Philippine Basketball- Black Superman

Does anybody remember Billy Ray Bates? The super PBA import from the 80's who played for Ginebra and Crispa?

The ol' boys in town to be inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame.

Bates' road to glory has not been without its share of bumps and bruises.

In '98, a New Jersey gas station was robbed by the former Kentucky State University standout. Because of that, Bates spent a good seven years in jail. In 2000, he was nabbed on an aggravated assault charge, and during his PBA days, he was known to be quite the drinker and ladies man. He was also notorious during his time with the NBA's Portland Trailblazers for spending exorbitant amounts of cash.

6 NBA Playoff Games netting over 25 points per game, 11.7 points a contest for his NBA regular season career, and a whopping 46.2 points per game for his PBA career, there has never been any doubt that Bates could ball. Like many pro athletes, though, he suffered from a case of being misled by the bright lights, and thrown to the wayside by the immensity of his own skill.

There have been many praxes relevant to this persona. Look at the Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph. An incredibly talented Southpaw big man, Z-Bo has been an NBA all-star several times, and wrecked havoc in last April and May's playoffs. Early on in his career, though, he held illegal firearms, fought with teammates, and was a nightmare for coaches.

Enter another former Blazer in Qyntel Woods, who is currently playing for Asseco Prokom Gdynia in a Polish league. In 2003, Woods was charged first degree animal abuse for staging dogfights in his home. Woods had been highly touted after his high school days, often compared to the likes of Tracy McGrady, or, a lesser version of Vince Carter in his prime. His off-court issues, however, always hampered him from reaching his full potential in the NBA. The Miami Heat released him in 2005.

So many other names come to mind- JR Rider, Dennis Rodman, Javaris Crittenden, Gilbert Arenas, Luther Wright, Rasheed Wallace, Jamaal Tinsley, Roy Tarpley, Allen Iverson, etc. etc. etc. Then, we return to Billy Ray Bates, Blazers number 12. Bates may never make it to the NBA Hall of Fame, but his PBA Hall of Fame says one thing- if you're an athlete, you have to let your game do the talking. In the end, the drugs, the women, the alcohol, the nightclub trips, the fancy cars, the locker room fights- these things count for squat.

Tonight, The Black Superman lets his game do the talking again. 64 points in his first game with Crispa, being touted as the PBA's answer to Julius Erving, Best Import awards, etc. etc. etc. He's come a long way from the Mississippi cotton fields.

Among the foreigners who have ever donned a PBA jersey, he probably ranks as the best ever. Few would doubt it. His life today as a floor technician, while unglamorous compared to what he used be a part of ("There, I was like Michael Jordan. I could have anything I wanted. All I had to do was snap my fingers. I had my own condo, my own car and my own bodyguard with an Uzi. I had to fight off the women." he once told the Oregonian), seems to finally be quiet, stable, peaceful.

Above the silence, his game's voice can finally be heard, and duly appreciated.

Welcome home, Black Superman, welcome home.

MC

UAAP- When it Rains, It Pours

And so Game 2 of the UAAP Finals was postponed today due to inclement weather. Good move, UAAP board. People would have just been put in harm's way.

The cancellation of today's ballgame has given me more time to ruminate on a number of basketball related issues.

*Kirk Long and the PBA- This isn't even to blatantly state that Kirk Long is good enough to be in the PBA, but, in the event that Kirk does pass the standards of certain clubs, I feel that the PBA should do an "exception to the rule" move like they did with former MBA star, Alex Compton. Kirk's lived in the Philippines for most of his life, and, despite the constantly changing hairstyles to his brownish coif and the pale white skin, he seems more Pinoy to me than a lot of people. Would this set a precedent? It could, but like I said- it'll be an exception rather than the rule.

*The Future of Smart Gilas- In a recent interview, Manny Pangilinan mentioned that the national team needed a "big point guard". Apart from us needing shooters, I would have to concur that yes, we could use a more physically imposing guard lineup. Jimmy Alapag and Mark Barroca, for example, are way too small to handle guards from countries like Iran and China (i.e. Sun Yue is 6,9"). A bigger pointman would allow Gilas not only to compete better on the perimeter on the defensive end, but also would provide the team with another offensive weapon to field against larger, supremely talented defensive squads.

Added international exposure for the Smart team to shake off jitters would help a lot, too.

I shall reserve any further Ateneo-FEU thoughts for a future entry.

MC

Philippine Basketball- "Pagpapakitang Gilas"

The image here can tend to make one wonder what might have been.

At the same time, Smart Gilas' recent FIBA Asia campaign is a reminder of how far we've come.

Sure, we lost in a heartbreaker to South Korea, but then, one must not forget that the Smart Gilas program is a long term endeavor. For a pair of baby steps, finishing 4th or higher in a FIBA Asia Tournament for the first time since 1987 isn't half bad. Not since the days when the likes of Samboy Lim and Allan Caidic lorded over the hardwood have we seen the Philippines don so much confidence against its Asian counterparts.

So there was the 1990 loss to China, 90-74, in the Asian Games, the two missed Olsen Racela free throws early in the 2000s, and the Lee Sang Min buzzer beating three pointer which vaulted South Korea over the Philippines in Busan in 2002. Don't forget the 2004-2006 FIBA suspension which prevented Pinoys from vying for medals at both the Asian games and in FIBA Asia matches. We have indeed endured our share of pain in international competition, and such shortfalls have seemed to fuel Smart Gilas' desire to put the Philippines back on the basketball map.

Save for some missed charity shots, hot Korean Barbecue-sque shooting from the opposition, and some hurried attempts in the waining minutes of the Bronze Medal game, we could still have a lifeline to the 2012 Olympiad. Alas, it is not to be.

In one of the Ateneo De Manila post-season masses I attended some years back, Smart Communications Chairman, staunch patron of Philippines sports, and proudly Ateneo-made Manuel V. Pangilinan said, "You all know me. I don't like to lose." Nobody, and I mean nobody, from Mark Barroca to the dominant Marcus Douthit (who tallied 37 points and 10 or so rebounds in a game in the recent FIBA Asia Championships), on Gilas thinks differently from their leader. Nobody on that team fancies losing, but then, should defeat come, defeat shall be met with dignity, and to the victors, come our sincerest congratulations for a job well done.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas, you have represented the nation with class. We salute you.

The road does not, by any means, end here. In fact, our ascent to basketball chieftaincy may soon be a dream realized.

MC

NBA- Bye Bye, Training Camp

These days, even NBA Commissioner David Stern is dressing down.

Low and behold, the NBA's cancelled training camp and the NBA preseason indefinitely.

Calling all countries, make offers to Kobe Bryant in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Virtus Bologna's $6.7 M offer's on the table, and it's hot, hot, hot!

Should NBA players really consider playing overseas during the lockout? Well, maybe the likes of Chris Douglas Roberts, or, Kenyon Martin. But stars like Durant, Bryant, LBJ? Maybe not, because, why would you risk incurring a career threatening injury for a short stint on the court in a faraway land? $6.7 million is by no means a small amount, but then, there are, as the saying goes, bigger fish to fry for the heavenly bodies of the NBA.

The NBA lockout has brought to the fore just how much the global basketball divide has shrunken in the last decade or so. Before, players like Detlef Schrempf and Arvydas Sabonis were considered leopards amongst lions. Now, for every white lion, there lies a Euro Jaguar that's out to prove that he's got what it takes to dominate.

Still think Euros are soft? Look no further than recent NBA Champion Dirk Nowitzki to have your claims dispelled.

While American-born players have gone to other countries for hoops in the past, the demand for Stateside players in robust basketball markets such as China (the Chinese Basketball Association, which has bred the likes of Sun Yue, Wang ZhiZhi, Yi Jianlian, and the venerable Yao Ming), and Europe (the Euroleague, which has featured the Gasol brothers, Tony Parker, Ricky Rubio, and others) has increased in light of the NBA being on hiatus. Somehow, American are still regarded as the benchmark for hoops excellence, ergo, to have Americans in your league invariably gives off the impression that the level of competition is going nowhere else but up.

With the season in jeopardy, and an offer of 46% of all basketball related income still unappealing to the Players' Association (the purported "median" amount of 57% was way to high for Stern and co. to swallow), the real losers in this situation are the fans of the NBA.

Unlike the NBA players that have been in the news lately because of their international exploits, we can't really "migrate" to other sports and still expect to feel the same thrill we experience when in the thick of watching basketball.

No man lives on golf, hockey, soccer, or UFC/WWE, alone.

We need our dose of basketball, else, we wither and die.

Believe it.

MC

UAAP Finals- The Skinny.

He who wins the a battle of strategy, may triumph in any sort of battle with guns, spears, and swords.

Norman Black, 1, Bert Flores, 0.

So I was at the Big Dome for Game 1 of the UAAP Finals. Ateneo outplayed FEU and repelled the Tams' charge, 82-64 to come within a win away of a historic four consecutive UAAP crowns. The tide is high in Loyola Heights, but things don't go euphoric until the Eagles can win on the 27th, or, on the 31st.

I am somewhere in this picture- http://www.fabilioh.com/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=104933

Here's the skinny on how the Eagles managed to nab today's win:

*Playing to their Strengths- Ateneo's strengths lie in their size, team chemistry, team defense, and crisp ball movement, which lead to easy hoops. On a man for man basis, the Eagles don't have most talented offensive bunch, save maybe for Salva, Ravena, and Slaughter. Despite the presence of 3 players that can score in bunches, they still do what they do on the offensive end by committee. It's the hard hat work of guys like Gonzaga, Long, and Monfort, plus the discipline the boys in Blue show when moving the rock around that makes them so hard to neutralize once they're rolling. The same happens on defense. They put a premium on doing the little things- rotating quickly to their designated spots, not going for too many headfakes, knowing when to sag back, or slip forward. With Ateneo's deep bench, they can afford to change things up in a heartbeat. They can go big, extra large, small, or traditional on their foes. The Eagles suffocate opponents by going at them with relentless focus, rarely letting up and breaking the "team first" chain.

In the early stages of the match, the Blue side went on a 6-0 blast, only to be thwarted by the scorching hot shooting of Terence Romeo (didn't I say he would be the difference maker?). While Romeo scored 23 points, and Russel Escoto, 12, RR Garcia was held down to 6 points by fewer touches (due to Romeo's elevated play), and also because of defense-by-committee (Ravena, Monfort, Long) which shoved and bullied him off of his comfort zones (right side of the floor, corner court). Aldrech Ramos managed 9 points, but was a non factor in the second half, when the game was out of reach. The hero of the Adamson Final Four game, Mike Tolomia, silently chalked up 5 points, also stifled by a 3-2 zone which kept FEU's perimeter sets roped up.

In the first period, Norman Black played to the Tamaraws' strengths, by going small and starting Slaughter, Salva, Monfort, Long, and Ravena. This five often found itself left in the dust by the guards of FEU who constantly cut around screens and FEU's bigs who shot jumpers with ease (the 2007 Dallas Mavericks did something similar with the Golden State Warriors in the Round 1 NBA Playoff tiff; the Mavs lost in 6 games). Greg Slaughter often found himself having to cope up with having to sprint back from far out of the shaded lane because of Ateneo's extended zone. Instead of playing modified, "small ball", and allowing the Morayta boys to dictate the tempo, Ateneo made adjustments by rotating a number of bigger men to join Slaughter, hence leaving the Tamaraws struggling to keep up with the Eagles muscle inside and strength on perimeter covers. This move also allowed Greg Slaughter to hold court in the paint without having to jog into the yellow ocean to watch smaller guys run circles around him. Discombobulation, eradicated.

Shows you how minor tweaks can go a long way in determining whether a team can rally back from adversity and win the whole Kahuna.

*JP Erram- How does a guy who scores 4 points and tallies 1 shot block change the complexion of a ballgame? I'd say that such can be achieved by being at the proper place, at the proper time.

I had been waiting on when Norman Black would use Erram, a 3rd year AB Interdisciplinary Studies major, in a critical Finals game. His time came today at around 5 past the hour of four in the afternoon.

After FEU ran roughshod on Ateneo's lack of length and foot speed on the perimeter, Erram assisted in disrupting the Tams' flow by using his long arms and quickness to give Ateneo's D a much needed jolt. With him in the lineup, the 3 time champs looked more athletic, and envigorated. The smaller guys like Austria and Long had more faith in gambling on sagging forward towards their defender, because of the fact that a fleet footed Erram could sag out of the paint, and back in to assert his will, quicker than a Frank Golla or Greg Slaughter could. #10's entry signaled the onset of Ateneo's vaunted championship defense.

On offense, Erram's presence made screen and rolls, give and go's, and forays to the hole more feasible because of his steady read of when and how a switch should be done, when a rebound should be vied for, and how to box out successfully simply by being the guy with the best timing- not necessarily the biggest physique. All in all, despite the offensive prowess of some other Ateneans, Erram was today's firestarter for the Hail Mary Squad. His exploits opened up avenues for Game 1 to be turned upside down.

*Nico Salva's Jordanesque performance- 24 points, patience on offense, flawless foul shooting, a flawless field goal slate, and a bevy of midrange moves that made me see glimpses of a young Alvin Patrimonio. His game today was Jordanesque, by brilliant when his team needed him most. The 4th year man was fed, and fed, and fed again via a combination of well-postured passes and picks, and against slower defenders, he managed to use his speed to dominate the slashing lanes with a variety of floaters, layups, and wily moves that drew foul, after foul, after foul.

His slam dunk in transition in the 2nd half also helped shatter the Tams' spirits from a morale standpoint. And oh, have I mentioned that this fellow's got rabid fans and has been mentioned in newspaper articles as the "next Atenean to be destined for showbusiness after Chris Tiu" Under the bright lights, Salva has been grace under pressure. The ball he played today was indeed beautiful to watch, regardless of whose side you're on.

*FEU's limited offensive options- This team lives and dies on the perimeter. Pick and pop, pick and pop, pick and pop. Not much else after that sometimes. What JP Erram did today was part of what Ateneo mentor Norman Black described in his postgame remarks to be his strategy in working to neutralize the Tams' strongest (and maybe, only) weapon. Black's plan worked, and FEU Tamaraws looked more like deers in the proverbial headlights.

It does make sense to play to one's strengths, but, in this case, why not change things up a bit? Why not call more plays for Aldrech Ramos instead of going to the FEU wing men too much? Why not get Escoto more involved in more of an Amare Stoudamire-main man kind of way instead of a Shawn Marion-in Phoenix-in-the-background sort of way?

The yellow and green's propensity to put all their eggs in one basket has cost them. They must tweak their offensive game plan, lest they let another Finals appearance slip by them sans a crown.

*Greg Slaughter's size- Need I say more?

The giant, formerly of the University of Visayas Lancers, has kept defenses honest the whole season. Double him, and potentially suffer a Nico Salva jumper. Give him single coverage, and run the risk of him scoring on a hook shot, dunk, or short jumper deep in the paint. He is still a little rough around the edges: he could use work on lateral movement, and his ball sense (ball staying up when he's in the post, minimizing dribbles, and his discipline with regards to staying in his designated defensive zones). Despite the chinks in his armor, he moves decently for a man his size, and has, literally and figuratively, stood tall over the competition in this year's UAAP. His presence in the shaded lane alone has necessitated major gameplan changes for opposing coaches. His towering stature has forced FEU even more to depend on their pick and roll, jump shot heavy offense. Unless the Tams shoot 50% or better, their necks might as well be dinner rolls with fine steak n' wine right now.

It's scary to think how much better Slaughter might be once he hits the peak of his collegiate career. Norman Black's had a history of making stars out of his big men, and this Visayan is his next, solid gold, project.

*MIA: Karl Bryan Cruz and Roger Pogoy- They played a lot of minutes, didn't space the floor with their midrange pops and rebounding. Calling Messieurs Pogoy and Cruz, your team needs you to help keep the stress off of RR, Terence, and Aldrech. May day, may day.

And so it goes. Will Ateneo De Manila go full speed ahead towards title number 4, or, will FEU make a series of it?

Tuesday is but 3 days away- and anything CAN STILL happen.

MC

UAAP- Itchy Hands, Itchy Scalp-ers.

(photo courtesy of coffeeandblue.blogspot.com)

The UAAP Finals is here! You know what else is in our midst? Scalpers!

Scalpers are an enterprising bunch of folks. Tickets normally priced at 300 pesos, can go for up to 3000, 4000, or even more during the UAAP finals, more so during an Ateneo-De LaSalle University or FEU tiff. Students, friends, sports fans, you know what I'm talking about. These loathsome leeches are those who, instead of helping encourage support for the various UAAP teams through selling tickets at reasonable prices, these "businessmen" prey on the fanaticism of Filipinos with basketball and suck their bank accounts dry for all they're worth.

Yes, I've purchased UAAP (and PBA) tickets from scalpers before, partly because of fandom, and partly, because I normally don't have time to line up at ticket booths for hours upon hours on end, hoping to get passes (one's got to earn money to be able to pay for the tickets he buys). In a way, I wish i hadn't ever patronized these people, because the greater the demand, the higher the supply, and the higher the demand, the more these people would be encouraged to hike up prices implausibly.

Some of my happiest memories as a sports fan, and as a person, have come at sporting events. I've watched with my significant other, my dad, my mom, and other friends- and the craziness of 2-3 hours of escapism, somehow, prove to be worth the price of admission. On the other hand, one cannot discount the fact that it is grossly unfair that we are beholden by people who take advantage of the purity of admiration, and the joy behind being "part" of history unfolding. These charlatans tend to smear what should be, and in essence, is, a event worth remembering as pleasing.

In a few hours, I'll be joining throngs upon throngs of people in Araneta Coliseum in Cubao to watch the Blue Eagles and the Tamaraws go at it. How did I nab my tickets, you ask? Well, I didn't line up, but I didn't go through a scalper either. Maybe I'm just lucky. Maybe today, I try not to think of the decent money I spent, and just hope and pray that my team walks off that big ol' hill- with arms raised high.

MC

UAAP- Where Art Thou, O Romeo?

William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was a story above love conquering all things- even death. Shakespeare was, for all intents and purposes, a conflicted soul whose art has been far less what reality has painted his persona to be. He is, without question, one of the greatest writers- and artists, mankind has ever known.

Zoom to 2011, and zoom to something (almost) completely detached from prose- basketball. Zero in on the UAAP Finals, and while you're at it, fall in line and check out what there is to check out about Far Eastern University's on court dynamo, Terence Romeo.

The 2009 UAAP Juniors MVP is a doubled edged sword. What's so special about 6.1 ppg, 23% shooting, and 3 turnovers per game at the end of Season 74's opening round? Nothing, really, but watching this 19 year old kid live made a believer in two key components of Romeo's game. Romeo's got raw talent, so raw that his mentor Bert Flores has, at times, had no other recourse but to shake his head after an ill-advised transition 3-ball attempt, or, a botched drive against multiple defenders. Romeo takes these shots because he BELIEVES that he can carry the team's fortunes on his shoulders. His hair is a poor man's DO of former FEU Tamaraw Benedict Fernandez's crowning glory, a "Super Saiyan" look, as many would think of it. The boy's also got tons of heart, by the way, and while the whole "possession of heart" concept is often a burnt out cliche which pundits like to dub as a consolation prize for those who comes so close to winning it all, but come up short in the end.

Romeo's a perfect compliment to the often under control RR Garcia. His 13.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 3.4 APG in the second round has put the league on notice. In FEU's do or die game against the Adamson Falcons, Romeo stifled Falcons defenders with his uncanny ability to do change ups off the dribble, and he also kept defenses honest with his improved jump shooting. In a UAAPSports.Com interview, Terence admitted to idolizing Willie Miller and former UE Red Warrior James Yap. Like Miller before him, Romeo's akin to being a whirling dervish on the hardwood. Seemingly impossible forays to the hoop bear fruit with Romeo, who, in this writer's humble opinion, may one day win UAAP MVP, should his ascent continue.

On September 24, Game 1 of the UAAP Finals commences at the Big Dome. I've said it many repeatedly- the hopes of an FEU upset may rest on veterans Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia, but then, whether they get there without all too many hitches, lose altogether, or land smoothly upon the victory's lofty hills is contingent upon Romeo playing with his head, his heart, or with a steady diet of both.

Maybe Johnny Abarrientos being on FEU's coaching staff has gotten to Terence, and if indeed he has, the young guard's best days may yet be ahead of him.

Where is Terence Romeo? He's right here, sports fans. He has arrived- and it sure looks like he isn't going anywhere, and it seems like he's set to thrill us for many a UAAP season to come.

MC

Philippine Basketball- Smart Gilas Beats Japan

Nice to know that Smart Gilas Pilipinas beat the Japanese National team in a recent tiff.

Marcus Douthit tallied 25 points, while fellow Fil-Ams Marcio Lassiter, Jimmy Alapag, and Kelly Williams scored 15, 15, and 12 respectively.

Japan's shooters were poised to have big games, but fell flat in the end, with Douthit asserting his dominance inside.

A lot has happened since the likes of Ambrosio Padilla and Robert Jaworski led the Philippines to the Olympic Games way back when (consequently, Padilla helped lead the RP to the best finish ever in Olympic Men's Basketball by a Asian country- 5th). We have seen an influx of Fil-Ams enter the fray, and squabbling between basketball federations within our our country (BAP and POC, which led to IBP suspending us in 2005). Furthermore, other Asian nations such as Japan, South Korea, and China have retooled and reloaded in the past couple of decades (with a number of native players having already made it to the NBA). Our current FIBA Asia rank is 8th, and our current FIBA World Ranking is 53rd.

Do we have a lot of work to do? Yes, but then, given the support our team's received from, most notably, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, the future looks bright for Philippine hoops in the international scene. We may never produce 7 footers on a regular basis, nor may we get a Pinoy cager into the NBA, or the Euroleague, anytime soon, but for now, our short term goal should be surmounting Asia, or at least, placing higher that 4th for the time being. I like the fact that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has gone grassroots, but then, it has to go a little further by conducting tryouts and clinics all across the country (and even internationally, where there are large Filipino contingents) on a regular basis. MVP could even go so far as to establish a sports institute whose main task will be to scout, source, and develop athletes from a young age. I'm not saying that we should do like China, for instance, does, but then, adding a little science to athletic development should help accelerate our progress in the realm of sports.

For as long as I can remember, in a lot of our sports, we've had stories of greats like Efren "Bata" Reyes for billiards, and Manny Pacquiao for Boxing having been brought out of the doldrums by their seemingly innate talent. Things don't always end ala fairy tales, especially in basketball. The game Naismith built is highly scientific, with success dependent on collective strategy, and intensive and focused physical and mental development. You can't expect to be pulled from a farm and just beat Yi Jianlian in a game of 1 on 1. One needs to be trained in the finer rudiments of the game to be able to have a shot in hell at winning.

And so, a brighter future begins with Gilas, and its promising wunderkinds.

What a thrill it would be for the old guard of Philippine basketball, along with a new generation of fans, to be able to see us compete with the big boys again, or even more so, than in the past.

MC

UAAP Finals- Preview

The 2011 UAAP Finals are but days away. With many pundits hinting at the biggest upset since the UE debacle of 2007, I am inclined to have a differing opinion. Here are some thoughts I've got regarding the last dance.

*FEU's Three Guard Attack is Deadly- Coach Bert Flores' lineup featuring Garcia, Romeo, and Tolomia reminds one of the NBA's Golden State Warriors' three guard lineup from the late 1980s. Back in the day, Mitch Richmond, Sarunas Marciulonis, and Tim Hardaway torched defenses with their blitzkrieg-style offense. FEU's adopted that modus operandi, and it has reaped dividends for them. Add to that fact FEU's steadying veteran presences in Aldrech Ramos and Garcia and what you have is a team that is not only an offensive juggernaut. What you have also is a team that plays under control, and paces itself outstandingly.

*Ateneo CAN Play Championship Defense- Note on the word CAN here.

In his postgame presser after defeating 4th seed UST in the 2011 Final Four, Coach Norman Black mentioned that the Eagles don't go into arenas thinking that they're invincible, and rightfully so. Their lone loss- a 62-46 drubbing versus Adamson, showed that pound for pound, the Eagles aren't the most talented bunch, relying more on teamwork and crisp ball movement to lead them to success as opposed to raw, one on one, talent. Furthermore, even if they do have 2-3 lockdown defenders in Long, Austria, and perhaps Tonino Gonzaga, Ateneo's calling card in Season 74 has been swarming, team D, a potent weapon which they've used towards netting 9 out of 13 victories by more than 10 points, and holding the likes of FEU, NU, and Adamson to 51 points or less (39 for NU and 49 for FEU).

There's no doubting the Eagles' defense. It's their offense that has been suspect as of late- their perimeter offense, that is.

When Greg Slaughter is doubled, he still tends to have a hard time passing out of traffic. In stretches this season, he has shown a proclivity to force shots, which has sometimes led to offensive fouls, or travelling violations. His shooters have shot blanks as of late, with the likes of Long and Monfort shooting only 19 and 15 percent respectively this year from 3 point land. While Kiefer Ravena has shot 50% from the floor this year, he has shown a tendency to get outmuscled by larger, more athletic, guards (e.g. Alex Nuyles, Chris Exciminiano).

In the UAAP, small chinks in teams' armor are all the opposition can need towards scoring a victory.

*RR Garcia and Aldrech Ramos are the keys to FEU's run.- As good as Russel Escoto and Michael Tolomia were in their game against the Falcons, the hopes and dreams of the Tams still lie in the hands of RR Garcia and Aldrech Ramos.

For the season, Garcia and Ramos have recorded averages of 16.2 and 11.4 points per game respectively. Beyond the numbers, its the way they rein in younger Tamaraws like Terence Romeo and Mike Tolomia that will spell the difference here. When Ateneo scores, they score in bunches- and mostly in transition. If the Eagles take an early lead and FEU begins to get frustrated, look for RR to calmly sink a three here, and Ramos to draw fouls on Slaughter and Justin Chua there. Furthermore, Ramos' outside shooting touch should help seduce Ateneo's Slaughter to step out of the shaded lane once in a while, freeing the paint for FEU's myriad cutters to do damage.

While not the most physically imposing physical specimen, Garcia has enough savvy screeners to help get him open, and, as many have learned, the guy only needs a morsel of daylight to torch opponents. Lately, the Eagles have looked a bit sluggish on the perimeter defensively, allowing the likes of Alex Nuyles, Jeric Fortuna, and Jeric Teng to get fairly open looks.

Like I said, one sliver of daylight, and the Tams take this by the neck.

*Norman Black will have to pull out a Doug Kramer, circa 2006.- Remember this, sports fans?





Norman may have to have one of these up his sleeve if he wants to bag his fourth straight UAAP crown.

Expect the games in this series to be close, and expect coaching to be of major league importance. This will be a chess match, and while it would seem that the more experienced Black, who has won championships in the UAAP, internationally, and in the PBA, would have the edge, don't count out the hands on Bert Flores, who last gave FEU a UAAP title.

The Eagles and Tamaraws' mentors both have a cool, calm, and collecting demeanor to them, and this would seem to be the perfect teabag to put into the hot water that is a high pressure, for-all-the-marbles situation.


*Defense wins championships. - He who plays better defense, shall win the big one.

Man for man, FEU is more athletic, and longer, than Ateneo. As a team, the Eagles play better press defense. For the year, the Eagles have held their nemeses to below 65 points per contest, while scoring over 73. The Tams have, on the other hand, held their opponents to a shade under 67 points per game. While Ateneo is dead last in bench offense, their bench gives them defensive firepower which is potent to say the least. This makes for an intriguing matchup against an FEU bench of Pogoy, Escoto, Cruz, Tolomia, and Bringas which averages 19.5 points, 16.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game on 36% shooting.

Look for the Eagles to want to keep the scoring in the mid levels, and for FEU to want to score right out of the park.

If Ateneo's defense clicks, look for them to kill the Tams in transition. If it is loose in any way, look for the Tams to swing the ball around a lot and try to nip the Eagles from the perimeter.


*THE SKINNY- A lot's been said about this series being a war of atrition- and it is. FEU is hungry to stop being UAAP's quintessential bridesmaid. The Ateneo Blue Eagles, on the other hand, are looking to make history by joining La Salle and UST as the only schools to engineer a four peat. FEU is younger, and is awash with slashers and shooters. Ateneo is littered with savvy vets and grind it out cagers who aren't concerned about the score- just the result. Look for Greg Slaughter to be fed time and again, and look for Norman Black to try and keep a leach on prized rookie Kiefer Ravena (so that he doesn't try and do too much 1 on 1). Nico Salva is also poised to have a big time series, but for my money, Ateneo's fortunes are hinged on how their shock troopers play. Can Kirk Long hit jumpers? Can Justin Chua provide steady shooting and boardwork while Slaughter catches his breath? Can Tonino Gonzaga and Bacon Austria score 4-6 points each while providing their usual solid defense? Will the likes of Juami Tiongson and JP Erram be able to contribute in spot minutes? Those are the pressing questions the boys in blue are set to face come Saturday.

For the Tamaraws, look for RR Garcia to be aggressive, but also, be the primary facilitator for the Morayta boys. Terence Romeo will be given free rein to operate, and I think Coach Bert Flores is willing to live and die with his sophomore sniper. Christian Sentju and Hippo Nondou may even get some court time in this one, considering the fact that Ateneo's got Slaughter manning the post, and as an added bonus, look for Bert Flores to possibly even field JR Cawaling for a few minutes. Suffice to say, FEU has a deep bench, and Ateneo may suffer because of it.

In the end, I see this series going to 3 games, and while the Tamaraws will pull off a gallant stand, look for the Eagles to suffocate FEU's shooters and stifle the former's big men enough to eek out their fourth championship victory- perhaps on a big final game from Salva, Ravena, and/or Slaughter. Old habits can tend to die hard- even the good ones. This tried and tested triumvirate should be enough to see the Eagles through. Kirk Long and Tonino Gonzaga should also be able to force RR Garcia into poor shooting nights, while Terence Romeo will play well, but will falter in the endgame. Aldrech Ramos will be solid, but not spectacular. Look for Emman Monfort to get his shooting back at a critical time also, and for Norman Black to run more screen and roll/motion plays compared to during previous games. FEU will most likely play a 2-3 zone, but Black will adjust by doing more backcuts and flex cuts to help mask Slaughter's passing deficiencies. Salva should break out of his shooting slump in this series too.

Ateneo in 3 in a close final tiff.

MC

UAAP- FEU/Adamson: Helter Skelter

Helter skelter basketball at its finest.

Heart in its purest form.

The above mentioned lines come to mind when we begin talk about the FEU/Adamson matchup from earlier today. Win or go home, do or die, and all the other clichés you can think of. In the end, the more stable team under duress went home the victor. The squad that went down, while defeated, could not be judged as one lacking intestinal fortitude. Until the final buzzer, they scratched, clawed, and fought their way through adversity. Sometimes though, whatever you do, it just isn’t enough to get you over the proverbial hump.

In basketball, upsets are a part of life. Today, we saw the 3rd seed FEU Tamaraws upend the highly touted Adamson Soaring Falcons, 78-74.

This match was a classic. Falcons standout Alex Nuyles, who played with a bum ankle, only managed 11 points, and may soon encounter a maelstrom of criticism for having forced the issue on a number of vital plays down the stretch. Tamaraws youngsters Russel Escoto and Mike Tolomia broke out, scoring 10 and 19 points respectively. Terence Romeo of FEU was his usual whirling dervish self, scoring on jumpers, floaters, and suicide drives towards netting 15 markers. Reigning MVP RR Garcia managed 11 points.

The highlight of the game, though, was 5th year point guard Jerick Canada’s last stand.

Canada, who scored 12 of his 14 points in the final period, could hardly stand after rallying his Falcons from the grave. From being down 70-59 in the dying minutes of the game, Canada scored on a number of drives and jumpshots, refusing to walk off into the sunset without a finals appearance. Alas, the diminutive guard’s efforts were to no avail, only managing to bring Adamson within 74-71 on his final conversion.

In the end, the Tams booked their second consecutive UAAP Finals appearance against arch rivals Ateneo De Manila. With tears in the eyes, the San Marcelino boys could only hang their heads and think of what could have been. So close, and yet, so far. Adamson coach Leo Austria had lost his 4th straight Final Four appearance since 2006. Bert Flores, meanwhile, once again finds himself gazing at glory locked within a glass box. So close, and yet so far still, for FEU. This common theme between these two teams makes for an interesting future for both.

For the Falcons, an offseason of big questions comes forth. With guards Lester Alvarez and Jerick Canada on their way out, who will man the Falcons’ backcourt next season? With Alex Nuyles’ clunker of a ballgame against the Tams, will his reputation as “The Next Big Thing” be tarnished with tags of “talent, but no composure”, and “sound of body, but not sound of mind”? How does this all affect Leo Austria’s psyche?

For FEU, how does this amazing run affect their chances against recently floundering Ateneo? Will Coach Flores pull a Houdini and give guys like Senju, Cawaling and Nondou minutes? Will the Tams fall against Ateneo’s championship defense? Will mercurial guards like Tolomia and Romeo be able to keep it together amidst the pressure of the big dance? Will Aldrech Ramos and RR Garcia be able to be the glue that holds the Tams’ youngsters together?

This appetizing menu awaits us and is set to be served to Philippine College Hoops-dom beginning September 24th at 3pm.

What a day to be a baller. What a day to be a fan.

Helter skelter. Beauty amidst chaos. Speed. Elevation. Excitement. Dreams made tangible.

Passion. Immortality.

History.

The UAAP Finals are upon us.

MC

Philippine Basketball- The Triggerman

On the cusp of today's Adamson vs FEU win-or-go-home tiff, I stumbled upon some old videos and pictures of one of Philippine Basketball's most prolific scorers, Allan Caidic, better known to Pinoy hoops fans as "The Triggerman".

Caidic played for the UE Red Warriors in 1981. A year after his arrival, the lefty shooter led the Red Warriors to a championship-clinching win over the UP Fighting Maroons by scoring 30 points. Consequently, Caidic also won that season's MVP award. This game augered well for the Pasig City native, signaling greater hardcourt achievements which lined his the National Team, and to the professional ranks. In 1984-1985, alongside future Purefoods hotshot Jerry "The Defense Minister" Codinera, Caidic led UE to back-to-back UAAP titles. UE, despite later managing to recruit talented players such as James Yap, Paul Artadi, Nino Canaleta, Paul Lee, and others, has yet to win a UAAP plum since the Caidic/Codinera days.

Allan was later placed in Danding Cojuangco's National Hoops Development Program, where he was placed alongside other young hopefuls such as Tonichi Yturri, Samboy Lim, Elmer Reyes. In the penultimate game of the 1985 Jones Cup against the Gene Keady coached USA squad, Caidic netted 21 points to help lead the Philippines to the championship. He would also later help the Philippines to Asian Games crowns, and a FIBA Asia title.

Upon entry in the PBA, Caidic continued to shot why his shooting hand was made of gold. A 68 point, 15 trifecta, ball game in 1989 against Alaska, a single season record of 160 treys in 1990, nabbing critical treys in an invitational ballgame versus Japan, despite playing with a broken hand- and I could go on and on. The Triggerman, at that point, could have rivaled anyone in the world with how he was shooting the rock.

For my money, one Caidic game I'll always remember is a 79 point, 17 trey, ballgame in November 1991 against Ginebra. To that point, never had I seen a player knock down shot after shot after shot. It didn't matter if it was Jaworski, Ampalayo, or Distrito in his face. It's like Allan and the aura that night at the ULTRA were one. After taking a huge bite out of the PBA history books on that November evening, Caidic didn't even have time to do a "postprandial", celebratory, routine. He left the ULTRA that night hurriedly, or so I've heard, to tend to his wife at a local hospital, who at the time, was in labor.

Wow. Talk about compartmentalizing what you've got to do during the day.

1995 Governor's Cup Best Player of the Conference, 1998 Asian Games Team Member, and now, current Assistant Coach of the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. Growing up, I once asked my dad if it was possible to consistently shoot jump shots with my left hand even if I was right handed, in simplistic homage to good ol' number 8. When I used to play pick up hoops with friends as a youngster, I'd insist on wearing the number 8 on my jersey, not because of Kobe Bryant, nor was it because of any other player, save of Allan Caidic.

Fast forward to the present day. Manny Pangilinan has setup the Smart Gilas Pilipinas program in the hopes of fielding a team to the Olympic Games in the very near future. You have leagues like the NCAA, the UAAP, and yes, the PBA, still trending in the collective consciousness of many people. With the coming in of Phil-American cagers, plus the development of more versatile, and physically imposing big men, we have indeed grown by leaps and bounds since the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Ironically, the rest of Asia, and the rest of the world, has blossomed, too.

I feel that the key to our basketball success lies in our local shooters. Filipinos tend to be vertically challenged. The lack of height, however, is not a deterrent to being an outstanding gunner. Such, then, seems to point to our meal ticket towards rekindling international basketball glory.

We have a glut of talented point guards and shooting guards in the country. What we tend to lack are mentors that put a premium of shotmaking. A shift in strategy, and the tweaking of mindsets, equals tangible results. The Knicks of the 70s had teams wherein everyone could hit the jumper. The NBA's Phoenix Suns have, in the past, compensated for the lack of size through crisp rotations and deadeye shooting. A similar gameplan needs to be employed by Philippine contingents sent to international tourneys. I feel that such is already in effect to a certain extent, but that it will take some more polishing before we can reach the next level.

As for Allan Caidic and his sharpshooting exploits, those are already etched in the annals of history as some of the most amazing performances of all time. Whether it was in the crunch, as an amateur player, as a pro baller in his prime, or as a retired cage star, The Triggerman always knew how to put on a show- and bring home the bacon. His "game" ought to serve as an inspiration to many future generations of hoopsters with dreams of tattoing their names upon the edifice of the game, and of life.

MC

Philippine Basketball- They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To.

13 PBA titles, 22 years in service, and a whole lot of long sleeved shirts later, Coach Timothy "Tim" Cone has moved on from the Alaska franchise, to the BMeg Derby Ace Llamados.

Coach Cone's this country's version of Phil Jackson- precise, intuitive, unwavering. He's coached the National Squad before, and has mentored such hardcourt legends as Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Paul Alvarez, Kenneth Duremdes, and Jeff Cariaso.

The crazy thing about Philippine pro hoops is that there isn't any "heart" in it anymore. Players go to and fro, coaches go to and fro, and heck, I'd say everything's called too close nowadays. Should we have a "bad boy" team like Ginebra or Anejo Rhum 65 again? Maybe, if for anything else, to add some spirit into PBA rivalries. This isn't to say that more contemporary rivalries such as those between Talk N' Text and Petron, for example, don't spark interest. The new school, in many ways, just doesn't compare to what the old timers used to do.

Games back in the day were slugfests, but they too were beautiful to watch. Fans were loyal to players and teams because the coaches and players themselves espoused loyalty. Such concepts would not be anachronous even in today's league. Those would, invariably, stand the test of time. Back then, skill tended to be a byproduct of heart- and it wasn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.

Tim Cone was a perfect example of how heart and skill blended themselves into a winner. Dexterous strategizing on the part of
Cone was often put on display by during the most critical of stretches. He also turned role players into serviceable workhorses. Roel Gomez? Alex Araneta? Dicky Bachmann? Need I say more?

Coach Tim's shift has gotten me thinking about how indeed, the old PBA has died. No more Quinito and Sev, or Joe Cantada, or Jaworski, or Dalupan, or games held regularly in the Cuneta Astrodome and at the Ultra. Before we put the headstone upon the grave that houses what the PBA was, let's make an attempt to retain all that was good about what was once known as "Asia's Premier League". One must be cognizant of the things that are being put to pasture here.

And with that, with one last "Last Two Minutes" yawp from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, we call it quits- while remembering that, beyond the shadow of a doubt, some things will live forever.

MC

UAAP- Adamson.

Now this here was creative.

Remember the NBA's Phoenix Suns? I mean, the Suns before they were infected by the age virus? Before The Matrix won his ring, Amare took a bite out of the Big Apple, and, well, Pat Burke went to Orlando? Those Suns were dynamic, exciting, helter-skelter, and oh so deadly when the buckets were falling.

The UAAP's version of the Suns could very well be the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

Leo Austria's boys constitute a team which any baller would like to play on. Nearly everyone's got a license to shoot. Everyone's in constant motion. Their fans have a sense of humor. Their coach looks like a savant in blue jeans.

And oh, the Falcons are at the doorstep of their first UAAP Finals Berth since the early 1990s.

With the explosive Alex Nuyles almost playing "point shooting guard", and with defensive dynamo Lionel Manyara manning the paint, and with everyone else from Rodney Brondial, to Roider Cabrera, to Lester Alvarez (who seems to be a fan favorite)ready to chuck up shots at any time, the Falcons look poised to win in the big time- or at least, make a series of a finals matchup against Ateneo.

As with any squad that lives and dies in the perimeter (Phoenix and Orlando in the NBA), Adamson's most potent weapon can also sometimes be their Achilles' Heel. Ironically, the Falcons are also Season 74's number one (statistically) defensive team. It's this paradox of sorts that makes most pundits tend to label the Falcons as a mere flash in the pan, a team that doesn't seem consistent enough to beat an Ateneo, or a savvy FEU team, when it counts.

Whether or not the boys from San Marcelino live past Sunday's do or die match on Sunday (September 18), one thing is for certain- they would've made our UAAP basketball lives just a little more entertaining.

Philosopher Fredreich Nietzsche once said, "One must still have chaos in one's self to give birth to a dancing star."

This Adamson squad is all about high octane, devil-may-care hoops. Dance they have- and dance that shall continue to do.

-MC-

UAAP- Half the Battle.

This is what the 73rd Season of the UAAP's finals matchup looked like.

Ateneo eeked by UST today.

FEU trounced the streaky Adamson Falcons.

Could Deja Vu rear its (ugly?) head again in the days to come?

Whether the Tams or the Falcons face the Eagles in the final standoff, look for the Eagles to have a tough time rolling on to their fourth straight crown.

The Finals should go the distance. Who'll take the proverbial brass ring is anybody's best guess.

MC

UAAP- Final Four Preview (Season 74)

Call me insane, but, I smell an upset in the offing.

This is not a knee jerk reaction to Adamson's recent drubbing of the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Basketball is a game of momentum, and of strategy, and at this point, I think the 13-1 Eagles have chinks in their armor that are masked by their usually consistent and suffocating defense.

Let's go through the matchups:

Ateneo (1) vs UST (4): With Melo Afuang and Karim Abdul on the shelf, I don't see UST standing much of a chance here. Jeric Fortuna and Jeric Teng need to have Kobe-esque games for the Tigers to keep in close. Coach Pido needs to try and clog lanes and force Ateneo into shooting jumpers. For Ateneo, I say, dump the ball to Greg Slaughter inside, but only if he manages to go low post on the Tigers. Any further out, and Slaughter's speed and ball handling follies are exposed. Kiefer Ravena must be able to slash and create enough attention off the dribble to be able to consistently deliver on drive and kick and drop passes to the likes of Slaughter and Nico Salva for pop shots. Look for Norman Black to field Bacon Austria and Kirk Long on Teng and Fortuna. UST's hustle guys- Camus, Pe, and Mariano will work to push the Eagles' Slaughter off his slots but I don't see them being able to contain him for 40 minutes. Best case scenario would see UST keeping one game close, but ultimately, losing in the endgame.

Prediction: Ateneo in 1


Adamson (2) vs FEU (3): This is the matchup to watch for this phase of the tournament. RR Garcia and Aldrech Ramos will be hungry to show that despite injuries to key players like Nondou and Cawaling, despite the criticism volleyed FEU's way regarding their endgame poise, and despite the fact that FEU can tend to start slow then rely on RR Garcia to carry them through adversity towards the conclusion of contests, the Tamaraws remain confident about their chances against an Adamson Falcons squad that has, at times, also been rather streaky.

Adamson is on a high right now, with a statement win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Alex Nuyles as cemented himself as one of the league's best, while shooters like Etrone, Brondial, and Cabrera have flanked him with utmost efficiency. Eric Camson has also emerged as a force on the glass, along with his dance partner, Lionel Manyara. The team with the best defense in the UAAP (statistically), ironically, also has, to me, the most explosive offense when its clicking. These guys live and die by the three, and while they've gone to the 3 ball a lot in Season 74, I believe that they have enough slashers and midrange threats to catapult them to the next level.

FEU will play hard, and possibly, even triumph in one game to keep things engaging. RR Garcia will show why he's a former MVP, perhaps scoring over 20 points in one game to help the Tamaraws set up a do-or-die matchup. I think that the Falcons' end to end dynamism, along with their sky high confidence, and overall advantage talentwise, will help them eek through the semis and earn their first finals berth since 1992.

Prediction: Adamson in 2.

Next Time: UAAP Season 74 Finals Preview

UAAP- Captain Kirk

I've made it a bit of a tradition to buy the jersey of my favorite graduating player from my alma mater's basketball team (Ateneo De Manila) every UAAP campaign. This year's man on the spot- Kirk Long.

In terms of his skill set, Kirk's not a knock down shooter, nor is he a high scoring combo guard you go to in the last ten ticks of a game for the game winning drive. He's actually the sort of fellow whom you almost expect to miss free throws, or, clang jumpers, with his "push shot" being what it is and all.

At the end of the day, though, every coach sort of wishes he had a Kirk Long on his bench whom he could field at will. Why? Because the guy plays tenacious defense, and with defense, come tons of chances to score which more than make up for his offensive deficiencies. Kirk plays with unwavering enthusiasm, unbelievable gusto, and yes, savvy telling of a five year UAAP veteran. He's the fellow you rely on to do the dirty work- diving for loose balls, guarding the other team's top gun, and setting picks for the Kiefer Ravenas of the world. Kirk is a captain out on the floor for the Blue Eagles, and it shows.

Save fpr the Eagles' 16 point loss to the Adamson Falcons on September 10th, every time Kirk Long plays 27 minutes or more, Ateneo wins by an average of nearly 10 points. While you might say that Ateneo has cagers like Slaughter, Salva, and Ravena to carry their scoring load, it's Long (along with fellow defensive stalwarts Bacon Austria and Tonino Gonzaga) that prevent the UAAP's wing great wingmen (the likes of Ray Parks, RR Garcia, etc.) from getting their game going. Steals, deflections, and lockdown D on the perimeter help create easy transition and and paint point opportunities for the Eagles. Good defense leads to high percentage offense, and it's Kirk Long that anchors Ateneo's stifling D.

So this blonde bomber shot 3-15 from the floor in a win versus UST last August 4th. So he tallied five turnovers in the Ateneo-La Salle encounter last August 28. These stats aren't, by any stretch, reasons for Coach Norman Black to smile- but somehow, he figures he can live with it. Kirk Long fulfills his role like few others can- and then some.

When push comes to shove, you'd still want the hustler over the clean n' clear kid on your side. The latter would be content to watch things fall where they may. The rugged guy would carry a net and run from end to end in the hope of catching every falling star- whether real or imagined. The rugged guy would play tell he bleeds. That's guts. That's effort.

That's Captain Kirk at his best.

-MC-

UAAP- The MVP.

I used to watch the PBA a lot back in its heyday. Any PBA fan worth his/her salt would know that before Fil-Ams, there were just Filipinos, and imports from Stateside.

One of the most prolific imports of his day was Bobby Parks, who wore number 22 for the Shell franchise. As with most ballers, his son has gone on to follow in his footsteps.

Enter Bobby Ray Parks, forward/guard for the National University Bulldogs.

This lefty striker has an all-around game akin to a scorer par-excellence. For this humble analyst, this kid's ready for the big time- now. With a more consistent jumper, riper shot selection, and better defense, Parks could be set for a lengthy career in the pros. His uncanny ability to get to the foul line (5 out of 14 contests wherein he attempted more than 10 charity shots) has made him an offensive monster.

Yours truly's pick for MVP has been Adamson's Alex Nuyles since weeks upon weeks ago, but with Parks, what we have, in my eyes, is a very strong (albeit slightly one-dimensional) silver medalist.

NU's going to contend next year. Best that the other school's look over their shoulders this early, lest they be bitten by the Bulldogs' seemingly unlimited potential.

-MC-

UAAP Season 74- Flyin' High

Hey lookie, I'm back in the hoops blogosphere. I thought it prudent to reignite my passionate quill and write, write, write!

For my money, no one's played better in the UAAP in the last 5-6 games than Adamson's Alex Nuyles. The fellow's got mad hops, but heck, we've always known that about him. This year, the Falcons' swingman's developed a consistent jumper and on-court savvy telling of having been through adversity, and of maturing in general.

While Ateneo's Greg Slaughter and wunderkind Kiefer Ravena have been grabbing the spotlight as MVP candidates for most of the 2011 UAAP season, Nuyles has presented himself as the dark horse candidate, showing his wares via a 21 point, 7 rebound, showing against the Blue Eagles. Consequently, Nuyles' statline during that game was the primary reason Adamson managed to shove the Loyola Heights kids off of Cloud 9 and back onto the solid ground of an actual UAAP Final Four.

Don't look now, but the once invincibility-layden Blue Eagles suddenly look vulnerable. Nuyles put on a clinic on how to beat Ateneo, stymieing Kirk Long and Tonino Gonzaga with his quick drives and drawing fouls on Eagles' bigs like Chua and Slaughter. His on queue jumper also managed to keep defenses honest.

What's Ateneo to do against Nuyles and other athletic combo guards (i.e. Terrence Romeo)? Since no defenders outside Kirk Long, Bacon Austria, and maybe Tonino Gonzaga are remotely capable of fronting the athletic wingmen of other squads, Ateneo has to do what they do best- gang defend. They should exploit their bigs (Slaughter, Golla, even Eram) and use them to clog lanes.

On offense, the Eagles should run, run, run, even when Slaughter is on the floor. Over 14 games, Ateneo's only ranked 6th in the league from the perimeter, ergo, they should exploit Ravena's slasher mentally, Slaughter's size, and Nico Salva's midrange and paint game to score easy buckets. Easy buckets for the Eagles on transition lead to the Eagles being fleet footed on defense.

Althoug Ray Parks was in the headlines earlier today as the latest winner of the UAAP's MVP plum, for my money, no one has been more integral to his team's success to Alex Nuyles- so much so that even the Eagles and their formidable bid for a 4th straight crown, will not be able to stop the upstart Falcons from scoring the biggest upset in their school's sporting history.

-MC-