PBA on AKTV

MOA Arena Management to Replace Meralco Items as they Promise

2012-10-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Management of the SM Mall of Asia Arena has promised to replace the items stolen from members of the Meralco Bolts after a locker room theft last Wednesday, according to a PBA official.

“Officers of the MOA Arena want to keep their strong relationship with the Meralco Bolts, who have a corporate box in the venue, and the PBA,” Rhose Montreal, the league’s licensing manager, told InterAKTV. “That’s why they committed to replace all the losses of the victims which include cash, iPads, credit cards, and other valuable belongings.”

Montreal added that MOA Arena management will meet with the league to ensure that the incident will not be repeated. Arena management, according to Montreal, has decided to increase security at the venue by about 40 percent.

“This is to ensure tighter security and to make sure that everything will be under control in the remaining two play dates the PBA will have in this arena in the elimination round. If you will notice, there are exit doors for specific teams while previous doors were bolted down already while 30 to 40 percent additional securities were deployed,”

Despite the unfortunate incident, the PBA doubleheader at the MOA Arena venue drew a standing-room-only crowd in the lower box and general admission sections.

“There will have a series of meetings between the PBA and MOA Arena regarding the possibility of holding semis and finals games here,” said Montreal.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

'Problema namin yung third quarter', LA Tenorio Reason for Ginebra’s losing streak

2012-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

LA Tenorio is the newest member of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, but he isn’t afraid to point out problems with the team this early in his tenure.

The spitfire guard, acquired in the offseason in a five-team blockbuster trade, said the team’s sluggish performances after the halftime break is the reason behind the Gin Kings’ three-game slide.

“Problema namin yung third quarter. Doon kami nagiging matamlay. Doon kami napag-iiwanan. Kailangan maglaro kami ng strong third quarter para hindi kami laging naghahabol,” said Tenorio.

Ginebra was outscored by Petron, 26-19, in the third period of the Gin Kings loss last Sunday. In its first defeat at the hands of Meralco, the Bolts outscored Ginebra, 32-21, in the third period.

Curiously, Ginebra edged Barako Bull, 25-20, in the third quarter of their game, although the Energy Colas won the fourth quarter of that game, 24-13, to notch the victory.

But veteran guard Jayjay Helterbrand is not yet ready to push the panic button.

“It’s not about whether there’s something wrong with the team. It’s about the adjustment period. This team is an entirely different team from the previous ones that we have,” Helterbrand told InterAKTV.

“There were a lot of new players, a lot of key additions. We’re all adjusting to one another. We’re still learning one another. But we take this setbacks as valuable lessons and move forward.”

Helterbrand thinks the team hasn’t peaked yet, and he feels comfortable with the present setup of the team despite the consecutive losses.

“I would prefer losing games this early rather than losing games in the latter stretch of the tournament,” said Helterbrand. “Last season, we were winning games in the early stage, but we fell short and failed to make it to the finals of all three conferences.”

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Benjie Paras interviewed a "Ginebra fan"

2012-10-01T18:06:00.001-07:00

Prior to the PBA 2013 Season opening ceremonies, Benjie Paras interviewed a girl who identified herself as a Ginebra fan. We have our doubts.

-Jaemark Tordecilla

PBA New Commercial for 2013 Season

2012-10-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here’s the new full-length commercial for the PBA 2013 season, which debuted during the league’s opening ceremonies on Sunday.

The video features PBA players in the Ube Republic, Gatas Republik, Barako Brigade, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Batang Pier, Bansang Meralco, Petroniverse, Bayan ng Rain or Shine, San Mig Coffee Planet, and TNT Nation.

Sa’n Ka?! Kampihan Na!

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen Eye title for Ginebra

2012-10-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen promised energy and athleticism when they were picked in the first round by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA draft.

On Sunday, the two newcomers put those on display, as they combined for 25 points and provided the effort that was appreciated by the Gin Kings veterans.

“They’re the energy guys,” said new Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio.

Jensen couldn’t believe the reception he got from the sellout crowd of 18,901, most of which was pro-Ginebra.

“The feeling was amazing. It’s incredible and it’s become more special because my loved ones were watching from the sidelines while some of our relatives and friends were watching in the United States,” Jensen told AKTV’s Erika Padilla.

Agent Charlie Dy, who represents both players, said Jensen’s mother, grandfather, and aunt flew in from the United States just to catch the players’ PBA debut.

Ellis said he was energized by the Ginebra crowd.

“When you have fans as big as the Ginebra fans, it will keep your energy going,” said Ellis. “But we have a great group of talented guys and as long as we’re playing together, we’ll be OK.”

Ellis and Jensen said they want to reward Ginebra’s legions of fans with the best gift a player can give.

“Nothing but a championship,” said the two players.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Coach Yeng Guiao Political Plans

2012-09-27T01:58:00.000-07:00

A crown in an all-Filipino conference is the only missing piece from the championship collection of Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

This season, the fiery mentor will resume his quest for the elusive title in a season that he hints may be his last.

“I am totally committed and motivated to give my best shot this coming conference because this might be my last chance to win an all-Filipino title,” Guiao wrote in a text message to InterAKTV.

Guiao recently won his sixth league championship, piloting the Elasto Painters to their first PBA crown in the Governors’ Cup. But with his Rain or Shine contract set to end, Guiao, who currently serves as vice-governor of Pampanga, might seek to leave coaching to pursue higher political office.

Rain or Shine co-owner Raymond Yu said the Elasto Painters coaching job is Guiao’s as long as he wants it.

“We want him to coach our team as long as we’re still competing in the PBA,” Yu said in a telephone interview. “But we don’t know what his plans are. I don’t know if he’s running for public office.”

Guiao joined the Elasto Painters a year and a half ago, turning what was once a doormat squad into a perennial contenders in less than two seasons.

Multiple sources told InterAKTV that Guiao, the son of late former Pampanga governor Bren, may seek a congressional seat in one of the districts in Pampanga.

But whether his political plans will force him to leave coaching, Guiao is upbeat about his team’s chances of winning a second straight title.

“The last championship was an excellent dress rehearsal to winning an all-Filipino crown,” said Guiao. “I am convinced the team is ready and capable of bagging the title.”

The Elasto Painters’ capped a breakout season by winning the Governors’ Cup over the highly-favored B-MEG Llamados in seven games, despite losing the services of star rookie Paul Lee early in the series.

But prior to that, Rain or Shine already displayed impressive form in last season’s Philippine Cup, crashing the semifinals and falling just a game short of making the championship round.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

PBA implements a New Rule

2012-09-26T07:38:00.001-07:00

The PBA is tweaking its rules to reward players who show hustle on the court, giving leeway for those who get on the floor for loose balls.

“It takes away the excitement when a player who hustles and dives for the loose ball will be called for a traveling, so we’re implementing a new rule to cover this,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

PBA operations manager Rickie Santos went into further detail about the change.

“Before kasi kapag yung player nag-dive for the loose ball and nag-slide siya, he will be called for a traveling. This time, he won’t be called for a traveling anymore because when a player slides, wala pa naming may clear possession noon sa bola,” Santos told InterAKTV.

“But of course, when the said player stands up, he needs to dribble the ball first to avoid being called for a travelling violation,” added Santos.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

PBA official line up of the 38th Season Opening

2012-09-26T07:26:00.003-07:00

Here are the official team lineups for the opening day of the PBA.

Air 21 Express

PBA Governor:
Angelito Alvarez
Alternate Governor:
Jerry R. Jara
Head Coach:
Franz Pumaren
Assistant Coaches:
Tonichi Yturri, Jack Santiago, Pocholo Villanueva, Daniel Rose, Joshua Villapando

No.	Player
2	John Wilson
3	Nelbert Omolon
4	Yousif Taha
5	Eric Salamat
7	Nonoy Baclao
9	KG Canaleta
10	Simon Atkins
11	Rogemar Menor
12	Mark Isip
14	Florendo Ritualo
19	Wynne Arboleda
24	Rob Reyes
31	James Ryan Sena

Alaska Aces

PBA Governor:
Joaquin L. Trillo
Head Coach:
Luigi Trillo
Assistant Coaches:
Richard Bachmann, Topex Robinson, Monch Gavieres, Franco Atienza, Louie Alas, Alex Compton

No.	Player
0	Nicholas Belasco
1	Samigue Eman
3	Cyrus Baguio
4	Raphael Reyes
7	Joachim Thoss
10	Marnel Baracael
21	Paolo Bugia
24	Brandon Cablay
25	Dondon Hontiveros
27	Gabby Espinas
31	Rafael Joey Jazul
35	Tony dela Cruz
42	Joseph Evans Casio
65	Eddie Laure
Injured/Reserve
9	Nino Gelig

Barako Bull Energy Colas

PBA Governor:
Manuel Alvarez
Basketball Operations Head:
Michael Chua
Asst. to Basketball Operations Head:
Paul Chua, Jr.
Team Manager:
Raffy Casyao
Asst. Team Manager:
Jay Llanos Dee
Head Coach:
Edmundo Baculi Jr.
Assistant Coaches:
Geraldo Ramos, Leo Angelo Pujante, Jonas Jaime Mendoza

No.	Player
1	Celino Cruz
2	Joshua Urbiztondo
5	Lester Alvarez
10	Reil Cervantes
12	David Marcelo
13	Roger Yap
14	Leomar Najorda
17	Jason Ballesteros
18	Douglas Kramer
21	Sean Anthony
23	Rico Villanueva
42	Danny Seigle
71	Ronald Tubid
88	Mick Pennisi
Injured/Reserve
6	Eman Monfort
3	Woody Co

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

PBA Chairman:
Robert M. Non
Team Manager:
Samboy Lim
Head Coach:
Siot Tanquingcen
Coaching Consultant:
Alfrancis Chua
Assistant Coaches:
Allan Caidic, Arturo dela Cruz, Marco Januz Sauler, Freddie Abuda

No.	Player
2	Billy Mamaril
5	LA Tenorio
10	Paul Rico Maierhofer
11	Mike Cortez
13	Anthony Helterbrand
18	Allein Maliksi
21	Kerby Raymundo
23	Elmer Espiritu
27	Willy Wilson
32	Keith Jensen
33	Dylan Ababou
34	Chris Ellis
47	Mark Caguioa
99	Rudy Hatfield

GlobalPort Batang Pier

PBA Governor:
Mikee Romero
Alternate Governors:
Hilario Paredes, Edwin Jeremillo
Head of Basketball Operations:
Eric Arejola
Team Manager:
Benedict Manalo
Asst. Team Manager:
Benjo Flores
Head Coach:
Glenn Capacio
Assistant Coaches:
Ricky Dandan, John Cardel, Louie Gonzales, Charles Tiu

No.	Player
0	Alfred Mandani
1	Jason Deutchman
2	Rabeh Al-Hussaini
4	Rudy Lingganay
5	Jondan Salvador
7	Rey Francis Guevarra
9	Marvin Cruz
10	Rommel Adducul
11	Willie Miller
14	Mark Yee
20	Gary David
22	Joshua Vanlandingham
24	Vic Manuel
33	Angelus Raymundo
Injured/Reserve
34	William Antonio
43	Alex Crisano

Meralco Bolts

PBA Vice-Chairman:
Ramon Segismundo
Alternate Governor:
Betty Siy-Yap
Team Manager:
Butch Antonio
Head Coach:
Paul Ryan Gregorio
Assistant Coaches:
Joseph Uichico, Ronnie Magsanoc, Boyet Fernandez, Patrick Roy Fran, Xavier Nunag

No.	Player
1	Clifford Hodge
3	Solomon Mercado
4	Jay-R Reyes
6	Chris Ross
8	Ronjay Buenafe
11	Paul Artadi
14	Mark Cardona
15	Gilbert Bulawan
16	Mark Anthony Borboran
21	Reynel Hugnatan
23	Kelly Nabong
34	Ram Carlo Sharma
80	Sunday Salvacion
Injured/Reserve
9	Yousif Aljamal
13	Christopher Timberlake

Petron Blaze Boosters

PBA Governor:
Roberto N. Huang
PBA Treasurer:
Eliezer O. Capacio
Team Manager:
Hector Calma
Head Coach:
Rodericko Racela
Coaching Consultant:
Rajko Toroman
Assistant Coaches:
Gelacio Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Pido Jarencio, Bobby Parks Sr., Jorge Gallent

No.	Player
2	Dennis Miranda
3	Chris Lutz
4	Dorian Pena
5	Alex Cabagnot
10	Danny Ildefonso
11	Jojo Duncil
13	Marcio Lassiter
24	Magi Sison
18	Joseph Yeo
20	Alex Mallari
22	June Mar Fajardo
23	Jay Washington
26	Chico Lanete
29	Arwind Santos
Injured/Reserve
	Hans Thiele
	Paolo Hubalde

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

PBA Governor:
Mamerto Z. Mondragon
Alternate Governor:
Andrew Jao
Business Development Head:
Edison Oribiana
Asst. Team Manager:
Boy Lapid
Head Coach:
Joseller Guiao
Assistant Coaches:
Caloy Garcia, Roehl Nadurata, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion, Matthew Makalintal, Ricky Umayam

No.	Player
1	Jonathan Uyloan
3	Paul Lee
5	Larry Rodriguez
6	Jireh Ibanes
10	Gabe Norwood
11	Tyrone Tang
16	Jeffrei Chan
17	ChrisTiu
18	Ryan Arana
20	Jervy Cruz
21	Chito Jaime
30	Beau Belga
33	Ronnie Matias
48	Joseph Ronald Quinahan

San Mig Coffee Mixers

PBA Governor:
Rene A. Pardo
Team Manager:
Alvin Patrimonio
Head Coach:
Earl Timothy Cone
Assistant Coaches:
Enrico Banal, Richard del Rosario, Jeffrey Cariaso, Johnny Abarrientos

No.	Player
2	Wesley Gonzales
3	Jonas Villanueva
4	Rafi Reavis
8	Peter June Simon
9	JC Intal
10	Jewel Ponferada
14	Andy Mark Barroca
15	Marc Pingris
17	John Aldrech Ramos
18	James Yap
19	Jerwin Gaco
22	Chris Pacana
38	Joe Devance
95	Yancy de Ocampo

Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

PBA Governor:
Manuel V. Pangilinan
Alternate Governor:
Victorico P. Vargas
Team Mngt. Consultant:
Ramoncito S. Fernandez
Owner’s Representative to the Board:
Patrick Gregorio
Team Consultant: Norman Black
Team Manager: Aboy Castro
Asst. Team Manager: Ferdinand Ravena
Head Coach: Raoul Cesar Racela
Assistant Coaches:
Alexander Arespacochaga, Gene Afable, Michael Villapan Jarin, Joshua Reyes

No.	Player
3	Jimmy Alapag
6	Riego Gamalinda
10	Ryan Reyes
12	Larry Fonacier
16	John Murphy Raymundo
17	William Jayson Castro
18	Gilbert Lao
4	Harvey Carey
21	Kelly Williams
33	Ranidel de Ocampo
34	Ali Peek
20	Jared Dillinger
40	Richard Alvarez
51	Aaron Aban

-InterAKTV

Alice Dixson returns as PBA Muse for Talk ‘N Text

2012-09-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

Alice Dixson will be back as a muse in the PBA 25 years after she first graced the league’s opening rites.

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters have tapped the 43-year-old Dixson, who made a strong television comeback last year to star in TV5′s “Babaeng Hampaslupa,” to be their muse for next Sunday’s opening ceremonies.

Dixson, who represented the Philippines in the Miss International pageant in 1986, was the muse of Great Taste Coffee for the PBA’s opening ceremonies in 1987. She figured in a memorable incident after refusing a kiss from late broadcaster Joe Cantada, which the latter played for laughs.

She since became a familiar fixture on Philippine television with a hit soap commercial and a stint as the original Faye Kabisote in “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko,” before starring in several movies, most notably a remake of “Dyesebel” in 1990.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza as PBA muses of Ginebra and Petron

2012-09-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

Two “It Girls” will help lend a touch of glamour for next Sunday’s PBA opening ceremonies.

Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza have been tapped as muses by teams from San Miguel Corporation.

Wilson will serve as muse for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, for which she is also an endorser and calendar girl. Apart from modeling, she is also a VJ and a television host.

Daza, the daughter of former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, will parade for the Petron Blaze Boosters. The 24-year-old began her career as a model before transitioning into television hosting and acting.

Another “It Girl”, Anne Curtis, will serve as muse for another SMC team, the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Air 21 and Rain Or Shine Muses in PBA Opening

2012-09-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Two beauty queens will take center stage to add a dash of glamour to the opening ceremonies of the PBA on September 30.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 Camille Guevara and Miss Earth 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz will be the muses of Rain or Shine and Air 21, respectively.

A native of Pampanga, the 5-foot-7, 19-year-old Guevarra will be the country’s representative for the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Spain in December.

Stefanowitz, a 22-year-old Filipino-German, will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth contest in Manila in November.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Qatar sent Smart-Gilas to 4th Place in 2012 Fiba Asia Cup

2012-09-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team lost its final assignment, 76-63, against Qatar to settle for fourth place in the FIBA Asia Cup Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.

The Philippine side shot a miserable 2-of-18 (11 percent) from beyond the arc and 38 percent overall as it couldn’t sustain a second half comeback run.

SMART-Gilas was still in striking distance, 61-54, midway through the fourth quarter when Qatar unleashed hit four three-pointers in a 12-2 run to seal the game.

Marcus Douthit once again led the charge for the Philippines with 17 points and nine rebounds despite injuring his ankle in the first half. Gary David, Jared Dillinger, and Gabe Norwood added 15, 12, and 10 points respectively.

But SMART-Gilas shooters Jeff Chan and Larry Fonacier were missing in action. Chan was scoreless after missing all six of his shots, while Fonacier managed just three points on 1-of-5 shooting.

Compounding the Philippines’ misery was Qatar’s size advantage, leading to a 47-31 edge in rebounding.

SMART-Gilas got off to a quick start in the game, grabbing an 8-2 lead early after Norwood scored on back-to-back opportunities in transition.

But the team went scoreless over the next six minutes of the period, allowing Qatar to come back and take a 12-8 lead by the end of the first.

Yousuf Mohmmed opened the second quarter with a three-pointer, the first of four in the game, as the Qataris took a seven-point advantage.

Douthit then took over, scoring seven of his 17 points in the quarter, as the Filipinos came back to within two points, 24-22, with 4:13 remaining. But the naturalized center had a scary moment late in the quarter, landing badly on his ankle on a rebound play and limping off the court with the help of teammates.

With Douthit off the floor, Qatar closed the half with a 7-2 run to take a 35-26 lead at the break.

The naturalized big man returned in the second half to score the first basket of the period. With David starting to hit and Douthit continuing to be productive despite the injury, the Philippines outscored Qatar 22-20 in the third quarter to stay within striking distance, 55-48, entering the final period.

David and Dillinger kept SMART-Gilas in the game in the fourth quarter, but the breaks of the game seemed to be squarely in Qatar’s corner, exemplified by a crucial possession in the quarter where Mohmmed banked in a difficult three-pointer with the shot clock running out that gave them a 64-54 lead, with 5:41 remaining.

David answered with a basket and Norwood followed it up with a big defensive play as the Filipinos looked primed to make one more run. But Chan couldn’t score on their next possession and Khalid Abdi knocked down a three from the left corner as Qatar extended its lead.

Daoud Musa Daoud then hit a three from almost the same spot, and Abdi added another from the opposite corner as Qatar blew the game wide open, taking a 73-56 lead to effectively seal it with just three minutes left on the clock.

David hit a three of his own but Qatar’s Trey Johnson responded with a three-point play. Dillinger scored a pair of buckets but Abdi closed it with another three, Qatar’s ninth make compared to just two for the Philippines, to close the game.

Mohmmed led Qatar with 17 points while Johnson added 16.

The loss put SMART-Gilas out of the running for a top-three finish and the automatic berth to next year’s FIBA Asia Championships in Lebanon that comes with it.

The scores:

Qatar (79) – Mohmmed 17, Johnson 16, Abdi 14, Saeed 10, Daoud 7, Salem 5, El-Hadary 4, Mohammed 4, Ali 2.

SMART-Gilas Pilipinas (63) – Douthit 17, David 15, Dillinger 12, Norwood 10, De Ocampo 3, Fonacier 3, Tenorio 2, Chan 0, Thoss 0, Villanueva 0.

Quarterscores: 12-8, 35-26, 55-48, 79-63.

-InterAKTV

San Mig Coffee Mixers sent Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull for a First Round Pick

2012-09-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

With an eye toward the future, the San Mig Coffee Mixers sent starting point guard Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull in exchange for a first round pick next year.

San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo confirmed the news to InterAKTV in a telephone interview.

“We don’t have a first and second round picks next year, so we have to give something to gain something,” said Pardo, who added that it was Barako Bull which initiated the trade.

Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi confirmed that the team asked for Urbiztondo’s services because rookie guard Eman Monfort was injured.

“He dislocated his finger and he will be sidelined for the next three months,” said Baculi.

At Barako Bull, Urbiztondo joins a guard corps that includes veteran Celino Cruz and rookie Lester Alvarez.

Roger Yap, another former guard from the Purefoods franchise, has also been signed by Barako Bull.

The Energy Colas own four first round picks next year, owing to trades the franchise undertook when it was still known as the old Air 21 Express. To sweeten the pot, Barako Bull will give San Mig Coffee the option to pick which of its four first rounders to give in exchange for Urbiztondo.

“We have the option of picking which among the four picks will be given to us,” said Pardo.

With Urbiztondo’s departure, the ballhandling duties for the Mixers will fall on Mark Barroca, Jonas Villanueva, and newly-signed Chris Pacana.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Meralco new Jerseys in upcoming PBA 38th Season

2012-09-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

As the Meralco Bolts look to a brighter future, they pay tribute to a glorious basketball past.

The team will be wearing the colors of the 1971 Meralco Reddy Kilowatts, a legendary team from the old MICAA, the precursor of the PBA. Team executive Mon Segismundo revealed the plans to InterAKTV in a text message.

The Reddies, bannered by Robert Jaworski, Francis Arnaiz, Orly Bauzon, Jimmy Mariano and the late Big Boy Reynoso among others, were a powerhouse team in the MICAA, forging a feverish rivalry with another fabled squad, the Crispa Redmanizers.

The Meralco-Crispa rivalry was the precursor of the Toyota-Crispa rivalry that spilled over in the PBA.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

PBA Official Fan Group Names

2012-09-22T07:52:00.001-07:00

With the success with AKTV’s “Kampihan Na!” campaign for the PBA, the league is taking it to the next level by embracing official fan group names for each of its 10 teams for the new season, which opens September 30.

The names, which came from the teams’ supporters themselves, will help fans identify more closely with their favorite teams and their fellow fanatics.

Below is the official list:

1. Air 21 – Ube Republic
2. Alaska – Gatas Republik
3. Barako Bull – Barako Brigade
4. Ginebra – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
5. GlobalPort – Batang Pier
6. Meralco – Bansang Meralco
7. Petron – Petroniverse
8. Rain or Shine – Bayan ng Rain or Shine
9. San Mig Coffee – San Mig Coffee Planet
10. Talk ‘N Text – TNT Nation

Sa’n ka?! Kampihan na!

-InterAKTV

Anne Curtis will be the Muse of the San Mig Coffee Mixers

2012-09-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Popular television and movie actress Anne Curtis will be the muse of the San Mig Coffee Mixers for the opening of the new season of the PBA on September 30.

San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo confirmed the news to InterAKTV.

The 27-year-old Curtis, one of the most sought-after celebrities in the country, is no stranger to the PBA, having served as muse for Ginebra in 2010. She stars in the newest commercial for San Mig Coffee, making her an easy choice for the basketball team.

Apart from film and television projects, Curtis was recently named an ambassador for peace by the Philippine government along with apl.de.ap, Gerald Anderson, and members of the Philippine national men’s football team.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

SMART-Gilas Second Straight Victory by Dispatching Uzbekistan

2012-09-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team barely broke a sweat in dispatching Uzbekistan, 85-50, for its second straight victory in the FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan.

Jeff Chan led all scorers with 20 points for the Philippine team, which was never seriously threatened in the game. SMART-Gilas limited Uzbekistan to just five points in the second quarter to break away for a 39-21 halftime lead before cruising to victory in the second half.

Chan, who had only managed to score five points total in the Philippines’ first two games in the tournament, had a breakout performance with 20 points, including four three-pointers, in just 18 minutes of play while Jared Dillinger was the only other Filipino in double figures. Five others players scored seven or more points for SMART-Gilas.

Chan found his touch early, firing 12 points in the first 6:05 of the game. And he did it in a variety of ways, knocking down three-pointers and getting easy opportunities in transition, as Gilas opened a 23-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Filipinos then turned the pressure up in the second behind PBA teammates Larry Fonacier and Jared Dillinger. Fonacier hit a big three-pointer to open the period, and Dillinger had two strong finishes – a difficult reverse layup and two-handed dunk – on back-to-back possessions as the Filipinos opened with 14-0 blast en route to a 39-21 lead at the halftime break.

SMART-Gilas showed no signs of slowing in the third, with LA Tenorio setting the tone early by finding Gabe Norwood wide open for an alley-oop dunk.

Chan then caught fire once again, scoring five straight points on a layup in the paint and a three. He then found naturalized center Marcus Douthit for an easy dunk. After Douthit made two more free throws to make it 50-23 for the Philippines with 6:44 remaining in the third, Chan came through yet again, hitting his fourth triple of the game to give the SMART-Gilas a whopping 30-point lead, 53-23.

With the game well in hand, the Filipinos took the opportunity to give many of their key players a rest, handing extended minutes to reserves, who pushed the lead to as high as 37 points in the fourth quarter.

Douthit, who led the team with a 25-point, 21-rebound effort in their previous game, played just a little over 14 minutes, finishing with nine points and four rebounds.

The struggles from the outside that plagued SMART-Gilas in their first two games, where they shot just 8-for-48, seemed to be past them as they nailed three of their first five attempts and finished with an 8-for-20 (40 percent) clip from beyond the arc.

SMART-Gilas wraps up its preliminary round campaign Sunday against another minnow, Macau, before proceeding to the crossover knockout quarterfinal round.

The scores:

SMART-Gilas Pilipinas (85) – Chan 20, Dillinger 10, Douthit 9, Rosser 8, David 7, Fonacier 7, Reyes 7, Villanueva 6, De Ocampo 5, Norwood 4, Tenorio 2, Thoss 0.

Uzbekistan (50) – Denisov 16, Juginisov 12, Kozlov 6, Rahimov 6, Yakhin 6, Nuraliev 2, Tangrikulov 2, Kadirov 0, Nabiev 0, Safarov 0, Timofeev 0.

Quarterscores: 23-16, 39-21, 63-33, 85-50.

-Mikkel Bolante, InterAKTV

Fiba Asia Cup Live Streaming

2012-09-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Philippines versus China

Friday, September 14, 3:30 p.m. LIVE, 8 p.m. replay

Philippines versus Lebanon

Saturday, September 15, 8 p.m.

Philippines versus Uzbekistan

Sunday, September 16, 1 p.m. LIVE, 7 p.m. replay

Philippines versus Macau

Monday, September 17, 10:30 a.m. LIVE, 8 p.m. replay

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SMART-Gilas notched its First Win Against Lebanon

2012-09-15T06:44:00.002-07:00

Naturalized center Marcus Douthit showed exactly why he’s such an important member of the SMART-Gilas national team as he dominated on the floor to help the Philippines defeat Lebanon, 78-68, in their Group A clash in the 4th FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan.

Douthit posted 25 points, 21 rebounds and one crucial block on longtime Lebanon star Fadi El-Khatib with under a minute to play as SMART-Gilas notched its first win of the tournament.

Gilas trailed Lebanon after a very tight first half that saw neither team lead by more than five points. Behind El-Khatib, who had 15 points and six rebounds in the first two periods, and their own naturalized player Garnett Thompson, who had 13 and seven, the Lebanese held a slim three-point edge, 41-38, at the halftime break.

But Douthit turned things around in the third period, crashing the offensive glass to score eight of his 10 points in the quarter off of second chance putbacks. His last two points, a pair of free throws with 23 seconds remaining in the third, gave Gilas a 59-53 lead, the largest for either team at that point.

The center had 16 points and 16 rebounds through the first three quarters.

But Lebanon issued a stiff challenge in the fourth, scoring six of the first eight points to come to within two, 61-59, off an El-Khatib triple early in the quarter. Ranidel De Ocampo scored for the Filipinos but Thompson responded with two of his own as the Lebanese looked determined to stick around.

But it was Douthit again that carried Gilas, scoring seven unanswered points and grabbing two defensive rebounds as the Filipinos opened up a 70-61 lead with just 3:29 to play.

Lebanon, though, wasn’t done yet with Rodrigue Akl and Jean Abdenour bringing them to within four yet again. Gary David scored for the Filipinos but El-Khatib found the net on the other end to make it 72-68 with just 1:09 remaining.

After a big defensive stop for Lebanon, it was El-Khatib again with a chance to cut the deficit down even further. But Douthit came up big once more for the Philippines, blocking the shot attempt and securing the ball for the Filipinos with 25 seconds left.

David hit again to push the lead up to six, 74-68, before LA Tenorio added a pair of free throws and Jared Dillinger sealed the win with a basket in the dying seconds as the Philippines grabbed their first win in the tournament.

David and Tenorio finished with 11 points apiece while Gabe Norwood and Dillinger each had 10 for SMART-Gilas.

The Filipinos outscored their counterparts 34-18 in the paint and 10-2 in second chance points.

El-Khatib led Lebanon with 24 points and 15 rebounds while Thompson finished with 17 and 11.

With the win, the Philippines tied their victims at 1-1 in Group A of the tournament. China and Uzbekistan lead the group with 1-0 marks while Macau brings up the rear at 0-2.

The scores:

SMART-Gilas Pilipinas (78) – Douthit 25, David 11, Tenorio 11, Dillinger 10, Norwood 10, De Ocampo 8, Fonacier 3, Chan 0, Thoss 0.

Lebanon (68) – F. El Khatib 24, Thompson 17, Akl 10, Abdelnour 8, C. El-Khatib 4, Sarkis 3, Stephan 2, Rustom 0, Tabet 0.

Quarterscores: 19-20, 38-41, 59-53, 78-68.

-Mikkel Bolante, InterAKTV

James Yap Takes Time to Help Flood Victims

2012-09-15T06:30:00.003-07:00

Fans of San Mig Coffee superstar James Yap organized a successful outreach event for victims of flood in the Cainta area last Sunday highlighted by the presence of the two-time Most Valuable Player.

Members of the King James Group of James Yap, a fan club formally organized just last June, came up with the idea of holding relief efforts for evacuees from flooding brought about by torrential rains in Luzon last month. The outreach event served as the formal launch for the King James Group.

For the event, the fans sought the help of Reena del Mundo, who handled marketing duties for the squad. She suggested the group hold a Soup Kitchen event, which is the feeding program of San Miguel Pure Foods Company that owns the PBA franchise.

With ingredients donated by the team as well as members of the fan club, the group brought seven calderos of arroz caldo to serve evacuees who were still living in covered basketball courts and unable to return to their homes. A total of 1,500 evacuees were from Barangay San Juan (Teacher’s Village District) and Barangay San Andres (Anak-Pawis District and Planters District) were served.

Yap himself led the serving of the arroz caldo, and gamely posed for pictures and signed autographs for everyone in the evacuation area.

Members of the King James Group also donated P5,000 worth of medicine, as well as three sacks of clothes.

After the event, Yap thanked members of his fan club for the opportunity to be part of the outreach program before saying goodbye. “5 a.m. gising ko. Dapat mag-practice nang husto. Mag-papa-condition kasi tumaba ako!”

-InterAKTV

China Beats SMART-Gilas in FIBA Asia Cup opener

2012-09-15T05:57:00.002-07:00

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas fell just short against a taller China squad, 71-68, in their opening match in the 4th FIBA Asia Cup Friday in Tokyo, Japan.

China, playing with a young team with an average age of just 20, grabbed a lead early after hounding the Philippines to bad three-point shooting and taking advantage of foul trouble on SMART-Gilas center Marcus Douthit.

But SMART-Gilas cut loose after the break, turning a 40-33 halftime deficit into a 56-54 advantage in the third quarter.

China established a double-digit advantage at 47-37, early in the third. But the Philippines responded with a 9-2 run that included a Jeff Chan three-pointer and back-to-back hits for Gabe Norwood in transition as they came to within three, 46-49.

The game was then delayed for about 20 minutes after the stadium lights went dark. The lengthy break looked to have snapped the momentum of the Filipinos, as China struck first upon the game’s resumption.

But Larry Fonacier scored on a putback and new addition Jared Dillinger hit a triple as SMART-Gilas tied the game at 51.

China took the lead back with a three-pointer but an unsportsmanlike foul by a Chinese player on Douthit swung the advantage the Philippines’ way. Douthit sank both free throws and Gary David knocked down a corner three to make it 56-54 for SMART-Gilas at the end of three quarters.

SMART-Gilas opened the fourth quarter with an 8-2 run to take a 64-56 lead with 6:32 to play, but China, behind national team mainstay Guo Ailun, responded with an 11-0 run of its own to take a three-point edge, 67-64, with less than two minutes left.

David and Douthit stopped the bleeding at that point, trading baskets with their Chinese counterparts. With SMART-Gilas down three points with 40 seconds left, Chan and David each missed attempts from beyond the arc.

SMART-Gilas sent Cao Fei to the line, but the Chinese guard missed both free throws, giving the Philippines another chance. But LA Tenorio and Chan missed final three-point attempts that could have tied the game.

The 19-year-old Guo, the only player on the squad who participated in the 2012 London Olympics, scored a game-high 18 points. FIBA Asia Under-18 MVP Wang Zhelin struggled with foul trouble, playing only 15 minutes but posting six points and 14 rebounds.

SMART-Gilas was led by Ranidel De Ocampo with 11 points while Douthit and Larry Fonacier finished with 10 points a piece.

-InterAKTV

Barako Bull Acquires Ballesteros from Meralco

2012-09-11T16:11:00.003-07:00

Barako Bull beefed up its frontline Tuesday by acquiring 6-foot-7 center Jason Ballesteros from Meralco in exchange for veterans Carlo Sharma and Sunday Salvacion.

Ballesteros, a former member of the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national program, spent most of his rookie season on the bench for the Bolts, but Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi believes he can develop into a key contributor.

“I still believe in the saying, you can’t teach height, so it’s hard to pass up a 6-foot-7 player like Ballesteros,” Baculi told InterAKTV. “He’s a project player. We will see if our coaching skills will be able to turn him into an effective player.”

Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio said the deal gives the Bolts two players who can step in and contribute right away. Sharma, he said, will help fill the void created by the departure of Asi Taulava, who has signed with the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League.

“We need someone who can be an efficient defender at the post and give Jay-R Reyes some quality minutes, that’s why we got Sharma,” Gregorio said in a telephone interview.

“We have to remember to that June Mar Fajardo will be playing this season so we need someone who can defend him at the post. As for Salvacion, he will shore up our small forward spot because Mark Borboran always gets hurt lately. He will open up the floor for us.”

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Tim Cone Apologizes to Alaska for San Mig Coffee Walkout

2012-09-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone took to Twitter to apologize to the Alaska Aces and coach Luigi Trillo for his team’s walkout in their tuneup game on Tuesday.

“No big deal. We asked to halt the practice game. We weren’t ready to play. My fault in scheduling it,” wrote Cone on his Twitter account.

He added that the ejection of Jerwin Gaco was not the reason for his decision to have the game halted.

“It was more about the fear of injury to our key guys than the call. We’re not in shape yet and guys were cramping. Again, my fault,” added Cone.

Cone asked the tuneup to be stopped in the third quarter shortly after Gaco was called for a flagrant foul for elbowing Eddie Laure. Trillo told InterAKTV that the call was justified.

San Miguel Corporation official Noli Eala earlier claimed that the call was the reason for the stoppage.

“Alaska-San Mig Coffee game stopped because of another bad call by refs,” wrote Eala on his Twitter account.

-InterAKTV

San Mig Coffee Walked Out of its Tuneup Match against Alaska

2012-09-11T15:56:00.001-07:00

It turns out that coffee and milk don’t always make for a perfect combination.

San Mig Coffee walked out of its tuneup match against Alaska on Tuesday at the Reyes Gym after Mixers coach Tim Cone disagreed with a call by the referees.

The Aces were leading 63-50 in the third quarter when San Mig Coffee forward Jerwin Gaco was thrown out of the game for warding off with his elbow against Alaska’s Eddie Laure. Cone vehemently protested the call before leading his team out of the court.

“Cone proceeds to Alaska bench, shakes hands of Aces coaching staff. Tapos ang laro,” wrote veteran journalist Dennis Principe on his Twitter account, where he provided updates on the game.

Cone refused to take calls by InterAKTV on the matter.

Alaska coach Luigi Trillo, meanwhile, said the call on Gaco was correct, saying that it really was flagrant.

It marked the second straight day with a tuneup game involving a PBA team being halted. On Monday, a tuneup game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Qatar national team was stopped after an altercation between Kerby Raymundo and a Qatari center.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Caguioa in Smart Gilas “I don’t want to disrupt the team’s chemistry”

2012-09-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

Shortly after Mark Caguioa won Most Valuable Player honors, SMART-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes sent out a Twitter message congratulating him and throwing out the possibility of the Ginebra hotshot returning to the national team.

Caguioa, who was awarded the PBA Press Corps Comeback Player of the Year on Monday night, is flattered by the idea, but said the team is doing very well without him.

“I don’t want to disrupt the team’s chemistry,” Caguioa told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview. “Man, the team won the Jones Cup and I don’t think they will still need me there. They don’t have to make any changes, except only when one of the players get injured.”

Caguioa said the team has enough firepower even without him.

“I don’t want to take away some minutes from Gary (David) and Jeff (Chan). They’ve been playing so well. Isa pa, maganda na yung samahan nila on and off the court. Guys have developed a special bonding among themselves,” said Caguioa, who played for Reyes in the national team in 2007.

“Who doesn’t want to play for Coach Chot? It’s an opportunity that hardly comes. But I have so much respect for the players who were selected there, players who have worked so hard and sacrificed a lot. To me, it would be unfair if I will be included there. They deserved their spots more,” he said.

SMART-Gilas leaves for the FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo this week, with the Philippine team facing a tough China training squad in its opening assignment. Caguioa believes it would be tough, but anything is possible.

“You just have to believe and I’m sure the players themselves have belief in their selves and their level of confidence is higher now,” Caguioa said.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV