POWCAST.NET - Sports & Entertainment

Green Lantern is Ryan Reynolds!

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:26:14 PDT

Is it not that Ryan Reynolds already played a role of a Super Hero? Remember X-Men Origins: Wolverine? He played the role of Deadpool and do you already know that Ryan Reynolds will be taking the same role again in 2011.

Deadpool a Marvel Comics super hero will be having its own self titled movie next year and Ryan will be staring it, so why would he take the role of another superhero character from the rival comics( DC comics), aside from the money?

I think I was asking the wrong question, what I should really ask is why Marvel Comics allowed Ryan Reynold to play a DC Character when he is already schedule to play Deadpool in 2011, Isn't there anything called franchise actor or something. I am not really sure what I am saying but Pierce Brosnan is James Bond, Hugh Jackman is Wolverine, Robert Downey Jr.is Ironman you get what I am saying. Its hard to imagine seeing Hugh Jackman playing the role of the Hulk, right?

I guess Deadpool is not that popular to the general public and that is why Reynolds can play other hero character. He is not exclusive so if director and producers want to get him to act out other role like the flash, Hanibal King or other, he can.

I will post the trailer soon once they have the real one in you tube but for the meanwhile, Just take a look at the fan made Green Lantern trailers.

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What is Charles doing ?

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:55:56 PDT

Our favorite colorful commentator and basketball player looks as if he is sadly praying for something, what could be it?

Well, he is in the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament playing golf.

Charles Barley is praying that Tiger Woods would be there to help him win because he is still having some trouble with his swing.

what do you think?

FEU rallies to hold off NU Bulldogs; Adamson leaves UP five marooned

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:22:48 PDT

By Jasmine W. Payo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

FAR EASTERN University needed another clutch performance from RR Garcia to escape with a second straight nail-biter.

Garcia knocked in seven of his team’s last 12 points as the Tamaraws rallied to nip the National U Bulldogs, 76-72, and grab the solo lead in the 73rd UAAP men’s basketball competition Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Tamaraws recovered from six points down, 64-70, in the last four minutes with Garcia drilling five points in the key run, before sinking two buffer free throws, 75-72, with 15.1 seconds left.

Reil Cervantes topscored with 20 points for the Tamaraws, while Garcia finished with 18 exactly a week after starring with 25 points in their narrow 72-69 win over Ateneo.

“As I’ve said, there will be no easy games for us,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio. “Everyone’s saying we’re the No. 1 team, but all the teams have improved.”

In the second game, Adamson forged a pivotal 12-0 spurt in the final stretch to dump the University of the Philippines, 66-59, for its second win in three games.

Eric Camson buried a team-high 16 points and guard Jerick Cañada also stepped up with 14 markers, including five straight points in the comeback that gave the Falcons a 61-51 advantage heading into the final minute.

“We got some lucky breaks, but with way things are going, it’s really an open race for the Final Four,” said Adamson coach Leo Austria.

The Bulldogs absorbed their second loss in three games, while the Maroons remained winless in two outings.

The Tamaraws held NU’s African rookie Emmanuel Mbe to just eight points and seven rebounds after posting a double-double in his last outing.

Mbe, a 6-foot-5 recruit from Cameroon, dominated the post with 21 points and 19 rebounds in the Bulldogs’ upset of La Salle, 59-55, last Thursday.

“We were successful in stopping their big men, but their wingmen made it difficult for us,” said Capacio. “Their wingmen improved a lot.”

Kokoy Hermosisima, who shot 15 of his game-high 23 points from three-point range, kept the Bulldogs in fighting form throughout the game.

Hermosisima scored a putback off Melvin Baloran’s two missed free throws that trimmed FEU’s lead to just a point, 73-72, with 59 seconds left.

In juniors action, back-to-back champion Ateneo crushed the University of the East, 90-61, to grab a share of the lead at 2-0 yesterday at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Kiefer Ravena pumped in 22 points on top of seven steals and four assists, while Von Pessumal added 14 points and four boards for the Blue Eaglets.

Jonel Parungao shot 16 markers and Roque Estoce had 11 points and 12 assists as the Bullpups also clinched their second straight victory with a 67-65 nipping of the Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs.

The scores:

First Game
FEU 76—Cervantes 20, Garcia 18, Romeo 11, Ramos 6, Cawaling 5, Bringas 4, Sanga 4, Knuttel 4, Noundou 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 0, Cruz 0.
NU 72—Hermosisima 23, Khobuntin 14, Terso 11, Mbe 8, Baloran 8, Ponferrada 5, Magat 2, Javillonar 1, Ludovice 0, tungcul 0, Sing 0.
Quarters: 21-14, 37-36, 54-56, 76-72

Second Game
ADAMSON 66—Camson 16, Cañada 14, Nuyles 10, Lozada 8, Colina 5, Alvarez 5, Stinnett 2, Manyara 2, Galinato 2, Cabrera 2.
UP 59—Co 17, Silungan 15, Reyes Ma. 10, Padilla 6, Lopez 5, Pascual 2, Sison 2, Maniego 2, Saret 0, Manuel 0, Reyes Mi. 0, Juruena 0, Gomez 0.
Quarters: 13-8, 33-27, 44-44, 66-59

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Win or go home: 4 teams clash in PBA knockout Sunday

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:03:40 PDT

Given up for dead just a week ago, who would have thought Barangay Ginebra will still be fighting for a semifinals berth in the PBA Fiesta Cup.

But here the Kings are, just a win away from completing another yet memorable comeback in the long history of Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league.

The most popular PBA ballclub seeks to put the finishing touches to its amazing quarterfinals comeback Sunday night when it collides with Alaska for one last time at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings made it this far by overhauling an 0-2 deficit in the best-of-five series, winning the next two matches including Game 4 Friday, 94-90, where they rallied back from as much as an 11-point deficit.

"At least, despite being down 0-2, we are given a shot at making the semis," Ginebra coach Jong Uichico noted.

A win by the Kings in the 6:30 p.m. encounter will not only duplicate the same feat they did against Talk `N Text in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals but likewise avenged a similar 4-0 sweep Alaska inflicted on them in the semifinals of the season-opening meet.

The Kings won Game 4 even without solid contributions from high-scoring guard Mark Caguioa, who only saw action for four minutes and finished with only two points.

The Aces had one final shot of tying the game at 92 but big man Joe DeVance couldn’t control his momentum and was called for a traveling violation in the team’s final possession with 12.6 seconds remaining.

The winner of the series will next face the top seeded Tropang Texters.

In the other half of the twin Sunday Knockout, Derby Ace and Rain or Shine clash in a similar do-or-die Game 5 for the right to face defending champion San Miguel in the next round.

Behind new import Tony Washam, the Llamados scored a dominating 92-78 win over the Elasto Painters in Game 4 to tie the series at 2-2.

Making things even promising for the Llamados is the absence of JR Reyes in Rain or Shine’s bench.

The 6-foot-7 center was slapped a one-game suspension by the league for the flagrant foul 2 he committed in Game 4 against Rafi Reavis, whom he elbowed with five minutes left in the match and the outcome already in favor of Derby Ace.

Reyes was fined P20,000 for his action.

"We are determined to complete a major comeback. Now that it is just a one-game knockout, we will do whatever is required to survive this series," said Derby Ace mentor Ryan Gregorio.

Washam, the son of former Gilbey’s Gin import Tony Sr., scored 15 points in the first half and finished with a team-high 29 while also grabbing 13 rebounds.

"Washam lifted our spirits up. He is a highly-skilled import who knows how to win. He eased the burden from James (Yap)," said Gregorio.

While momentum appeared on the Llamados’ side, the Elasto Painters are not losing hope, having been there and done that.

"We have been in this situation in the wild card that we have to win," said Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia. "I trust my players. (Sunday’s) game is every player’s dream. That will be the test of character." – JVP, GMANews.TV

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Middle East, Mexico eyed as Pacquiao fight venue

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:55:41 PDT

By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

Bob Arum isn’t just looking at another opponent but a new venue as well just in case Manny Pacquiao’s superfight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. doesn’t happen in November.

The legendary promoter told boxingscene.com about the possibility of bringing the Filipino superstar’s next fight to Monterrey, Mexico or somewhere in the Middle East.

Mayweather, who holds the key to the fight the whole world wants to see, has yet to make an announcement whether or not he’s accepting the fight with the pound-for-pound champion from the Philippines.

Arum must be working day and night to make the fight happen, and has given the undefeated American until the second week of this month to make the decision.

If Mayweather declines the fight with Pacquiao, and turns his back on the projected $40 million purse, then Arum will start working on a fight that may feature his prized ward against either Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito.

Time is running out, and promoters may need as long as three to four months to promote a fight as big as one featuring Pacquiao. August could be the perfect time to get it going for a Nov. 13 fight.

Pacquiao’s adviser from Cebu, Wakee Salud, yesterday said Pacquiao will fight in November whether it’s against Mayweather, Cotto or Margarito. But he said he’d rather see the one with Mayweather take place.

Arum told boxingscene.com boxing editor Lem Satterfield that he’s looking at the three potential venues for the next Pacquiao fight but would rather hold on to the other details until Mayweather has made his decision.

“I don’t want to start naming the country until we’re further along. But it’s a Middle Eastern country and it’s not going to be in Dubai. We have a real, live offer from (the country) for them to take a fight with Pacquiao,” Arum was quoted as saying.

That place, insiders say, may be Doha, the capital of Qatar, rich in oil and gas.

“It’s fair to say that the other place is Monterrey. That is (the) other live offer on the table,” added Arum, who also said the offer from Qatar is “way bigger” that the $25 million Dallas dangled for the Pacquiao fight against Joshua Clottey last March.

Arum said Pacquiao has a tremendous following in the Middle East where there’s a very strong presence of Filipino overseas workers.

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NBA Legends, D-Leaguers due for one-game show

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:20:29 PDT

source: Joaquin Henson | philstar.com

A 10-man team made up of four NBA Legends and six NBDL (National Basketball Development League) players is definitely arriving in Manila to see action in a one-game exhibition at the Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 27.

NBA Asia’s Carlo Singson and Solar’s Vitto Lazatin conferred with the Araneta Group’s Siena Olaso the other day to finalize logistical arrangements for the game which will feature a different format from last year when the visitors beat a PBA selection of five Legends and 10 All-Stars coached by Yeng Guiao, 109-86.

Lazatin said two teams will be formed to play against each other with the NBA Legends and D-Leaguers split to join locals on both sides. He added that the new format has been cleared with PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios and deputy commissioner Chito Salud.

“We’re looking forward to another successful game,” said Lazatin, recalling the big crowd that witnessed last year’s match featuring NBA Legends Dominique Wilkins, Tim Hardaway, Robert Horry and Vlade Divac with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in coach Rory White’s staff. “This time, we’re splitting up the Legends and D-Leaguers to make the game more competitive and interesting as they’ll be playing alongside locals. Working together as a team now becomes a priority and it’s a challenge for both sides to jell as quickly as possible.”

It will be the second staging of the NBA Asia Challenge which is envisioned to be an annual event organized by NBA Asia and Solar.

Lazatin said the NBA hasn’t finalized the lineup that’s coming to town even as Solar has submitted a “wish list” including Penny Hardaway, Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon.

“It really depends on who’s available,” said Lazatin. “At the moment, there’s nothing definite on who’s coming so the suspense is building up. The NBA knows how popular basketball is in the Philippines so they’re making sure of bringing in a quality roster. We got a bonus last year when Kareem showed up with the coaching staff. Maybe, we’ll get another bonus this year. As it is, we know the visitors will include an NBA dance team and a mascot. We’ll be creating an actual NBA experience for Filipino fans.”

Last year, the NBA Legends were reinforced by six D-Leaguers, including NBA veterans Billy Thomas and Derrick Dial. Thomas was formerly a PBA import with Tanduay. The PBA cast was composed of Legends Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras and Kenneth Duremdes and All-Stars Arwind Santos, Willie Miller, Sonny Thoss, Dondon Hontiveros, Marc Pingris, Joseph Yeo, Rico Villanueva, Asi Taulava, Wynne Arboleda and Jay-R Reyes.

Lazatin said the local lineup also hasn’t been finalized but hinted that it will be fully-loaded.

“If the Big J (Sonny Jaworski) is free, it would be an honor for the NBA and Solar to enlist the Living Legend as a player or coach or both,” said Lazatin. “The PBA season will have just finished so we’re hoping the league’s stars will be available to play.”

Lazatin said mixing and matching the visitors with local players will add to the excitement of the NBA Asia Challenge. “It’ll be an intriguing game,” he went on. “We expect to set up practices for the players to get familiar with each other, for the coaches to decide roles and who does what. We’ll see a lot of offense, that’s for sure – alley-oops, three-pointers, dunks and dazzling passes. But the team that’s able to play better defense will have a big advantage. Chemistry will be an issue. I think the game won’t only be fun to watch but also, a big thrill for Filipino fans. Personally, I can’t wait for the tip-off.”

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Smart Gilas Pilipinas battles Taiwan NT

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:21:39 PDT

Source: Waylon Galvez | mb.com.ph

TAIPEI – Even against a team that is lacking in height, Smart-Gilas Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman expects a tough game against host Chinese Taipei in the 32nd William R. Jones Cup Sunday at the Hsinchuang Gymnasium in Taipei County.

Currently with a 2-1 win-loss card, Smart-Gilas meets Chinese Taipei in the main game at 7 p.m. right after Lebanon and defending champion Iran take on separate winless opponents, the All-Star team of Chinese Taipei University at 3 p.m. and the Australian Crocs at 5 p.m.

The Nationals are coming in fresh after taking a day-off, following a 90-64 victory against the Crocs (90-64) last Friday.

The national team will face a Chinese Taipei squad that easily won its first two matches, against Australia (103-55) and the All-Star team of Chinese Taipei University (74-64), before losing to Lebanon (93-84) also last Friday.

With 7-footer Greg Slaughter and 6-foot-10 American import Marcus Douthit, Smart-Gilas hopes to make good use of its height advantage against a team that is lacking in ceiling as Chinese Taipei’s tallest player is only 6-foot-7 Chen Tzu-Wei.

However, this team, according to Toroman, has the quickness to challenge Smart-Gilas’ own running game.

***********

July 17, Saturday, Day 4 Results
1st game Taiwan Univ. def. Townsville Crocs, 88-77
2nd game Iran NT def. Lebanon NT, 79-71
3rd game Japan NT def. Taiwan NT, 94-85

July 18, Sunday, Day 5 Games
3:00pm Taiwan University All-Stars vs. Lebanon NT
5:00pm Iran NT vs. Townsville Crocodiles
7:00pm Taiwan NT vs. Smart Gilas-Philippines NT (LIVE)

Jones Cup 2010 (Standings) as of July 17, 9:30pm
3-0 Iran NT
2-1 Lebanon NT
2-1 Smart Gilas Pilipinas NT
2-2 Japan NT
2-2 Taiwan NT
1-2 Taiwanese Univ. AllStars
0-4 Townsville Crocs. AUS

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AJ BANAL KNOCKS OUT BIG YOO IN 5TH

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:06:32 PDT

AJ 'Bazooka' Banal (L) of the Philippines sends Big Yoo of South Korea to the canvas with a vicious left uppercut in the 5th round during their WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight Title fight at the Carlos P. Garcia Auditorium in Tagbilaran City Saturday night. Banal won the belt via knockout after Yoo failed to beat the count in an otherwise close contest.

In the main undercards, Jason Pagara knocked out Korean Young Bin Kim in the 2nd round while James Bacon also won by knockout over the durable Eric Macas of Lanao del Norte.

Erratum: The initial report was the knockout happened in the 6th round but upon verification, it was ascertained that the knockout happened in the 5th round.

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Ateneo, Perpetual clash; winner to join San Sebastian on top

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 19:59:15 PDT

source: gmanews.tv

Title favorite Ateneo and newcomer Perpetual Help clash on Sunday as action resumes in the Shakey's V-League Season 7 second conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

The winner of the 4 p.m. contest will join early leader San Sebastian on top of the standings.

The Lady Eagles are fresh from a three-set win over fellow UAAP squad Far Eastern University (FEU) last Sunday.

Ateneo hopes to keep its team chemistry against Perpetual, which also scored a stunning five-set win over pre-conference favorite Adamson U last Thursday.

National U, another newcomer in the league, is also aiming for its second straight win against Adamson in the 6 p.m. main game.

FEU and St. Benilde face-off in the 2 p.m. opening match with both teams aiming to enter the win column. – JVP, GMANews.TV

Standings (W-L)
San Sebastin 2-0
Ateneo 1-0
NU 1-0
Perpetual 1-0
Lyceum 1-1
Adamson 0-1
St. Benilde 0-2
FEU 0-2

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You are invited to my party entitled...

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:19:44 PDT

Ron Artest is going to host a party on Friday July 26, this is to commemorate the LA Lakers NBA championship. But why do I see Lebron on the title, is he attending? or does Artest need the publicity to lure people to come.

I am sure a lot of sour fans from Cleveland will be attending it, especially if they see the poster. Ron, don't forget the ceremonial burning of Lebron's Jersey okay.

Ron Artest will be in big trouble again but until that day let me all invite you to the party to celebrate Lakers Championship and just FCUK Lebron.Lets give the attention to Artest this time.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a coward - ESPN

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:05:31 PDT

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a coward, a statement from ESPN.

Well is he? maybe yes or maybe no. He is an intelligent fighter who wants ensure his legacy and money. He might be skillful and a talented but his reputation is being damage because of his decision making.

He better step up to the plate and fight Pacquiao.

Watch the video here

Darth Vader inside the subway!

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:15:19 PDT

Darth Vader and his army is alive and they are invading the subway in search for rebels. look who they found.

From the creator of the no underwear subway ride comes another subway scene. you are going to like this if you are a Star Wars fan. Check it out

Lebron James the Decision Spoof by Funny man Steve Carell

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:37:47 PDT

The controversial televised decision of Lebron James was watched by many. It was a spectacle to be hold as Lebron revealed the team he will be playing with next season.

Lebron James in now with Miami heat and his controversial interview became a big hit, in fact Steve Carell spoofed it.

This is one funny parody.

Watch it here

original interview:

Steve Carell Spoofed:

Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Bernabe Concepcion fight video

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:58:49 PDT

Here is a copy of the fight between Bernabe Concepcion against Peurto Rico's Juan Manuel Lopez.

Lopez shows off his strength and dominate Concepcion however Lopez also showed that he can be drop in the fight. Last few seconds on the first round while Lopez was giving Concepcion a barrage of punches he got caught by clean left hook which knocked him down.

In the end Lopez was to wise and powerful for the young Concepcion, Lopez won vis Knock out in the second round

watch video here

Watch Smart Gilas vs Iran, 32nd Jones Cup

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:40:49 PDT

Here is a copy of the (Smart Gilas)Team Philippines vs Iran in the 32nd Jones Cup. The Philippines lost, watch and see the full game

Iran NT past Smart Gilas Pilipinas NT, 81-68

The scores:

IRAN 81 —Bahrami 27, Kardoust 18, Zandi 16, Kamrany 9, Sahakian 5, Amini 3, Davarpanah 2, Doraghi 1, Davoudi 0, Baheran 0, Arghavan 0.

SMART GILAS 68 —Douthit 16, Lasitter 15, Tiu 11, Baracael 8, Barroca 8, Slaughter 6, Casio 4, Lutz 0, Aguilar 0.

Quarters: 25-22, 45-35, 61-51, 81-68

Iran NT past Smart Gilas Pilipinas NT, 81-68

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:27:33 PDT

source: June Navarro | inquirer.net

HSINCHUANG, Taiwan — Smart Gilas-Pilipinas stayed within upset range but the winning punch never came.

Powerhouse Iran shrugged off jet lag to exact an 81-68 win over the Filipinos in its opening match in the 32nd William Jones Cup International Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the Hsinchuang Coliseum here.

Bone-tired following a 26-hour flight from Italy on Wednesday, the Iranians had to lean on Iman Zandi’s three-pointer and the inside game of Asghar Kardoust in the waning minutes to finally break the resolve of the Filipinos.

Smart Gilas absorbed its second straight loss in 2010 to the Iranians, who have won all the major continental tournaments in the past two years.

Scheduled to represent Asia in the Fiba World Championship next month in Turkey, Iran ruled the 2009 Fiba Asia Championships, defended the crown with its club team Mahram in the Dubai International Tournament in January, and topped the Fiba Asia Champions Cup in Doha, Qatar in May.

“We cannot be disappointed because we played with a lot of heart,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman, the genius behind Iran’s 2007 Fiba Asia Championship victory and 2008 Beijing Olympic stint.

Trailing 58-44, Smart Gilas cut the deficit through the efforts of Mark Barroca, Chris Tiu and Marcus Douthit.

Tiu nailed a three-pointer and Douthit split his free throws to push Gilas within 57-63.

But Zandi fired a triple from the corner and the 6-foot-10 Kardoust, who scored 12 of Iran’s 20 points in the final period, threw his weight in the paint to put order on the Iranian offense.

Samad Nikkah Bahrami finished with 27 points while Kardoust and Zandi added 18 and 16 for the Iranians.

“The Philippines is improving every game. They become better and better every time we play them,” said Iran head coach Veselin Matic. “Give this team three more years together and we will have a tougher time beating them.”

Missing in the Iranian lineup were the 7-foot-2 Hamed Haddadi and 6-foot-10 forward Hamed Afagh.

Smart Gilas, who dumped the Chinese Taipei University All-Star, 83-52, in Wednesday’s inaugurals, had its last taste of the lead on Greg Slaughter’s putback, 22-21, off Marcio Lasitter’s miss.

The scores:

IRAN 81 —Bahrami 27, Kardoust 18, Zandi 16, Kamrany 9, Sahakian 5, Amini 3, Davarpanah 2, Doraghi 1, Davoudi 0, Baheran 0, Arghavan 0.

SMART GILAS 68 —Douthit 16, Lasitter 15, Tiu 11, Baracael 8, Barroca 8, Slaughter 6, Casio 4, Lutz 0, Aguilar 0.

Quarters: 25-22, 45-35, 61-51, 81-68

July 15, Thursday, Day 2 Results
1st Game: Iran NT def. Philippines NT, 81-68
2nd Game: Japan NT def. Townsville Crocodiles, 97-69
3rd Game: Taiwan NT def. Taiwan University All-Stars, 74-64

July 16, Friday, Day 3 Games
3:00pm: Japan NT vs. Iran NT
5:00pm: Townsville Crocodiles vs. Philippines NT
7:00pm: Taiwan NT vs. Lebanon NT

Manny Pacquiao may fight in Abu Dhabi

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:25:01 PDT

source: http://www.thenational.ae/

Advisers to Manny Pacquiao have held talks with representatives of the Abu Dhabi royal family over the possibility of staging the Filipino boxer’s next fight in the capital.

Michael Koncz, the boxer’s adviser, and Todd du Boef and Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions have met a lawyer and a spokesperson for the royal family and flew into the capital on Wednesday to make a final proposal.

They expect to find out on Monday if their bid to stage the fight with Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito on November 13 has been accepted.

A potential stumbling block could be that the possible bout would coincide with the staging of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix – the highlight of the UAE sporting calendar.

“The meeting … went very well,” Koncz told FanHouse, a sports website.

“We had a meeting with the representatives of the royal family, so we will know on Monday whether the fight will actually move to Abu Dhabi and then, also, we have an opportunity to fight in Mexico,” said Koncz.

“All of this, of course, we’re only talking about if the next opponent is Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto.”

The move would be made, according to Koncz, only if Pacquiao, 31, does not put his WBO welterweight crown on the line against Floyd Mayweather. The Pacquiao camp has given Mayweather until today to sign the contract for a November bout.

“The first thing that we have got to do is wait … for Floyd Mayweather to make a decision,” Koncz said. “We gave a gentleman’s agreement that we would do that for Floyd. If Floyd signs, he signs. We’ve decided that if he doesn’t, then we will be fighting either Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito.”

Arum said that Pacquiao would be going after his record eighth championship in as many weight classes against Cotto, the WBA’s junior middleweight champion; or Margarito, who is the No 1 contender for the WBC junior middleweight championship.

Margarito and Pacquiao would fight for the WBC title vacated by Sergio Martinez.

“I spoke to Miguel Cotto last week and he would take the rematch,” Koncz said. “I don’t want to get into the terms that we agreed to, but suffice it to say that it was a very productive meeting. Obviously, Margarito would be no problem. Fernando Beltran has him, and he’ll agree to reasonable terms.”

Koncz added: “Now, it’s a question of whether we fight Margarito. We’d love to do that fight in Las Vegas. But if Margarito doesn’t get licensed there in Las Vegas, then we have the two other options, Abu Dhabi for the entire card or we have Mexico.”

Elsewhere. Wladimir Klitschko will defend his heavyweight titles against the Russian Alexander Povetkin on September 11.

Klitschko’s management group said yesterday that the fight will take place at Frankfurt’s Commerzbank Arena. “Povetkin is a very strong opponent,” said Klitschko, the Ukrainian boxer, who holds the IBF, WBO and IBO belts. “That we are both Olympic champions speaks for itself. It will be a tough fight, but for me there are no doubts that I will keep my titles.”

Povetkin, 30, has won all 19 of his professional bouts. He said yesterday he would “snatch the world champion belts away from Klitschko”. Klitschko, 34, has 54 victories in 57 fights.

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Lebron James number 23 pendant !

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:32:05 PDT

While most people from Cleveland are stupidly burning their Lebron James memorabilia others are using it to earn some money.A lucky lady from Akron bought her diamond Lebron James pendant for only five dollars and now it cost almost 10 thousand dollars.

I guess if we think about it those memorabilia should not really be trash or burn, If Cavalier fan are reading this, you already burn a lot of money, If you really hate Lebron James why not just sell it and use the money for something else maybe finance or build the I hate Lebron movement. hehehe!!

here is the video
By Curtis Jackson, NewsNet5/WEWS TV

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UFC champ St-Pierre would consider retirement after Silva win, top-fighter ranking

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:50:03 PDT

Source: Steven Marrocco, MMAjunkie.com

UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre is ready to retire when he's considered the sport's pound-for-pound best.

Don't worry, though. On a special "Primetime" edition of MMAjunkie Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) this past Friday, St-Pierre said he's not quite there yet.

But the traditional reason for sticking around - fame and money - isn't his primary concern. Doing it his way is.

"People are going to be shocked," St-Pierre said of his tentative retirement plan.

St-Pierre (20-2 MMA, 15-2 UFC) currently is in Las Vegas wrapping up a coaching stint on "The Ultimate Fighter 12" opposite top contender Josh Koscheck (15-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC). The two are expected to meet sometime at the end of the year in a traditional season-ending fight between "TUF" coaches.

Beyond that, he's done some additional planning. In fact, St-Pierre said his potential retirement plan recently came about while he was setting goals for his remaining career.

"Growing up in my career, I always fix my goals very high," he said. "And every time I achieve one of my [goals], I fix another goal to reach. It's important as a martial artist [never to be] satisfied because otherwise there is no point to keep doing what you're doing."

As to what goals remain, there are a few. St-Pierre has achieved what he initially set out to do: become a professional fighter, become a UFC fighter, and finally, become a UFC champion.

Being considered the best overall fighter in the world? That's the one goal he thinks currently is unmet.

That doesn't mean he's complacent, of course. In his second run as welterweight champion, St-Pierre has taken on four consecutive contenders and soundly beaten them all. At the end of the year, he will attempt to tie former champion Matt Hughes' record of five consecutive title defenses when he meets Koscheck.

Still, some fans believe St-Pierre already has cleaned out his division. He's already beaten all the division's top contenders - Koscheck, Jon Fitch, Thiago Alves and Dan Hardy - and some point to a middleweight showdown against current champion Anderson Silva as a final hurdle to the pound-for-pound crown. Silva is still widely considered to be the holder of that unofficial title. St-Pierre knows he could snatch it away by beating him.

But St-Pierre said a move up in weight would likely come near the end of his career, and it won't come anytime soon.

"If I go up in weight, it's going to be hard to go down," he said. "If I put on lean muscle like I already did recently … it's going to be hard to come back down. So it's not like I go up and I go down. I have to be very careful with what I do."

Still, if St-Pierre takes "a couple" of welterweight fights in the next year or two, and if Silva is still the pound-for-pound king at that point, the French-Canadian then would consider moving up to fight him. And if he defeats Silva, that's a win worthy of retirement, he said.

"If one day I fight at 185 pounds for a superfight to know who is the best pound-for-pound in the world, (and) if I reach my goal, then my goal will be reached," St-Pierre said. "There will be no point for me to still compete because I'm not going to have a goal left."

St-Pierre also said he wants to secure his and his family's future before he takes the risk of moving up, though money and fame aren't the driving forces in his career.

"Of course, the money's there," he said. "The difference between me and a lot of fighters … (is that) a lot of fighters fight for the fame. They fight for the money.

"Yeah, the money is there. It's pleasant. The money is there. It's good that I have this security. I have a lot of money now. It's good. But there is a lot of things I can do outside of mixed martial arts … because of the name that I reached with MMA, that the UFC helped me to have.

"The fame is the same thing. I didn't have it in the beginning, and now I have it. But if one day I reach my goal of becoming the best pound-for-pound (fighter) of all-time, it will be time for me to retire. But I don't know right now, at 29 years old, if I want to retire. So it's better I have to stick around."

For more on "The Ultimate Fighter 12," stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

MMAjunkie.com Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by Gorgeous George, MMAjunkie.com lead staff reporter John Morgan and producer Goze. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

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POWCAST: Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert fined, but love by Cavs fans even more!

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:45:17 PDT

They say in love there will always be sacrifice, Dan Gilbert have no choice but to sacrifice the best player in the Cavaliers roster.mmm... not really.

Dan Gilbert outrage, cursing and upset with the decision of Lebron James to leave his team wrote a letter to the cavaliers fans. The letter was so emotional and unprofessional that NBA David stern have to fined Dan Gilbert.

Dan Gilbert outburst maybe the same feeling of many fans from Cleveland, they felt betrayed by their very own hero.They want to show how they felt and make sure Lebron gets it, a very sad state in Cavaliers history.

About the recent event regarding Dan Gilbert being fined a lot of Cavs fans are willing to shell out their hard earn money just to show Dan that they will stick with him no matter what, and they will continue to be a Cavalier fan.

Perhaps the act of sacrifice what they where hoping from Lebron James, an act that will show love and respect to his hometown but it did not happen.

Lebron James all your detractors are watching over you to fail. You might have earn some fans from Miami but you certainly you lost a lot from Cleveland.

Good luck

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. beats out Manny Pacquiao and GSP for 2010 ESPY Fighter of the Year award

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:48:17 PDT

source: Dennis "dSource" Guillermo| Examiner.com

July 14, 2010 - The 18th annual ESPN ESPY awards went down tonight at the Nokia theater in downtown Los Angeles. As usual, the biggest sports celebrities converged in the most prestigious sports awards show.

From athletes like USA soccer her Landon Donovan, driver Danica Patrick, NFL quarterback Brett Favre to actors like Mark Wahlberg and the beautiful Emmanuelle Chriqui, the stars came out to celebrate a year of sporting excellence.

As far as 2010's Best Fighter award, undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. was honored as ESPN's 2010 Fighter of the Year for his victories over Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley beating out fellow boxer Manny Pacquiao and UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre.

The previous 3 awards were split between boxers Pacquiao and Mayweather with Pacquiao winning it in
2009 and Mayweather in 2007 and 2008.

Other award winners are as follows:

Best Team - New Orleans Saints, NFL

Best Male Athlete - Drew Brees, NFL Saints

Best Female Athlete - Lindsey Vonn, Skiing

Best Coach - Phil Jackson, Lakers NBA

Jim Valvano award for Perseverance - George Karl, Nuggets NBA

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Gilas too strong for Taipei Stars

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:35:22 PDT

source: http://www.malaya.com.ph

HSINCHUANG. — Ranged against a collegiate team, Smart Gilas Pilipinas stormed to an 83-52 victory over the Taipei All-Stars 83-52 Wednesday as the 32nd Jones Cup International basketball tournament got going at the Hsinchuang Gymnasium here.

American Marcus Douthit banged in 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while Marcio Lassiter and Japeth Aguilar added 11 and 10 markers each as the RP men’s squad controlled the game from start to finish.
Chris Lutz drilled two consecutive three-pointers, helping Smart Gilas take a 17-4 spread in the first period that set the mood for a rout.
Greg Slaughter’s three-point play and a putback gave the Filipinos an 18-point lead before halftime and they never looked back from thereon.
The massacre continued in the next two quarters with Dylan Ababou, Mark Barroca, RJ Jazul and Mac Baracael combining with Douthit and Lassiter for an unreachable 78-44 advantage with four minutes left.
"We played against a young team. We’re bigger and we dominated the rebounding,’’ said Smart Gilas coach
Rajko Toroman.
"It’s a nice win especially at the beginning of the tournament,’’ he added.
The victory boosted the confidence of Smart Gilas going into its match with defending champion Iran at 3 p.m. Thursday in the seven-team tournament.

Scores:

Smart-Gilas Pilipinas NT 83 – Douthit 15, Lassiter 11, Aguilar 10, Ababou 8, Baracael 7, Lutz 7, Jazul 7, Slaughter 6, Tiu 4, Casio 4, Barroca 2, Ballesteros 2.

Chines-Taipei All-Star 52 – Chou 14, Sung 9, Shih 8, Liu C. 7, Peng 5, Huang 4, Chen 2, Liu Y.K. 2, Wang 1, Cheng 0, Lin 0.

Quarter scores: 20-8, 40-23, 62-38, 83-52.

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Manny Pacquiao's Adviser Michael Koncz speaks out

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:22:51 PDT

source: Lem Satterfield | boxing.fanhouse.com

In one of 2010's most exciting nearly two rounds of boxing action, challenger Bernabe Concepcion of the Philippines scored a first-round knockdown.

But was floored three times himself during last Saturday's Showtime-televised, second-round knockout loss to WBO featherweight (126 pounds) champion Juan Manuel Lopez (pictured at right, on the left).

In defeat, the 22-year-old Concepcion (28-4-1, with 15 KOs) may have done more for his career than he had in his previous bouts, including an August, seventh-round disqualification loss to then-WBO champ, Steven Luevano, when he flattened the titlist with an errant punch long after the bell ending the seventh round.

But the aftermath of Lopez-Concepcion has gotten ugly for Michael Koncz, one of the fighters' handlers as a partner with seven-divison champion, Manny Pacquiao in the WBO welterweight (147 pound) titlist's MP promotions. An adviser to Pacquiao, Koncz has taken criticism from some members of the Filipino press who perceive him to be responsible for having pushed Concepcion into a fight that was beyond his capabilities to win.

In this Q&A, FanHouse sought Koncz's reaction to that criticism as well as that he has taken for the handling of other boxers in the MP promotional stable such as light flyweight (108 pounds) Rodel Mayol (26-5-2, 20 KOs) and flyweight (112 pounds) Richie Mepranum (22-2-1, five KOs).

FanHouse: So Mike, is it your perception that there are shots being taken at you as Manny Pacquiao's adviser and his partner handling the fighters at MP Promotions?

Michael Koncz: Taking the shots as Manny Pacquiao's adviser? No problem. That's part of my job and I'm willing to do that in order to -- I don't know if this is the right term -- but to save Manny from some of the wrong doings. I'm willing to do that.

But right now, it's not the negative criticism of me being Manny's adviser, but it's the negative criticism about MP Promotions and myself. And, first of all, all of the matches that I make with our boxers, I discuss that with my partner at MP Promotions, who is Manny.

And then Manny and I discuss it with the boxer. So, it's really up to the boxer. We give our advice and our opinions, but they're never threatened like, 'you take this fight, or you will never fight again.'

What is your take on all of this outcry that has come as a result of the loss by Bernabe Concepcion?

Specific to this most recent fight involving Bernabe Concepcion, when that fight was offered to us prior to his last fight with Mario Santiago [won by Concepcion via 10-round decision] --that's when the discussion was.

Now Bernabe had a very poor showing and we were very disappointed in him against Steven Luevano. That's a fight that Bernabe should have won within four or five rounds by knockout. But forever reason, he didn't perform.

Because he was disqualified for hitting after the bell?

Well, forget even that shot. He should have taken Luevano out way before that because he was a better boxer than Steven. So the discussion was that we'll give Bernabe a shot against this individual [Santiatgo,] and if he can beat this guy, then we have the opportunity for a title shot.

So this fight with Juan Manuel Lopez was not something that we did over night. This goes back to even before his last fight. That was the idea. If Bernabe showed good against Santiago, then we would get a title shot. So it was well planned out.

And that's how we do it. First I get the opportunity at a match, which I discuss with Manny, because he's my partner at MP Promotions, and I value his opinion as a boxer. And then we both felt Bernabe would have a tough fight.

But we felt that with the right game plan, that Bernabe had a very good chance of winning this fight.

What happened?

Unfortunately, the game plan that the trainer, Buoboy Fernandez, and Bernabe decided to use was absurd. I spoke to them all week, and we said, 'What does Bernabe have to do?' We talked to him before the training camp all of that time about the fight strategy. Manny's response?

'It's the same thing, Mike, that I told you before -- he's got to extend his punches, don't throw those short punches, give him angles and lateral movement, and throw combinations and get out. He can not stand in front of Lopez, who is a fabulous counter-puncher.'

We wanted to take him into the later rounds. Lopez has a tendency to tire out in the later rounds and Bernabe seems to have more power than Lopez, Manny and I felt, in the later rounds, that was when we felt a knockout would come if it was going to come.

Now, for some reason, fighter and the trainer, even though we had talked about the strategy many times during the week, they elected to go with a different game plan, which was the wrong game plan. So, that's what happened there.

Now, Bernabe Concepcion still is a young boxer with a lot of talent and a bright future, right?

Right, but now, I'll talk to Manny again, we'll give Bernabe another fight, and then we'll discuss with Bernabe if he wants to have the winner of Lopez and Rafael Marquez.

Nothing has changed. We still believe that Bernabe has the ability and the skill and the determination to beat either of those boxers. But he has to follow the game plan. Now, how can I get angry at Bernabe?

And he spoke to me right after the fight because he sensed the frustration in me. And I was very disappointed, and I expressed my disappointment in the locker room to the whole team. It was like, 'What the hell are you guys doing?'

We were supposed to box and give him angles. 'Why did you guys go toe-to-toe?' And, Bernabe was like, 'You know, I'm sorry, but I was listening to my corner.' And I'm the one that's always telling him that you have to have faith, trust and listen to your corner.'

So, there's not much that you can scold him on. But, again, it was a decision that was made by the fighter and the corner, and it was the wrong decision and it yielded a bad result. So, next time, hopefully they will listen to Manny and I.

Don't you believe that Bernabe raised his stature in the game by his performance?

Well, you can't baby the guy. Forget his age. He's had a lot of fights. Boxing is about taking chances with opportunities provided. Thank God, even though he lost the fight, it saved the television broadcast because it was an exciting fight.

Showtime is very happy. Even though it only went two rounds, it was the most exciting two rounds they said that they had had in a long time. But, again, we want to perform well enough for the network, but that's not our primary goal.

Our primary goal is to make sure that the fighter has a chance and performs and does the best that he can to win.

So do you believe that Bernabe will be better for this fight overall?

Yes. Bernabe is good that way, and he learns from his mistakes. I'm not a trainer, and I don't profess to be the trainer. I consult with Manny.

Manny's perception is that that's what they worked on in the gym -- the head movement, the combinations, the angles, the footwork -- it was unbelievable how good Bernabe looked. They were so confident and they were so sure that they were going to win this fight.

When Lopez went back to his corner after the first round -- and I watched the tape of the fight today -- I mean, he staggered into that corner. Throughout that whole sit-down in the corner Lopez didn't even know where he was.

So where is the criticism coming from and what do you believe is the source of it?

Well, I think they're just resentful. What these guys forget is that who got Rodel Mayol five shots at a world title in a year and a half? Who gave Bernabe Concepcion two title shots within six months? I mean, we're giving opportunities to our boxers.

And like Manny asked me, 'What happened in the Mayol fight [June's unanimous decision loss to Omar Nino Romero for WBC title]? I was in Mexico. I said, 'Manny, he was winning the first five, six rounds, and then, he got tired.'

Manny's response to me was, 'Mike, that's not your problem. That's the trainer's problem and the fighter's problem. Don't worry about it.' Because Manny knows that I take things personal when it comes to the fighters.

I feel for tehm and it's hard to explain. So he said, 'it's not your problem. We did what we're supposed to. We gave them the opportunity. How they train and if they don't train properly, that's not our problem, that's the trainer's problem.'

Why do you believe that it's coming at your expense?

Because what media is going to attack Manny? They're not going to attack Manny. Unfortunately, alleged investigative reporters are not the best investigative reporters. The only regret that I have in Bernabe's fight, and it's not like I just said, 'Bernabe, go fight the guy.'

All of the fights that we make are such that Manny and I discuss the match first, and then we discuss it with the fighters, and give them our opinion, and it's ultimately the fighter's decision. I would do it all over again and I plan on doing it all over again if Bernabe wants to do it all over again.

He'll have another fight, maybe two, but probably one more fight. And if he wins that fight, we're going to go after a rematch either with Lopez or Rafael Marquez. Did Bernabe lose because he was out-matched? I don't believe so.

I believe that he lost because of a very poor choice in the game plan. Based on the comments Showtime's people are making, they're very happy with the result of the fight -- not just because of who won or who lost -- but of the dynamics and the drama in the fight.

You get certain members of the media who decide to write certain things, but not once have you had one of our boxers that is with Manny or myself complain publicly.

Now, why is that? If these things were happening that a small number of reporters are alleging, don't you believe that a boxer would come forward and complain about them?

The fighters have a good rapport with me, and they know that I'm honest with them and I spend as much time with them as I can. They know that Manny is busy and he can't do that. Again, you don't have any fighters complaining.

Just the self-serving, propaganda media members.

by Lem Satterfield | boxing.fanhouse.com

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Smart Gilas Pilipinas NT opens Jones Cup bid with rout of Taipei Univ. All-Star

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:19:18 PDT

source: gmanews.tv

Big man Japeth Aguilar opened with back-to-back dunks setting the tone of Smart-Gilas Pilipinas' 83-52 rout of the Chinese-Taipei University All-Star in the 32nd William Jones Cup Wednesday at the Hsinchuang gymnasium in Hsinchuang City Taiwan.

Aguilar started with an alley-hoop jam then followed it up with a fastbreak throwdown as the RP team hopefuls warmed up before its much-awaited meeting with defending and reigning FIBA-Asia men's basketball titlist Iran.

Six-foot-10 import Marcus Douthit, the RP team hopefuls' candidate for naturalization, scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Gilas 5's offensive onslaught.

Filipino-American guard Marcio Lassiter added 11 markers while Aguilar had 10, all of which on power dunks.

Gilas opened with a 20-8 lead after one quarter then stretched it further to a 40-23 advantage at halftime.

Lassiter's three-point play, with 4:11 left in the game, gave the Rajko Toroman-coached Gilas squad a 78-44 spread.

Po Chen Chou finished with 14 points to pace the Chinese-Taipei University-led All-Stars.

"It's a nice win especially at the beginning of the tournament. We played against a young team," said Toroman. “We have problems with the court and the ball, but we have to be satisfied with this win and look forward against Iran (Thursday)."

The Iranians arrive here Wednesday and will face their former coach Toroman and his Gilas crew at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Iran is playing minus superstar center Hamed Haddadi, who is currently seeing action for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League but remains one of the favorites together with fellow Asian power Lebanon. – JVP, GMANews.TV

Agent: Ilgauskas to sign with Miami Heat

powcaster@gmail.com (Pow Salud) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:10:16 PDT

source: The Associated Press

MIAMI —Zydrunas Ilgauskas has dealt Cleveland another blow by planning to follow LeBron James to the Miami Heat.

The veteran center, who started playing for Cleveland in 1997 and has never suited up for another NBA team, expects to sign a two-year contract with the Heat later this week, agent Herb Rudoy said Tuesday. The two-year deal would come with a player option for the second season, Rudoy said.

“We’ve agreed to agree," Rudoy said.

Ilgauskas’ decision became known less than a week after James—who played a role in recruiting the 7-foot-3 Lithuanian to South Florida—sparked outrage and outcry in Cleveland by going on a made-for-television special and saying he was joining the Heat.

This departure won’t generate the same reaction from Clevelanders, but it’ll hurt nonetheless.

Ilgauskas was a fan favorite for more than a decade, and when he returned to the Cavs after getting traded to the Washington Wizards this past season, a sellout crowd welcomed him with huge signs bearing the letter “Z"—his moniker. Ilgauskas never played for the Wizards, quickly getting bought out and then returning to Cleveland after a 30-day waiting period.

Playing with James again was a major factor in Ilgauskas’ decision.

“LeBron was very encouraging and explained the whole situation," Ilgauskas told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “And, obviously, he’s my friend, and him being there made it a lot easier to choose."

On his Twitter feed, James quickly welcomed Ilgauskas to Miami.

“Glad u are joining me in South Beach my friend. Also thanks for the encouraging words big fella," James wrote.

The Heat had no immediate comment. They had talks about acquiring Ilgauskas when he was available this past season after the trade to Washington and buyout that followed.

Ilgauskas is the Cavs’ career leader in games played, blocked shots and rebounds. He was drafted by the club in 1996 and overcame serious foot injuries that nearly ended his career.

He’s just the latest name to join what shapes up as a serious title contender in Miami, joining not only James but Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and presumably Mike Miller, who agreed to a deal late last week that remains unsigned. Agent Arn Tellem wrote on his blog Monday that Miller will play in Miami.

It’s still possible Ilgauskas accepts a one-year deal, though his preference is the multi-year arrangement.

“His best chance to win a championship would be in Miami," Rudoy said.

Ilgauskas told Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and general manager Chris Grant the news on Tuesday. James played a role in luring Ilgauskas to Miami, and other teams were interested as well.

Ilgauskas was immensely popular in Cleveland, and expects to keep a home in the city.

“It’s hard," Rudoy said. “It’s been 14 years. It was very hard for him. I know that. When he called Chris Grant and Dan Gilbert today, it was definitely a hard decision at this stage of his career. But he wants to win a championship. That’s how he made this decision."

Playing as a reserve for the first time, Ilgauskas averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds last season. For his career, Ilgauskas has averaged 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds, plus has played in two All-Star games. - AP

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