Pinoy Basketball Fan

Is it true that this Peter Pan monickered baller has called it quits with his girlfriend after rumors that they’d be getting married soon? According to people close to mr. cager, it happened even before the girlfriend gave birth recently. So it isn’t true that the baller is inspired during ballgames (he averages more than 25 points in his last 4 games) because he has a “family”. The question is what happens to the house said to be bought by the ex-couple in Merville, Paranaque? I forgot to ask about the child custody. But legally, it must stay with the mother.

Many speculations are coming out. Could it be that he can’t leave his gay benefactor just like that since his family is still struggling financially? Could it be that he is aiming for someone as big time as other PBA wives? One thing for sure… he’s currently becoming one of the PBA’s deadliest scoring machines.

PBA Weddings

A lot of PBA players are lined up for their wedding bells this year. Probably since most of the ballers playing for the pro-league are in their mid-20s. Event organizers and catering companies are becoming richer these days huh.

Kelly Williams
Larry Fonacier
Gerard Francisco
Paulo Hubalde
Doug Kramer

Maybe basketball lovers were all glued to the PBA games because of their eagerness to see who’s the team that improved the most after almost two months of vacation (except of course Sta. Lucia and Purefoods). And maybe we all know which teams won Air21 won against Welcoat in the first game, 105-96. In the second game, Red Bull ousted Ginebra 89-83. Ginebra lead most of the 2nd quarter and 3rd quarter but Red Bull made a big turnaround 3 minutes before the final buzzer when they took the lead, 82-81.

Here are my courtside observations:

-Both Sunday Salvacion and Junthy Valenzuela didn’t play for Ginebra and Red Bull respectively. I smell they will be traded na talaga. What will those Ginebra fans who call Valenzuela a “Diego” say this time?

-Let me correct myself for saying some days ago that Macky Escalona moved to Welcoat. Apparently not. He suited up for the GinKings.

-Welcoat’s import Jason Keep who happens to be an Alex Crisano look-a-like isn’t worth keeping. No offense meant but it seems parang ayaw manalo ng Welcoat. They let Coach Leo Austria resign, they traded experienced Nic Belasco to a young Mark Isip? (where’s the match up?) and they got an import who displayed a mediocre performance debut. And overall, they have a non-impressive line up. Again, no offense meant. Why don’t they let Estong Ballesteros play?

-May asim pa si Victor Pablo. He scored 6 points last night against Red Bull. I think his three shots were all in the perimeter. Welcome back then!

-JC Intal is missed. If I heard it from JC correctly, it’s his allergy that will sideline him. I hope he gets better really soon! Oh and by the way, Mike Holper underwent ACL operation. That’d mean 6 months or so of rest.

-For the people who were there in Araneta, did you see that guy behind the Air21 and Ginebra goal? I do not know if I’d laugh at him or be concerned. He definitely caught everyone’s attention.

The Port Masters remain unbeaten after displaying awesome shooting performance in the second quarter of their match against Pharex 99-77. Gilbert Malabanan scored 10 of his 14 points in the second quarter, backed by Jason Castro’s contribution of 10 points and 9 rebounds.

In the second game, got it’s second consecutive win through a victory over Noosa Shoes 85-74. RJ Jazul was the best player of the game with 19 points. The entry of Japs Cuan and Jazul made quite an impact to the team, as Toyota’s got legit guards which they seemed to lack in the early part of the first round elimination.

Games Tuesday
(Rizal Memorial Coliseum)
2 p.m. – Toyota Otis vs Bacchus
4 p.m. – Harbour Centre vs Burger King

Emmanuel Boybits Victoria started playing for the Swift in 1994. But the team has already changed its name to Sunkist Orange Juicers when I knew him personally. He’s certainly one of the most approachable PBA stars I knew. That was 1996. Fast forward 2008, he plays as Coca Cola’s assistant to Coach Binky Favis.

For PBA fans who frequent the game venues, they prolly know Ate Dorie as Boybits’ very loyal fan. She invited us for a lunch with Coach Boybits in time for her birthday. We asked her some questions.

PBF: How did the two of you meet?
Ate Dorie: Nagta-trabaho ako noon kay Nap Gutierrez. Ako yung taga hila ng player na mag guest sa show niya. Isang araw may dumating na player sa office, siya pala si Boybits, na tinutulungan ni Nap nung nasa San Beda pa si Boy (that’s how she calls Boybits). Yun, sinabi ko kay Nap na fan ako ni Boy, dun nagsimula yun.

PBF: Paano kayo naging close sa isa’t isa?
Ate Dorie: Dahil sobrang bait niya, palagi pa nang-aakbay. Palagi ako pumupunta sa practice nila.

PBF: What are the qualities ni Boybits na gusto mo?
Ate DOrie: Hindi siya mayabang. May isang pagkakataon, nung buo na yung fans club, tapos palagi sa Finals yung Swift, we thought of making him a banner. Tapos tinanong namin siya kung ano ang monicker na gusto niya, he said huwag na lang daw. Ok na yung name ng fans club na lang ang ilagay sa banner.

PBF: What’s your memorable moment with Boybits?
Ate Dorie: Kapag anniversary ng fans club, siya yung nagpapa cater, tapos pag birthday ko at birthday niya (Boybits- May 9), ganun din, siya ang bahala.

PBF: How do you see your relationship with Boybits some years from now?
Ate Dorie: Hangga’t buhay pa ako, kahit hindi na siya basketball player, I’ll continue supporting him, kasi alam ko ganun din siya sa akin.

Talking about loyalty! These pictures were taken during the 1990’s.

PBL News
by JP Abcede
Harbour Centre ran down Hapee Toothpaste, 88-69, in the continuation of the 2008 PBL Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup at The Arena. Batang Pier led by as much as 26 in the game. Jonathan Fernandez topscored with 22 points on 6/9 three-point shooting. Harbour Centre remains undefeated.
Meanwhile, Toyota Otis had its first win, defeating San Mig Coffe, 92-86. Chito Jaime had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Sparks.

Sam Ekwe to join RP Team in Seaba
by Admin
San Beda Red Lions star Sam Ekwe will be joining the Harbour-RP team to compete in the SEABA tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia which starts on April 3. He is the only addition to the team that won the Gold medal in the 2007 SEA games. Unlike last year, no import would play for the team lead by Jason Castro, TY Tang and Solomon Mercado. Harbour-RP team won the title last year with Julius Nwosu and Vidal Massiah as reinforced imports.

I thought I was watching a boxing match which resulted in a draw. The PBA Ateneo - La Salle Showdown had a final score of 90-90. It’s the first time I saw a basketball game which didn’t have any declared winner. As early as now it looks like both blue and green squad are going to have another rematch very soon.

Villanueva was the top scorer of the game with 24 points while Sharma topped La Salle with 15. No event similar to the Villanueva-Yeo incident in the 2005 Ateneo - La Salle Dream Games occurred during the game.

For the information of the basketball afficionados, the game didn’t need an overtime since it was just an exhibition match. Soon after the match were hand shakes between the rivals. It was followed by the singing of their respective Alma Mater Songs like it was a UAAP game.

The crowd was on their feet mostly during the second half of the game as both teams displayed more intensity until the dying seconds. It was Mike Cortez who forced a tie when he made two free throws off a foul by LA Tenorio. Wesley Gonzales missed the last shot of the game which could have given Ateneo another victory over La Salle.

Like the opinionated question of some alumni from both schools, I wonder if this abuse of  the popularity of the rivalry will ever end. It appears that the they made it a milking cow that whenever there’s a fund raiser or whatsoever, the match up is what comes into mind. It’s not I’m over reacting or being selfish but can’t they think of other forms of charity events? Besides, there are other deserving universities we could tap to participate for such a cause anyway. Generally, I like the fact that I’m part of this Ateneo-La Salle hype since I’m from one of both schools. I can’t explain the feeling when you’re there supporting your team showing everyone how loyal you are and I’m sure others do feel the same way. My main concern is maybe we can give others the chance to shine.

Burger King stopped Pharex’s momentum, 82-78, at the Rizal Memorial
Coliseum on March 18. Abby Santos was adjudged best player after
contributing 17 points and ten rebounds. Both teams are tied at second
behind undefeated Harbour Centre with a 5-2 standing.
Noosa Shoes is on the upswing once more, defeating Bacchus Energy Drink, 88-73.

Read the full article at UBELT.COM

-As promised, here’s the complete list of imports this coming Smart Fiesta Cup which kicks off in Davao Del Norte. After the alleged acquisition of former Utah Jazz mainman Karl Malone as import, (talking about boasting) they ended up getting Adam Parada. It was also reported that the Barakos was trying to get the services of Jameel Watkins, but Magnolia won the race. Seven-foot Parada is a former Mexican national team member. He’s scheduled to arrive today.

-It’s confirmed, Leo Austria resigned as head coach of the Welcoat  Dragons less than two weeks before the start of the PBA Fiesta Cup. Reports have it that assistant coach Caloy Garcia is being eyed to replace Austria. This is kinda sad (I mean regarding coach Leo’s resignation) he’s mabait, especially his wifey.

A week before the second PBA conference opens, fans will have the chance to witness another game to enjoy. More importantly, it will highlight the historic rivalry between two of the most prominent universities in the country, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle Green Archers.

Organized by the PBA, headed by commissioner Sonny Barrios and the PBA Board of Governors , the project’s proceeds will go directly to the Players’ Educational Trust Fund. The game will be held in Araneta Coliseum on March 23, 2008, which falls on an Easter Sunday.

Expected to play for the Ateneo side are Enrico Villanueva, Larry Fonacier, JC Intal, Paolo Bugia, Wesley Gonzales, LA Tenorio, Doug Kramer, Macky Escalona, Magnum Membrere, Gec Chia and veteran Olsen Racela. Chot Reyes is tapped to be the blue side’s head coach.

For the green archers, the line up includes RenRen Ritualo, Don Allado, Mark Telan, Mark Cardona, Mike Cortez, Adonis Sta. Maria, Ryan Arana, Carlo Sharma, Willie Wilson, Joseph Yeo, JunJun Cabatu and JR Aquino. Ginebra mentor Jong Uichico will be leading the La Salle side.