golden State Warrior Tim Hardaway who happened to be aquite the prolific scorer in his younger years). That's fine and all, but throw in a step back jumper, or a fadeway jumper from 15 feet and you've got yourself some gold.
This post isn't a knock on Ryan Buenafe for the sake of publishing a knock on somebody. Rather, this is a critique. It wasn't until Michael Jordan was dubbed as a "selfish" player that he became the epitome of the word, "leader". Number 13 has a shot to be, in my opinion, the leader of a champion team someday, until then, he can stay an 18 year old wunderkind who, hopefully, as Casey Kasem would often say, "keeps his feet on the ground and keeps reaching for the stars".
Remind the kid about a disciplined approach to training. Teach the kid to snipe, and the rest will follow.
________________________________________________
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Ateneo/La Salle 2- Payback.
by Migs
I managed to grab Upper Box A tickets to yesterday's Ateneo/La Salle tiff at the Araneta Coliseum.
While Ateneo supporters went home happy, and La Salle supporters went home less than satisfied, overall, I think everyone got their money's worth- another emotional, supercharged hoops match between, arguably, the country's most popular amateur sports teams.
The Archers were flustered by torrid shooting by the Eagles early on, with the latter leading by as much as a dozen in the first period. It was evident after the first ten minutes what the Green Archers' game plan was- to deny MVP candidate Rabeh Al Hussaini the basketball each time down, and to try and subdue's Ateneo's offensive prowess from the inside out.
Uncharateristically, La Salle's shooting eye was off kilter, with spitfire JVee Casio only scoring 5 points on 2-11 field goals, and wiry Rico Maiefhoffer only managing 4-11 shots made despite scoring 16 pts and grabbing 10 caroms. Ateneo had their own share of woes in terms of execution. The league's number one squad record-wise had 14 turnovers in the first half alone, a lot of them, more due to poor decisions made with the ball as opposed to the much-heralded DLSU full court press.
All in all, it was ADMU's dominance inside, coupled with heady plays made in the last 20 minutes, and La Salle's horrific perimeter play, that spelled the difference. As on target as Ateneo seemed in stretches in their battle of attrition with their arch-rivals, one has to be worried about the Eagles' occasional lapses in concentration. Honestly, I haven't seen a Loyola Heights squad this sharp, well, perhaps ever (even the 2002 championship team wasn't this poised, talented, and intelligent on the hardwood, overall), however, sometimes, it's not whether you win or lose, but more WHEN and HOW you win or lose. Ateneo has tended to dominate certain tended to dominate clubs this year, however, when they'd play more athletic teams like the UE Red Warriors, or, the FEU Tamaraws, the Blues would tend to rely on the stability of their defense, and headiness of their veterans, instead of pure poise and execution.
The way the Blue and White would win in the end? Commendable. They way they'd provide opponents with little pockets of hope? Not a cause for a "code red", but certainly, a point of concern.
In the Final Four, and in the UAAP finals, you take the opposition by the neck, squeeze as hard as you can, and refrain from letting up. With the Final Four and finals series formats as they are, your elimination round luster can disappear, along with your season, in a jiffy. Just ask the 2007, 14-0 UE Red Warriors. They'll tell you all about it.
Rabeh's got to be quicker on his feet in the post. Ryan Buenafe desperately needs a consistent medium range jump shot. Eric Salamat ought to slow down sometimes to avoid turnovers. Bacon Austria could use more seasoning as a "big" point guard. Vince Burke could use more plays run for him getting some pop shots once in a while, just to vary things up a bit.
Minimize risky passes and unnecessary forays to the basket.
Things like that.
As for the Green Archers, all hope hasn't been sucked out of them just yet. With them being on a collision course with FEU for a virtual best of three, DLSU can still come out of this plethora of pressure-packed games on top if, in my opinion, they can get their shooting back, and avoid living and dying with one-on-one offense. Think of the Greens as a team similar to the Phoenix Suns with pre-Steve Nash (the MVP Steve Nash). Amare Stoudemire is played by Rico Maierhoffer. Stephon Marbury is played by JVee Casio. Shawn Marion is played by, perhaps, James Mangahas or PJ Barua. Leandro Barbosa is filled in by Simon Atkins. A lot of transition plays, a ton of perimeter bombs launched. If the Archers space out the floor well for open J's- and nifty caroms in case those jumpers misfire- then the have a chance. I believe that the defending champions have more than enough grit and pure talent to pull rabbits out of hats (ouch, UST), or, in their own unmistakeable way, pound challengers in submission.
Ateneo/La Salle 2 for Season 71 had vengeance written all over it in the case of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. It was this same DLSU squad, after all, that ousted them from the UAAP in Season 70, denying graduating Ateneans like Zion Laterre and Ford Arao a UAAP title. NU wearing the spoiler hat aside, the Ateneans had more than just tradition to fight for on September 7, 2008. They wanted, uhm, "RABEH-NGE" on their greatest nemesis for something that, in the eyes of a whole bunch of people, cost them the 2007 crown.
So now, for Coaches Franz and Norman, its tit for tat.
Now that that's all water under the proverbial steel and girders, there's the rest of the remaining UAAP contenders to lose sleep over. Lord knows that UE and FEU aren't going to lay down and disintegrate at the sight of the Eagles and Archers, so, beyond strategy, beyond X's and O's, and transcedent of personnel management, comes desire. He who mends desire with discipline best will reaps the fullest benefits of his laborious days.
A tad dramatic for you? Well that's what basketball- and sport- is a about, really. Take that away, and you take away the humanity from the entire activity.
Now that's taking a lot off of standing in a coliseum packed with 23,000-plus boisterous fans for around 5 hours.
My sister and I enjoyed every minute we spent as a part of the massive throng of people that poured their hearts out (cleanly, overall) in the name of school spirit. It was, really, a beautiful sight to behold, irregardless of whether you were dressed in blue, or white (or, maroon or yellow, for that matter).
The fact that the UAAP's become such a large draw inside and outside the confines of a gym (sans very much incident) just goes to show that life isn't life without a little bit of flair.
Just don't tell any politicians or showbusiness types about the last part of my previous paragraph. Them taking that part too seriously will spell the very death of us all, I guarantee you.
____________________
I managed to grab Upper Box A tickets to yesterday's Ateneo/La Salle tiff at the Araneta Coliseum.
While Ateneo supporters went home happy, and La Salle supporters went home less than satisfied, overall, I think everyone got their money's worth- another emotional, supercharged hoops match between, arguably, the country's most popular amateur sports teams.
The Archers were flustered by torrid shooting by the Eagles early on, with the latter leading by as much as a dozen in the first period. It was evident after the first ten minutes what the Green Archers' game plan was- to deny MVP candidate Rabeh Al Hussaini the basketball each time down, and to try and subdue's Ateneo's offensive prowess from the inside out.
Uncharateristically, La Salle's shooting eye was off kilter, with spitfire JVee Casio only scoring 5 points on 2-11 field goals, and wiry Rico Maiefhoffer only managing 4-11 shots made despite scoring 16 pts and grabbing 10 caroms. Ateneo had their own share of woes in terms of execution. The league's number one squad record-wise had 14 turnovers in the first half alone, a lot of them, more due to poor decisions made with the ball as opposed to the much-heralded DLSU full court press.
All in all, it was ADMU's dominance inside, coupled with heady plays made in the last 20 minutes, and La Salle's horrific perimeter play, that spelled the difference. As on target as Ateneo seemed in stretches in their battle of attrition with their arch-rivals, one has to be worried about the Eagles' occasional lapses in concentration. Honestly, I haven't seen a Loyola Heights squad this sharp, well, perhaps ever (even the 2002 championship team wasn't this poised, talented, and intelligent on the hardwood, overall), however, sometimes, it's not whether you win or lose, but more WHEN and HOW you win or lose. Ateneo has tended to dominate certain tended to dominate clubs this year, however, when they'd play more athletic teams like the UE Red Warriors, or, the FEU Tamaraws, the Blues would tend to rely on the stability of their defense, and headiness of their veterans, instead of pure poise and execution.
The way the Blue and White would win in the end? Commendable. They way they'd provide opponents with little pockets of hope? Not a cause for a "code red", but certainly, a point of concern.
In the Final Four, and in the UAAP finals, you take the opposition by the neck, squeeze as hard as you can, and refrain from letting up. With the Final Four and finals series formats as they are, your elimination round luster can disappear, along with your season, in a jiffy. Just ask the 2007, 14-0 UE Red Warriors. They'll tell you all about it.
Rabeh's got to be quicker on his feet in the post. Ryan Buenafe desperately needs a consistent medium range jump shot. Eric Salamat ought to slow down sometimes to avoid turnovers. Bacon Austria could use more seasoning as a "big" point guard. Vince Burke could use more plays run for him getting some pop shots once in a while, just to vary things up a bit.
Minimize risky passes and unnecessary forays to the basket.
Things like that.
As for the Green Archers, all hope hasn't been sucked out of them just yet. With them being on a collision course with FEU for a virtual best of three, DLSU can still come out of this plethora of pressure-packed games on top if, in my opinion, they can get their shooting back, and avoid living and dying with one-on-one offense. Think of the Greens as a team similar to the Phoenix Suns with pre-Steve Nash (the MVP Steve Nash). Amare Stoudemire is played by Rico Maierhoffer. Stephon Marbury is played by JVee Casio. Shawn Marion is played by, perhaps, James Mangahas or PJ Barua. Leandro Barbosa is filled in by Simon Atkins. A lot of transition plays, a ton of perimeter bombs launched. If the Archers space out the floor well for open J's- and nifty caroms in case those jumpers misfire- then the have a chance. I believe that the defending champions have more than enough grit and pure talent to pull rabbits out of hats (ouch, UST), or, in their own unmistakeable way, pound challengers in submission.
Ateneo/La Salle 2 for Season 71 had vengeance written all over it in the case of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. It was this same DLSU squad, after all, that ousted them from the UAAP in Season 70, denying graduating Ateneans like Zion Laterre and Ford Arao a UAAP title. NU wearing the spoiler hat aside, the Ateneans had more than just tradition to fight for on September 7, 2008. They wanted, uhm, "RABEH-NGE" on their greatest nemesis for something that, in the eyes of a whole bunch of people, cost them the 2007 crown.
So now, for Coaches Franz and Norman, its tit for tat.
Now that that's all water under the proverbial steel and girders, there's the rest of the remaining UAAP contenders to lose sleep over. Lord knows that UE and FEU aren't going to lay down and disintegrate at the sight of the Eagles and Archers, so, beyond strategy, beyond X's and O's, and transcedent of personnel management, comes desire. He who mends desire with discipline best will reaps the fullest benefits of his laborious days.
A tad dramatic for you? Well that's what basketball- and sport- is a about, really. Take that away, and you take away the humanity from the entire activity.
Now that's taking a lot off of standing in a coliseum packed with 23,000-plus boisterous fans for around 5 hours.
My sister and I enjoyed every minute we spent as a part of the massive throng of people that poured their hearts out (cleanly, overall) in the name of school spirit. It was, really, a beautiful sight to behold, irregardless of whether you were dressed in blue, or white (or, maroon or yellow, for that matter).
The fact that the UAAP's become such a large draw inside and outside the confines of a gym (sans very much incident) just goes to show that life isn't life without a little bit of flair.
Just don't tell any politicians or showbusiness types about the last part of my previous paragraph. Them taking that part too seriously will spell the very death of us all, I guarantee you.
____________________
Friday, September 5, 2008
One Way Ticket to Hell (And Back), And Other Quips
by Migs
The UAAP is one of if not the country's premiere collegiate sports league. At the forefront of all UAAP sports, admittedly, is basketball, and, for the most part, UAAP hoops' most heated rivalry has been, for decades now, the neverending battle between Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University.
Within the war for basketball supremacy, another battle is waged.
The neverending tussle for tickets.
Ticketing for Ateneo-La Salle games tends to get ugly pretty quickly. On the school level, scalpers tend to line up and buy tickets in bulk through contacts from inside the universities' administration/athletics offices. Obviously, this something less than equitable as it deprives alumni, faculty, staff, and current students the chance to watch their varsity teams live for prices that don't hurt the pocket.
P1,300 for an Upper B ticket for an ADMU-DLSU round 2 game? Talk about ridiculous.
Then there are special, "friends and alumni", who usually get ringside seats to any and every game, regardless of the stakes. I personally have no problem with notable faculty members or prominent VIPs getting the creme-de-la-creme seatswise, however, it does become distressing when these people buy tickets in bulk and don't give those with money, but absent of social clout, a crack at prime coliseum real estate. There should be a limit to how many passes a corporation or an affluent individual can buy, just to keep things fair. It's current "free for all" status just encourages scalpers to go out and sucker people into nabbing ADMU-DLSU ringside sides for as high as, get this- 3 to 4 thousand pesos.
Amazing.
Even ringside seats for some big time musical acts , both local and foreign, don't go that high.
Danny Francisco, Jet Nieto, Chot Reyes, La Tenorio, Steve Watson, Vince Hizon, Ogie Narvasa, Francis Arnaiz, Jayvee Gayoso, Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, JC Intal, Alex Araneta, Francisco Rabat, Richie Ticzon, Manuel Estrella, Larry Fonacier, Padim Israel, Jojo Lastimosa, Ed Ocampo, Sef Canlas, Gabby Cui, Ricky Palou, Chito Narvasa, etc.
Ramoncito Campos, Dindo Pumaren, Gabby Liwag, Mark Cardona, Joseph Yeo, Maui Roca, Ren Ren Ritualo, Don Allado, Willy Wilson, Dickie Bachmann, Kurt Bachmann, Noli Locsin, Cholo Villanueva, Mark Telan, Addy Papa Jr. II, Manolet Araneta, TY Tang, Carlo Sharma, Manny Ramos, Allen Patrimonio, etc.
Ateneo and La Salle- two schools with tremendously rich basketball histories.
Every game is history in the making when these two top tier schools take the floor.
Too bad most times we have to give up an arm and a leg to actually breathe in the fragrant scent of history, in this case, up close.
If, after all the lobbying and lining up for tickets, we still find the strength and will to witness the hardcourt drama at all.
Yes, I have been duped by unscrupulous ticket resellers before.
So sue me, or better yet, sue them.
_____________________________
The UAAP is one of if not the country's premiere collegiate sports league. At the forefront of all UAAP sports, admittedly, is basketball, and, for the most part, UAAP hoops' most heated rivalry has been, for decades now, the neverending battle between Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University.
Within the war for basketball supremacy, another battle is waged.
The neverending tussle for tickets.
Ticketing for Ateneo-La Salle games tends to get ugly pretty quickly. On the school level, scalpers tend to line up and buy tickets in bulk through contacts from inside the universities' administration/athletics offices. Obviously, this something less than equitable as it deprives alumni, faculty, staff, and current students the chance to watch their varsity teams live for prices that don't hurt the pocket.P1,300 for an Upper B ticket for an ADMU-DLSU round 2 game? Talk about ridiculous.
Then there are special, "friends and alumni", who usually get ringside seats to any and every game, regardless of the stakes. I personally have no problem with notable faculty members or prominent VIPs getting the creme-de-la-creme seatswise, however, it does become distressing when these people buy tickets in bulk and don't give those with money, but absent of social clout, a crack at prime coliseum real estate. There should be a limit to how many passes a corporation or an affluent individual can buy, just to keep things fair. It's current "free for all" status just encourages scalpers to go out and sucker people into nabbing ADMU-DLSU ringside sides for as high as, get this- 3 to 4 thousand pesos.
Amazing.
Even ringside seats for some big time musical acts , both local and foreign, don't go that high.
Danny Francisco, Jet Nieto, Chot Reyes, La Tenorio, Steve Watson, Vince Hizon, Ogie Narvasa, Francis Arnaiz, Jayvee Gayoso, Enrico Villanueva, Rich Alvarez, JC Intal, Alex Araneta, Francisco Rabat, Richie Ticzon, Manuel Estrella, Larry Fonacier, Padim Israel, Jojo Lastimosa, Ed Ocampo, Sef Canlas, Gabby Cui, Ricky Palou, Chito Narvasa, etc.
Ramoncito Campos, Dindo Pumaren, Gabby Liwag, Mark Cardona, Joseph Yeo, Maui Roca, Ren Ren Ritualo, Don Allado, Willy Wilson, Dickie Bachmann, Kurt Bachmann, Noli Locsin, Cholo Villanueva, Mark Telan, Addy Papa Jr. II, Manolet Araneta, TY Tang, Carlo Sharma, Manny Ramos, Allen Patrimonio, etc.
Ateneo and La Salle- two schools with tremendously rich basketball histories.
Every game is history in the making when these two top tier schools take the floor.
Too bad most times we have to give up an arm and a leg to actually breathe in the fragrant scent of history, in this case, up close.
If, after all the lobbying and lining up for tickets, we still find the strength and will to witness the hardcourt drama at all.
Yes, I have been duped by unscrupulous ticket resellers before.
So sue me, or better yet, sue them.
_____________________________
Monday, September 1, 2008
On The Edge.
by Migs
Round 2 of UAAP Season 71 is nearly over, and, after a weekend which featured a couple of nailbiters, we have, set in stone, our Final Four.
The names have been tatooed in history, yes, but where everyone is set to lie before the teams wage war against one another has yet to have been determined.
Here are some random thoughts I have on what's set to be a rollercoaster ride of a Final Four (along with some other miscellaneous UAAP quips too).
*Ateneo has its claws firmly set on the top spot in the UAAP, while the UE Red Warriors, a team that has been maligned for their lack of composure down the stretch as much as they have been lauded for having one of the league's most potent offenses, barely eeked into the Final Four with a 2 point win over scrappy UST last Sunday at the Philsports Arena (Tigers' courtside rose Diane Querrer's demeanor during team huddles was telling of just how skewed UST's intensity was during the game; whenever your courtside reporter exhibits more consistent intensity than your on-court ruffians, well, something isn't right in paradise, for sure). In years past, Ateneo and UE have tussled in the Final Four, with the Eagles coming out as the victors time and time again. This year, the currently 12-1 boys from Loyola Heights have one word boldly emblazoned on their calling card- DEFENSE. With gunners like Kirk Long, Chris Tiu, and Eric Salamat having shooting games as erratic as rain on a tropical island, the Blue Eagles have turned to their league leading team defense to get them out of tough scrapes (not to mention Rabeh Al Hussaini's superb post play and, well, timely shooting and end game poise from Chris Tiu). Couple that with UE's penchant for going hot-cold in a hurry, and what you're bound to get is a competitive game that, invariably, will go to the team that knows how to settle down when the fireworks starting cracking and amp things up when opportunities to exploit the lack of intensity in one's opponent arise.
All things considered, book Ateneo a ticket to the 2008 UAAP Finals. I say Ateneo will manage to beat pesky UE in 2 thrilling matches.
*With the elimination of the UST Growling Tigers from Final Four contention, it may be safe to surmise that the UAAP MVP race has come down to three players- Ateneans Rabeh Al Hussaini and Chris Tiu, and La Sallean JVee Casio. In terms of statistical points, Al Hussaini would seem to have the edge of the former Rookie of the Year clad in green and white and the sweet shooting prodigy who has seemed to succeed in just about everything he's been involved in in life. If I were a betting man, I'd put my dough on Rabeh, but if I were to see things from the perspective of a hoops analyst, I'd say that Chris Tiu deserves the MVP award for Season 71.
Why you ask?
Well, as much as Rabeh is Ateneo's best pencil and paper player, Chris is undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Blue and White. He settles down his compatriots during tense situations, and seems to come up big when the stakes are highest. Don't get me wrong- this boy's no Robert Horry. He doesn't just play big during a ballgame's waining moments. He consistently plays smart and hard for 40 minutes. He nails big jumpers, draws fouls (which almost always translates to two points as Tiu is one of the league's best from the 15th parallel), nabs rebounds (he's averaged better than 5 rebounds over the course of Season 71, a rather impressive number for a player who plays guard, who roams the perimeter a lot, and isn't the tallest or most athletic cager on the floor, often times), and is capable of almost single handedly reviving a fire in his teammates through his vocal type of leadership and commitment to making heady plays in lieu of being a catalyst for knee-jerk plays that usually end up in coaches' blood pressures going up the wazoo. Casio is a spitfire who is synonymous to instance offense and poise down the stretch, but I think that he still doesn't do as much as Tiu does for Ateneo on both ends of the floor. Rabeh, as dominant as he's been this year, is a bit of an overrated defender, and is more of power rebounder and scorer more than being a "total package" type of baller.
I therefore conclude that Chris Tiu should be UAAP MVP for Season 71.
And no, I am not a crazed fangirl or member of the third sex. I'm just a guy calling things as I see them.
*If I could have a dime for every errant jump shot Edwin Asoro threw up this season, I'd be fairly wealthy. Similarly, had he not tossed up so many ill-advised perimeter bombs, than maybe NU would be in the Final Four. What's Coach Manny Dandan to do?
*Yes, guys like Chris Tiu, JVee Casio, and Rico Maierhoffer may dominate sports headlines, but one unheralded cager might just end up having the last laugh. If FEU guard Mark Barroca continues his Chauncey Billups-esque play, then we could witness an FEU renaissance sooner than later. Throw in burgeoning big man Aldrich Ramos, a healthy Mac Baracael, sweet shooting JR Cawaling, and solild play from role players like Jens Knuttel and Marlon Adolfo and what you get is a team on the rise, if not at the tail end of this year's UAAP, most definitely, in 2009.
*FEU and La Salle are all set to go head to head for a spot in the UAAP finals. The only thing that has yet to have been determined is who will possess the twice to beat advantage once the Final Four begins. If FEU owns the twice to beat plum, I would have to pick them to face Ateneo in the big dance. If La Salle owns twice to beat, well, I say that La Salle goes on to the finals, which, in turn, should make every single establishment in the vicinity of Araneta Coliseum, along with those who run Araneta Coliseum itself, very, very happy.
In the finals, I have a feeling that Ateneo will have enough to turn back La Salle or FEU. No one on either of the lower seeded squads can shadow Rabeh Al Hussaini, and Ateneo's bench seems gritty and deep enough to be supressed consistently. I say that only solid perimeter defense, coupled with torrid shooting and disciplined switching from the post to the perimeter will give either DLSU or FEU a chance.
Blue Eagle the King? I say yes to that. Give it three closely contested ballgames.
*"Unofficial" UAAP plums:
-Most Improved Player: Rabeh Al Hussaini, Ateneo- Need I say more?
Runner Up--> Mark Barroca, FEU
-Biggest Underachiever: Michael Galinato, Adamson- If this guy only got more touches, and were more agressive down low, then maybe, just maybe, Adamson wouldn't be in the cellar, and Coach Leo Austria wouldn't be so villified for being the Falcons' messiah just because his boys might actually do something to help the team reap some success for a change.
Runners Up--> Edwin Asoro, NU, Mark Agustin, Adamson, Kirk Long, Ateneo
-Chick Magnet of the Year: Jens Knuttel, FEU- Hey, Chris Tiu can't win it every year, can he?
Runners Up--> JR Cawaling, FEU, James Martinez, UE, Marcie Arellano, UE
-Mr. Pure Energy: Josh Webb, DLSU- Just like his middle name ("Spider"; yes, that is his real, given, middle name), the son of Senator Freddie Webb and the younger brother of former DLSU point guard Jason Webb has put his hops, and eager beaver facial expressions, to good use this season, as he has helped bolster a formidable Archer bench that has played a major role in La Salle being on the cusp of a twice to beat edge entering the latter stages of Round 2.
Runner Up--> Eric Salamat, Ateneo
-Best Courtside Reporter: Trish Roque, UP- Kamae and Portia for Ateneo tend to be a bit "over the top". Sharon Yu too. Diane Querrer is good but lacks camera presence and spunk. Aaron Atayde, Alexis Go, and Rizza Diaz tend to hesitate when they speak on camera.
Kudos to Trish Roque for always having a "balanced" grin on her face and for having impeccable diction and informative updates every time Boom or TJ call upon her for some on-air chatter. Congratulations, UP, you have indeed taken steps forward this year, both on and off the court.
Runner Up--> Diane Querrer, UST
-Mr. "Where've You Gone?": Kirk Long, Ateneo- Talk about a "sophomore jinx". Last season, this kid was in the Ateneo starting lineup and was knocking down big shot after big shot (just ask UST). This year, he can't shoot a golf ball into a pail and is getting himself pinned down on the Eagles bench in favor of Eric Salamat and rookie sensation Ryan Buenafe.
Runner Up--> Kasim Mirza, UST
-"Huh?" Award: James Martinez, UE- He left his game shorts at home during a game against mighty DLSU. Because of this, he wasn't able to play until the tail end of the 3rd quarter. The Red Warriors went on to lose that match against the boys from Taft.
Talk about a weird turn of events.
Runner Up--> The UE Red Warriors (For Nearly Blowing a 24 Point Fourth Quarter Lead To UST on August 31, 2008)
-"Duh" Award: Paul Gonzalgo, Adamson- Many apologies to his dad, former PBA cager Dante Gonzalgo, but if Paul chucked up fewer threes over the course of 40 minutes, then maybe Leo Austria wouldn't have to get so worked up, and guys like Colina and Galinato might actually get to establish the presences inside more (to the betterment of the team). This guy has tossed up way too many threes than he should over the past season. I'm all for giving the fellow with the hot hand the rock, but what gives when the man with the hot hand begins to cool off and yet continues to launch errant perimeter shots?
Adamson fans, does this all sound familiar? Does the name Patrick Cabahug and his ball-hogging ways (just to be perfectly blunt), come to mind?
Runner Up--> Clark Bautista, UST (Brother, if only you hadn't tried to throw up a three with 24 seconds left against a rattled UE squad at the Philsports Arena last August 31st...if only. You might have actually helped your Tigers win that game, or at least, maybe overtime would have happened. Jervy Cruz was on the floor at the time. A drop pass for an easy deuce would have been nice, but no, it didn't happen. Talk about a muffed chance.)
*"Official" UAAP Awards:
MVP- Chris Tiu, Ateneo
Rookie of the Year- Ryan Buenafe, Ateneo
The Court Colonel Thing (For Point Guards)- Marcie Arellano, UE
Defensive Player of the Year- Aldrech Ramos, FEU
Mythical Five:
C- Rabeh Al Hussaini, Ateneo
PF- Jervy Cruz, UST
SF- James Mangahas, DLSU
SG- Chris Tiu, Ateneo
PG- JVee Casio, DLSU
Okay, I've said just about all I can say about the Final Four (and beyond) for the moment. Now, can anyone spare this old boy some game tickets?
I'm kidding, of course, but jokes are half meant. I need to, after all, "watch" the games to be able to write about them, through and through, effectively.
Let's enjoy the next few UAAP weeks, everyone. Every bout's a must win. Every bout's got color and shape totally unique from the ones before it. All in all, we're set to write a couple of more pages in the annals of Philippine Basketball History.
Lord knows everyone wants to do that effectively, and with style.
*Work to well be nourished, finish with undeniable beauty. Flourish!*
Cheers, people.
MC
________________________________________
Round 2 of UAAP Season 71 is nearly over, and, after a weekend which featured a couple of nailbiters, we have, set in stone, our Final Four.
The names have been tatooed in history, yes, but where everyone is set to lie before the teams wage war against one another has yet to have been determined.
Here are some random thoughts I have on what's set to be a rollercoaster ride of a Final Four (along with some other miscellaneous UAAP quips too).
*Ateneo has its claws firmly set on the top spot in the UAAP, while the UE Red Warriors, a team that has been maligned for their lack of composure down the stretch as much as they have been lauded for having one of the league's most potent offenses, barely eeked into the Final Four with a 2 point win over scrappy UST last Sunday at the Philsports Arena (Tigers' courtside rose Diane Querrer's demeanor during team huddles was telling of just how skewed UST's intensity was during the game; whenever your courtside reporter exhibits more consistent intensity than your on-court ruffians, well, something isn't right in paradise, for sure). In years past, Ateneo and UE have tussled in the Final Four, with the Eagles coming out as the victors time and time again. This year, the currently 12-1 boys from Loyola Heights have one word boldly emblazoned on their calling card- DEFENSE. With gunners like Kirk Long, Chris Tiu, and Eric Salamat having shooting games as erratic as rain on a tropical island, the Blue Eagles have turned to their league leading team defense to get them out of tough scrapes (not to mention Rabeh Al Hussaini's superb post play and, well, timely shooting and end game poise from Chris Tiu). Couple that with UE's penchant for going hot-cold in a hurry, and what you're bound to get is a competitive game that, invariably, will go to the team that knows how to settle down when the fireworks starting cracking and amp things up when opportunities to exploit the lack of intensity in one's opponent arise.
All things considered, book Ateneo a ticket to the 2008 UAAP Finals. I say Ateneo will manage to beat pesky UE in 2 thrilling matches.
*With the elimination of the UST Growling Tigers from Final Four contention, it may be safe to surmise that the UAAP MVP race has come down to three players- Ateneans Rabeh Al Hussaini and Chris Tiu, and La Sallean JVee Casio. In terms of statistical points, Al Hussaini would seem to have the edge of the former Rookie of the Year clad in green and white and the sweet shooting prodigy who has seemed to succeed in just about everything he's been involved in in life. If I were a betting man, I'd put my dough on Rabeh, but if I were to see things from the perspective of a hoops analyst, I'd say that Chris Tiu deserves the MVP award for Season 71.
Why you ask?
Well, as much as Rabeh is Ateneo's best pencil and paper player, Chris is undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Blue and White. He settles down his compatriots during tense situations, and seems to come up big when the stakes are highest. Don't get me wrong- this boy's no Robert Horry. He doesn't just play big during a ballgame's waining moments. He consistently plays smart and hard for 40 minutes. He nails big jumpers, draws fouls (which almost always translates to two points as Tiu is one of the league's best from the 15th parallel), nabs rebounds (he's averaged better than 5 rebounds over the course of Season 71, a rather impressive number for a player who plays guard, who roams the perimeter a lot, and isn't the tallest or most athletic cager on the floor, often times), and is capable of almost single handedly reviving a fire in his teammates through his vocal type of leadership and commitment to making heady plays in lieu of being a catalyst for knee-jerk plays that usually end up in coaches' blood pressures going up the wazoo. Casio is a spitfire who is synonymous to instance offense and poise down the stretch, but I think that he still doesn't do as much as Tiu does for Ateneo on both ends of the floor. Rabeh, as dominant as he's been this year, is a bit of an overrated defender, and is more of power rebounder and scorer more than being a "total package" type of baller.
I therefore conclude that Chris Tiu should be UAAP MVP for Season 71.
And no, I am not a crazed fangirl or member of the third sex. I'm just a guy calling things as I see them.
*If I could have a dime for every errant jump shot Edwin Asoro threw up this season, I'd be fairly wealthy. Similarly, had he not tossed up so many ill-advised perimeter bombs, than maybe NU would be in the Final Four. What's Coach Manny Dandan to do?
*Yes, guys like Chris Tiu, JVee Casio, and Rico Maierhoffer may dominate sports headlines, but one unheralded cager might just end up having the last laugh. If FEU guard Mark Barroca continues his Chauncey Billups-esque play, then we could witness an FEU renaissance sooner than later. Throw in burgeoning big man Aldrich Ramos, a healthy Mac Baracael, sweet shooting JR Cawaling, and solild play from role players like Jens Knuttel and Marlon Adolfo and what you get is a team on the rise, if not at the tail end of this year's UAAP, most definitely, in 2009.
*FEU and La Salle are all set to go head to head for a spot in the UAAP finals. The only thing that has yet to have been determined is who will possess the twice to beat advantage once the Final Four begins. If FEU owns the twice to beat plum, I would have to pick them to face Ateneo in the big dance. If La Salle owns twice to beat, well, I say that La Salle goes on to the finals, which, in turn, should make every single establishment in the vicinity of Araneta Coliseum, along with those who run Araneta Coliseum itself, very, very happy.
In the finals, I have a feeling that Ateneo will have enough to turn back La Salle or FEU. No one on either of the lower seeded squads can shadow Rabeh Al Hussaini, and Ateneo's bench seems gritty and deep enough to be supressed consistently. I say that only solid perimeter defense, coupled with torrid shooting and disciplined switching from the post to the perimeter will give either DLSU or FEU a chance.
Blue Eagle the King? I say yes to that. Give it three closely contested ballgames.
*"Unofficial" UAAP plums:
-Most Improved Player: Rabeh Al Hussaini, Ateneo- Need I say more?
Runner Up--> Mark Barroca, FEU
-Biggest Underachiever: Michael Galinato, Adamson- If this guy only got more touches, and were more agressive down low, then maybe, just maybe, Adamson wouldn't be in the cellar, and Coach Leo Austria wouldn't be so villified for being the Falcons' messiah just because his boys might actually do something to help the team reap some success for a change.
Runners Up--> Edwin Asoro, NU, Mark Agustin, Adamson, Kirk Long, Ateneo
-Chick Magnet of the Year: Jens Knuttel, FEU- Hey, Chris Tiu can't win it every year, can he?
Runners Up--> JR Cawaling, FEU, James Martinez, UE, Marcie Arellano, UE
-Mr. Pure Energy: Josh Webb, DLSU- Just like his middle name ("Spider"; yes, that is his real, given, middle name), the son of Senator Freddie Webb and the younger brother of former DLSU point guard Jason Webb has put his hops, and eager beaver facial expressions, to good use this season, as he has helped bolster a formidable Archer bench that has played a major role in La Salle being on the cusp of a twice to beat edge entering the latter stages of Round 2.
Runner Up--> Eric Salamat, Ateneo
-Best Courtside Reporter: Trish Roque, UP- Kamae and Portia for Ateneo tend to be a bit "over the top". Sharon Yu too. Diane Querrer is good but lacks camera presence and spunk. Aaron Atayde, Alexis Go, and Rizza Diaz tend to hesitate when they speak on camera.
Kudos to Trish Roque for always having a "balanced" grin on her face and for having impeccable diction and informative updates every time Boom or TJ call upon her for some on-air chatter. Congratulations, UP, you have indeed taken steps forward this year, both on and off the court.
Runner Up--> Diane Querrer, UST
-Mr. "Where've You Gone?": Kirk Long, Ateneo- Talk about a "sophomore jinx". Last season, this kid was in the Ateneo starting lineup and was knocking down big shot after big shot (just ask UST). This year, he can't shoot a golf ball into a pail and is getting himself pinned down on the Eagles bench in favor of Eric Salamat and rookie sensation Ryan Buenafe.
Runner Up--> Kasim Mirza, UST
-"Huh?" Award: James Martinez, UE- He left his game shorts at home during a game against mighty DLSU. Because of this, he wasn't able to play until the tail end of the 3rd quarter. The Red Warriors went on to lose that match against the boys from Taft.
Talk about a weird turn of events.
Runner Up--> The UE Red Warriors (For Nearly Blowing a 24 Point Fourth Quarter Lead To UST on August 31, 2008)
-"Duh" Award: Paul Gonzalgo, Adamson- Many apologies to his dad, former PBA cager Dante Gonzalgo, but if Paul chucked up fewer threes over the course of 40 minutes, then maybe Leo Austria wouldn't have to get so worked up, and guys like Colina and Galinato might actually get to establish the presences inside more (to the betterment of the team). This guy has tossed up way too many threes than he should over the past season. I'm all for giving the fellow with the hot hand the rock, but what gives when the man with the hot hand begins to cool off and yet continues to launch errant perimeter shots?
Adamson fans, does this all sound familiar? Does the name Patrick Cabahug and his ball-hogging ways (just to be perfectly blunt), come to mind?
Runner Up--> Clark Bautista, UST (Brother, if only you hadn't tried to throw up a three with 24 seconds left against a rattled UE squad at the Philsports Arena last August 31st...if only. You might have actually helped your Tigers win that game, or at least, maybe overtime would have happened. Jervy Cruz was on the floor at the time. A drop pass for an easy deuce would have been nice, but no, it didn't happen. Talk about a muffed chance.)
*"Official" UAAP Awards:
MVP- Chris Tiu, Ateneo
Rookie of the Year- Ryan Buenafe, Ateneo
The Court Colonel Thing (For Point Guards)- Marcie Arellano, UE
Defensive Player of the Year- Aldrech Ramos, FEU
Mythical Five:
C- Rabeh Al Hussaini, Ateneo
PF- Jervy Cruz, UST
SF- James Mangahas, DLSU
SG- Chris Tiu, Ateneo
PG- JVee Casio, DLSU
Okay, I've said just about all I can say about the Final Four (and beyond) for the moment. Now, can anyone spare this old boy some game tickets?
I'm kidding, of course, but jokes are half meant. I need to, after all, "watch" the games to be able to write about them, through and through, effectively.
Let's enjoy the next few UAAP weeks, everyone. Every bout's a must win. Every bout's got color and shape totally unique from the ones before it. All in all, we're set to write a couple of more pages in the annals of Philippine Basketball History.
Lord knows everyone wants to do that effectively, and with style.
*Work to well be nourished, finish with undeniable beauty. Flourish!*
Cheers, people.
MC
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