Magical Farewell Tour Begins

Unlike the last time he joined the Clippers, this season and next FEELS LIKE Jason Williams' final FINAL tour of duty. It's meant to be the last. He's joining a team from his hometown and a real shot at the championship. Back-up or third-string, he doesn't care. And i don't care. Because finally he has a legit team to play for and me, a team to cheer for.

The man-who-shall-be-mentioned-in-this-blog-but-shall-never-be-named is going to cheer for the Boston Celtics. Christian for the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Enteng roots for Sammy Dalembert and the Philadelphia 76ers. Nyaknyak.) So this means this is going to be a very, very interesting year. Somebody's winning in June (If we our team manages to lose to the Lakers or Spurs is rather insignificant)...

Now, here's an article (and bolded are quotable quotes) from Jason's first interview as a member of the Orlando Magic from the Orlando Sentinel... and the video link to the presscon here:

Jason Williams: "I love to pass. Dwight Howard loves to score." posted by Tania Ganguli on Aug 20, 2009 4:55:19 PM We haven't heard much from Jason Williams since he returned from retirement this summer, and this morning he met with the media at RDV Sportsplex. You can read a little bit about his retirement and journey back in my story here. One thing we discussed with him was that flashy, hot-dog reputation he used to have. One of his assets now is that he's a veteran presence. And teams count on veteran guys for their experience and maturity.

Jason Williams mature? Could be.

"I don’t really pay attention to what you guys write in the papers, what people really think. You guys are going to write what you want and people are going to say what they want. I just want to go out and have fun and if throwing behind the back passes is what it takes to win that’s what I’m going to do it takes a regular bounce pass that’s what I’ll do too. I’m all about winning, now."

Williams was asked if he's matured. "I wouldn’t say matured because I’m still a kid at heart," Williams said. "I still do stupid things sometimes. When I’m out on the court I’m not worried about what people are thinking about my maturity level. I just want to win And as long as my teammates and coach knows that that's all that matters."

Williams was asked if the year off helped his body and if he'd be able to handle the load as a starter if Jameer Nelson got hurt again. "First of all, Jameer’s not going to get hurt," Williams said. "Secondly I signed a contract to do what they want me to do. If they want me to play 30 minutes I’ll do that. If they want me to play 10, I’ll do that. My body was feeling good before I took the year off. It just feels great now. Williams wasn't worried about having gotten a year older.

"I can be as good or better [than before retirement] because my teammates, look at those guys, how good they are. "I love to pass. Dwight Howard loves to score. He’s open he’s getting the ball and the rest will be easy. That’s kind of how it was when I went to Miami with Dwyane and Shaq. Those guys just make your job so much easier because there’s so much attention to them. You’re not going to worry about Jason Williams, you’re going to worry about Dwayne Wade. Cmon.

It's Magic!

A pair of text messages from a pair of friends woke me up today. Still seething from poker badbeats and bad decisions last night (cost me a thousand) this news though is good as it gets... Finally, after a year or so of being a free agent-fan, i land with the Magic. Yes people, Jason Williams signed with the Orlando Magic.

Here's the text from Christian Castillo: Tinext ka man ni ***? Ayos man idol mo ay, nag unretire man daa! Arug-arog naman! (Translation: Jason Williams > Brett Favre in all this unretirement talks and news)

Here's the text from the man-who-shall-be-mentioned-in-this-blog-but-shall-never-be-named (patent pending, Enteng agrees in his blog): Starting today, I am no longer a fan of the Orlando Magic(s) because they signed Jason "SOPOT" Williams. Tsk tsk.

Why post that here? So that come June 2010 when the Magic earns their championship ring, or even before that--- Eastern Conference Finals probably when Williams and the Magic defeat Boston Celtics and the man-who-shall-be-mentioned-in-this-blog-but-shall-never-be-named... i get to gloat that he IS NOT a Magic fan.

FIBA Asia Quarters: RP vs. Jordan (Miracle or Massacre?)

The Fatigue Factor:

Jordan + Wright has logged in a total of 180 minutes or an average of 30 minutes per game. Considering they have been blowing out teams left and right, this came as a surprise. + Four other players average 118+ minutes per game; i would like to believe this is their best five (Abaas, Daghlas, Idaais and Soobszokov) + Four other players at around 15 minutes per game

Philippines + Miller leads the team in total minutes (141) for an average of 23.5. We know why, Helterbrand is playing injured. + Not too far are Baguio (129), Thoss (131) and Dillinger (115) + After that we have a six players who are playing in the 90-100 minutes range (15-20 minutes per game)

What does this tell us? Jordan has an 8~9 man rotation and relies most of the time on Wright (as if we did not know that yet; Wright in action vs. China below, image courtesy of FIBA.COM) and the starters. Their relievers does not command big minutes normally and is not expected to produce.


The Philippines meanwhile likes to use most of its players: a 10 man rotation which scatters the minutes around. Even Japeth who has contributed in the past is the 11th man--- injury or not, Yeng is adamant that he scatter the minutes to all contributors to avoid burnout from anyone.
Ultimately, the numbers won't matter as the adrenaline rush tomorrow would be off the roof--- after all, this could be their team's final crucial game. BUT at the end of the day these well-conditioned athletes will feel the pressure and will feel a bit of fatigue as this is their 7th game in 9 days and the first game of the afternoon to boot. Fatigue factor, i think we can have the advantage if we can put the pressure on Jordan early--- and often--- on both ends. If they are going to score, make sure we make them work hard for it. A hard foul here and there is also an option, just to make them feel that we are there and we won't go away. On defense, you attack their offensive players. Wright and Abbaas they comprise about 1/3 of the production of the team (213 of 523 points) and their starters (or players with starter minutes) score 350+ of the 523 points, that's more than half the production.

Let them, force them to use their bench. Tire out the key players. Even as we do the opposite: scattered production majority of the game then, with an unknown player stepping up once again either in the 3rd or the 4th. They have quality players no doubt about that; even higher quality than us. But we have the quantity. Average probably in international ball but could very well get us over the top with excellent team play.

Let's see if i have time to analyze all other stats. But this just in: i want to believe in miracles. RP by 3 points.

Pinsan ko 'ni!

Actually i am applying to be her agent in the Philippines. Unang gig, sa Mayon Avenue, Naga City! Remember the name: Mona Natalie Bersabe!

Please Stop

Begged, stole and borrowed
Still it haunts
Forgive me please
For i can not forget

The Countdown to None

Inanity before insanity
the calm before the storm
the last stand before the fall
to resurrection
to realizations

Crossing Fate

Incinerated,

shocked
and burned out.
One option left
(No quitting yet)
Question everything!
Counter all!

[Insert Product Name Here] [Insert Product Tagline Here]

Ah finally. Writing something not about work. Well, sort of.

Customers are always right. But in the business i am in, the client is god. We could leave it at that, or we could risk something like getting fired. But heck, writer's write. Damn the repercussions. One of the greatest fears of many in this craft is the so-called writer's block. Five cups of coffee and a pack of cigarettes won't solve it. A bottle or two of beer won't work either. When you can't write, you just can't. It's one of the (non)mysteries in writing. Forcing it would mean a half-half-half-hearted effort (That's 12.5/100 for those who hate math) on any subject--- which could only mean that you shouldn't have started on it in the first place (Unless of course you want to settle for mediocrity)

But i have come to realize that this is not the greatest fear. There's also the so-called client's block. Five cups of coffee, a pack of cigarettes and probably more won't be enough to appease the violation on artistry. And no, please don't think that this is about the selfish me-me-me or that i put myself in a high chair and won't listen to any suggestions at all. This is about protecting the integrity of the craft and avoiding/going against commercialization of it at all costs. But to the ineffable gods, "at all costs" means shutting up and writing what they want to write. Damn the repercussions to quality. Damn the protection of integrity.

i love my job. Sports. Writing. Sportswriting. But the client's block just happened (Writer's block happens every other day, the level of tolerance is at an all-time high.) and i am starting to hate it because it just became commercialized writing. Product placement here, there and everywhere. Actually, come to think of it, this happened two months ago but it's only now that i am starting to NOT tolerate it. Key word: starting to. And like "fighting for what i deem right at all costs" means it is an empty threat; a lame attempt of opinion which would fall on deaf ears.

What's next then? Would QBE9 happen? (QBE9 is a bullet entry in my Digital Post-It Notes on my desktop which means Quit By Episode 9) i don't know. Let's cross the bridge when we get there. Assuming the bridge hasn't been burned yet.

(This entry is brought to you by cheezepaper.blogspot.com--- we have no readers but who cares!)

Clear Men Future League Starts Tonight!

Memphis: Where Incompetence Happens. Grizzlies Acquire Zach. Yes Zach FREAKING Randolph.

Nyak nyak.

Zach with New York (Good luck Grizzlies):



And some more Where Amazing Happens parodies found on youtube:

Kwame Brown:





Jeff Foster:

Jigs' Free Haircut!

Ogma pa ta dae pa aram na bubulugan siya? (Translation: The calm before the storm?)
Relax pa man giraray. Excited pa ngani. Hilinga ang bitis. (Ready to dance!)
Naglaog na ang kalaban (term ni Jigs), aaaargh, go go laban! (tono ni Jigs) (Trans: "Lookie here, i'll bust this Kuya's ass!)
Poon nang tungkaon? Dae pa ngani napoon! (Tik-tak tik-tak, the reverse alarm clock has taken effect.)
Buhay ulit! Nagigirokan o nagiinarte lang? (Real trick or real tickles?)
Heek-heeee-heeek (Rrrrrrrr. Hehe. Rrrrrrrrr.)
Tapos na ngisi. Tungka na? (Haaaayawn. Ceasefire, ceasefire!)
Ano na? Bawal magpahingalo! (Ceasefire, ceasefire -Kuya.)
Rrrrrr. Balik ang kalaban balik ang tungka (Back to work, bothways.)
Matumba na... (3.... 2...)
Tagag! (Down, down, down!)
Pikit sa tungka o takot sa puling?

HBO Crushes the Carneys

Ah, maybe too late but a lot of other fans are (still) asking for the same thing:

Save Carnivale

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL COMMUNITY

Posting this one for the sake of Philippine basketball. Down with BAP!

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL COMMUNITY

The Board of Trustees of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Inc. (SBP) wishes to express their gratitude to all of you who have given their support and contributed to the success of the numerous programs which the SBP has put in place to develop Philippine basketball. In the two (2) years since its inception, the SBP's influence, reach and leadership in Philippine basketball have been significant — particularly when viewed from the context of the four (4) decades of existence of its predecessor association, the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).

Referees Programs
1. Implemented the comprehensive National Referees Development Program (NRDP) which has already benefited more than four hundred (400) arbiters in its first year.
2. Regularly sends Filipino referees to International Referees' Clinics so that there are now eleven (11) Filipino FIBA-licensed International Referees compared with only four (4) when the SBP took over from the BAP, one of whom will officiate in the forthcoming world championships Jr. Men's in New Zealand.
3. Organized and fully-subsidized the series of elite referees' clinics conducted by Mr. Alan Richardson, FIBA International Instructor and Euroleague Supervisor for Referees.
4. Created an Elite Referees Pool whose members are now being used by SBP member leagues.

Coaches Programs
The SBP has implemented the National Coaches Accreditation and Licensing Program (NCALP) which already completed its first task of gathering and identifying over eight hundred (800) coaches
nationwide. Numerous coaching clinics are now being held to standardize our coaching techniques in line with our National Team Program.

Youth and Grassroots Programs
1. Stages various National Championships for different age groups and gender categories including the Philippine Champion's League where over two hundred (200) universities and colleges participated and the forthcoming National Junior Championships for boys and girls.
2. Founded the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC), the elite basketball school for 18 and under boys and girls.
3. Created the SBP 33, inspired by FIBA's 3-on-3 basketball program, to form competitive teams for the Asian Indoor Games, Asian Beach Games, Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympics.

National Teams
The SBP maintains a robust and aggressive national team program for all age and gender categories. All National Teams are well-funded through the support of SBP sponsors and donors.
1. The SBP has a long-term program for our young Men's National Team with the objective of qualifying for the London Olympics in 2012, and improving our currently low standing in the FIBA world rankings resulting from long years of neglect. To help realize these goals, a Serbian coach, Mr. Rajko Toroman, has been engaged and a comprehensive training program and calendar has been put together which includes so far, tournaments and training camps in Serbia, the United States, Indonesia and Japan.
2. The Philippine National Teams have achieved significant results in the last year by virtue of the SBP programs now in place:
a) 7th place, FIBA Asia Championships for Junior Men in 2008 d) Champion, 1 st China Asean-CBO International Tournament in 2008
b) 2nd place, 1 st Asian Beach Games in Bali 2008 e) 5th place, FIBA Asia Champion's Cup 2009
c) 2nd place, Division II, FIBA Asia Championships for Junior Women in 2008 f) Champion, SEABA 2009 - Qualifier for FIBA Asia Men's Championships in Tianjin, China
3. The SBP National Team Competition's calendar for 2009 has never been more vibrant with our teams qualifying for the FIBA Asia Championship for Women (16 and under), the FIBA Asia Championships for Junior Men and Women, the FIBA Asia Championships for Men, the Asian Youth Games and the Asian Indoor Games (Vietnam).

Membership Program
To date, five (5) new active members have been added to the roster of SBP membership bringing the total number to twenty four (24). Other applications are now being reviewed by the Nomination and Membership Committee for active status. In addition, ten (10) new associate members have been added with provision for future consideration as regular active members. Total membership (active and associate) now stands at forty (40).

WHY DO THE ATTACKS ON THE SBP CONTINUE?
Despite these achievements, it saddens us to note that there are still those who continue to question the legitimacy of the SBP and its current leadership. These individuals, who are still aligned with the BAP, have chosen to disregard the “Tokyo Communiqué” dated 28th August 2006, which led to the formation of the SBP as the country's sole and unified governing body for basketball. They also allege that the SBP has failed to comply with the subsequent “Bangkok Agreement” dated 4th February 2007, which elaborated further the terms of the Tokyo Communiqué. It is apparent that the BAP continues to raise issues and complaints against SBP and its present leadership to the detriment of achieving unity in Philippine Basketball. It is also clearer now that BAP's interpretation of unity means unity on its own terms.

Last May 28, 2009, the SBP received a letter from Mr. Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General, advising the SBP of the creation of a “Special Commission for the Philippines”. The formation of this Special Commission was precipitated by “various correspondences and continuous complaints addressed to the FIBA Secretariat over the past months on the matter related to the institutional legitimacy of the Philippine Basketball Federation and its current leadership.”

WHAT IS THE SBP’S POSITION?
The SBP has decided that it will not submit to the jurisdiction of this Special Commission for the following reasons:
1. Mr. Baumann in his letter dated last year (May 13, 2008) and sent to the SBP clearly and categorically stated that:
(i) FIBA is fully supporting the SBP and its President Manuel V Pangilinan and its Board of Trustees;
(ii) FIBA will disregard any communication coming from the former BAP “as it has no rights with FIBA”; and
(iii) FIBA is dismissing Mr. Graham Lim with immediate effect from his membership in the FIBA Youth Commission, citing his “continuous actions to disrupt the proper functioning of the SBP as “unacceptable”.
2. The Philippine Court of Appeals has already affirmed SBP's compliance with the Bangkok Agreement and the Tokyo Communiqué. The Court's decision confirmed the membership validation process undertaken by the SBP and also sustained the validity of the June 12, 2008 SBP National Congress and the regular election of SBP's trustees and officers held at that meeting.
3. The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) have both recognized the SBP and have effectively and correctly accorded its leadership with full rights as the lawful governing body of basketball in the Philippines.
4. The basis on which the Special Commission was formed rests on complaints and allegations, as mentioned in the Baumann letter of May 28, 2009, made by the BAP that are unverified and biased. That is why the Baumann letter is simply incomprehensible - giving apparent credence to “various correspondences and continuous complaints” without verifying their veracity.

Instead of removing the squeaky and noisy wheels - as Baumann indicated he would in his letter last year to SBP - he has now lubricated them with oil.

WHAT’S NEXT?
We should emphasize that it was the BAP which initiated the judicial action challenging the legitimacy of the June 12, 2008 SBP National Congress and elections. We regard this legal step by the BAP to be significant because it clearly demonstrates its intention and preference to have the matter decided by our Philippine judicial system - and not by any other party, tribunal or commission — foreign or local. Having lost in a forum that they themselves chose, BAP is now shopping for another forum that may be sympathetic to it.

Accordingly, the SBP has to put on record and placed FIBA on notice that it shall not participate in any proceedings which this Special Commission may undertake, unless and until it has become unequivocally clear to SBP what its mandate, jurisdiction and scope of authority really are. More importantly, the BAP legal challenge, after having been rejected by our Court of Appeals, has been elevated by it to our Supreme Court, where it is now under consideration. In that light, the SBP has firmly taken the position that whilst this domestic issue is under judicial review, it should not submit itself to any other legal jurisdiction until the matter has been finally resolved by our legal system. Let Philippine law take its course; let us respect our Courts and not incur their contempt otherwise.

We the members of the SBP call upon all legitimate stakeholders of Philippine Basketball to raise their individual and collective voices and take a unified stand condemning the disruptive actions of the BAP, and protest FIBA's unwarranted intrusion into what must be a purely domestic matter requiring domestic resolution.

Make yourself be heard by sending your comments through sbp.com.ph.

Mabuhay ang Philippine Basketball!


Signed:



Gov. Oscar V. Moreno
Chairman of the Board

Manuel V. Pangilinan
President

Jose Emmanuel M. Eala
Executive Director


Joaquin Trillo
Philippine Basketball Association


Michael Romero
Philippine Basketball League


Anton Montinola
University Athletic Association of the Philippines


Fr. Mateo de Jesus OSB
National College Athletic Association


Reynaldo D. Gamboa
Philippine Collegiate Champions League


Jose Soberano
Pinoy Basketbol Inc.


Daniel Danilo V. Soria
Baguio Benguet Educational Athletic League


Fr. Paul M. De Vera
National College Athletic Association – South


Robert L. Uy
Iloilo Basketball League


Bernardo Gabriel I. Atienza
Cagayan de Oro Basketball Association


Pedro C. Alfaro
El Federacion Basketbolista de Zamboanga


Gerardo P. Sabal III
Cagayan de Oro School Athletic Association


Ernesto Jay G. Adalem
National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and University


Raul D. Alcoseba
Visayas Amateur Athletic Association