Cebuana Lhuillier braces for tough encounter

Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo is bracing for a tough encounter
against the FCA Cultivators on Thursday as the two teams attempt for a
second straight win in the PBA D-league Foundation Cup.

The Gems’ kick off game against Cafe France was practically a walk in
the park but Trillo sees this one coming as a test to their character
and resiliency.

“FCA is playing great basketball right now,” observes Trillo, who
considers Pharex and FCA solid “chemistry wise”.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-FCA match-up is scheduled at 4p.m. at the San
Juan gym. It follows the 2 o’clock showdown between RnW Pacific Pipes
and NLEX.

Trillo, who also serve as deputy to Alaska coach Tim Cone in the PBA,
particularly pointed to Alfredo Gerilla, Raphael Reyes and Alex
Mallari as the guys they have to contain to slow down the Cultivators.

“They are playing at a very high level so we have to control them,” he said.

FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco agreed it will be a hell-of-a leather
encounter but said his team will be coming into the game as the
underdog.

“It’s going to be tough going up against a more veteran team being
coached by a veteran bench tactician. We will come out and play hard
and try to give them a good match,” Dysangco said.

Cebuana Lhuillier and FCA are seeking to pull abreast with Group B
leader Cobra Energy Drink (2-0).

The showdown between RnW Pacific Pipes and NLEX in Group A also
promises to be interesting as both teams try to bounce back from
disappointing defeats the last time out.

RnW Pacific Pipes (1-1) blew their chance to gain a share of the lead
after coming up short in a 69-72 loss against Black Water Perfume
(1-1) last week.

The same thing happened to the NLEX Road Warriors (1-1) who sputtered
in the closing seconds and eventually lost to Group A leader Pharex
Bidang Generix, 74-79.

“The loss to Pharex was a painful one but we have to move on,” said
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

He said RnW Pacific Pipes is tough to beat with Vic Manuel, Jim Viray
and Rex Leynes.

“So we have to play as a team on both ends if we want to get our
second win,” Fernandez said. 

Telecast of these games will be aired on a delayed basis beginning at

6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays over IBC-13.PR

James Yap leads All-Star balloting

AS expected, James Yap emerged as the frontrunner in the early
balloting for the coming 2011 PBA All-Star game the island paradise of
Boracay is hosting for the first time.

Yap, the league’s two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) from Derby Ace,
received a total of 7,452 fan votes to lead all candidates comprising
the roster of both North and South teams for the May 18-23 festivities
dubbed `Hala Bola Boracay 2011 All Star weekend’

The former University of the East star is tops among backcourt players
for the South squad that also included Talk `N Text’s Jimmy Alapag
(4,338), Cyrus Baguio of Alaska (3,933), Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros
(3,303) and Ronald Tubid of Barangay Ginebra (2,763).

Among the South big men (center/forwards), San Miguel’s Jay Washington
leads the pack with 4,824 votes followed by Kelly Williams of Talk `N
Text (4,194), Meralco’s Asi Taulava (3,798), Ginebra’s Eric Menk
(3,240) and the Alaska duo of Joe Devance (2,997) and Sonny Thoss
(2,799).

Meanwhile, Yap’s Derby Ace teammate, Mark Pingris received the highest
number of votes so far among players from the North side.

The energetic forward tallied 3,807 votes to lead the list of top
North big men. At second is fellow Llamados Kerby Raymundo with 3,312
and at third is Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, the 2010 All-Star MVP,
with 2,988.

Likewise getting the nod of the fans are Ginebra’s JC Intal (2,466),
veteran San Miguel center Danny Ildefonso (2,160) and Ginebra’s Rudy
Hatfield (2,124).

The popular Ginebra combo of Mark Caguioa and Willie Miller shows the
way in the guard position with votes of 3,375 and 2,488, respectively.

Rounding out the other top three guard candidates for the North team
are Alaska’s L.A. Tenorio (2,016), San Miguel’s Alex Cabagnot (2,007)
and Paul Artadi of Air21 (1,773).

Voting, which began last Feb. 27, is still ongoing and will only be
held during game days at the PBA playing venue.

Final day of voting is on April 10.

Reserves of both teams will be chosen by the nine PBA coaches, but who
are prohibited from voting their players.

The rest of the participants in the other events will be made on the
first week of April.

Members of Pilipinas-Smart Gilas team were not included in the voting
as the Nationals are set to see action in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions
Cup from May 28 to June 5 which the country is hosting.

Last year the North All Stars edged out South, 133-132, during the
All-Star game held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.PR

Max Bond Super Glue coach admits mess

Max Bond Super Glue coach Pido Jarencio said their opening game in PBA
D-League Foundation Cup was sort of  just getting-the feel-of-it for
most of his players.

In fact, he readily admitted that the Sumos were a total mess in their
61-82 blowout loss against the Maynilad Water Dragons last week.

“Yun kasing mga beterano ko medyo matagal di naka-paglaro ng
competitive basketball mula ng mawala ang PBL, so medyo nangangapa pa
sila,” explained Jarencio of his team’s opening day jitters.

The Sumos return to action on Tuesday and Jarencio is very confident
his troops will play exactly the way they should in their 2 p.m. Group
B match-up against Café France at the Adamson Gym.

Café France also lost its kick off game by a huge margin, 62-83,
against Cebuana Lhuillier, one of the pre-tournament favourites.

“Malaki ang kumpiyansa ko na makakabawi kami,” said Jarencio, adding
his troops have realized they need to be disciplined and execute their
game plan to the letter if they intend to be competitive in the
fledgling league.

The PC Gilmore Wizards and Freego Jeans also attempt to enter the win
track in Group A when they face each other at 4 p.m.

PC Gilmore sputtered down the stretch and lost, 72-76, against RnW
Pacific Pipes on opening day while Freego Jeans got bamboozled by
NLEX, 71-82. 

Telecast of the games will be aired on a delayed basis beginning at 

6pm every Tuesdays and Thursdays over IBC-13. (PR)

Davao's Simon, Tenorio of Alaska are Players of the Week

THRESHING out the great players from mere mortals is easy. All one needs to do
is to spot those who step up big-time, especially when the chips are down.
That is exactly what Alaska’s Lewis Alfred “LA” LA Tenorio and B-MEG Derby Ace’s
Peter June “PJ” Simon just recently did to stoke their respective team’s drive
in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and earn for themselves the  Accel-PBA Press
Corps’ Co-Players of the Week honors for the period March 21 to 27.
It was the second such award for Tenorio in the conference, having been already
cited for the period Feb. 21- 28, while the honor was Simon‘s second for the
season, coming after his similarly exceptional performance in the Nov. 8 to 14
span of the Philippine Cup, when he posted a two-game average of 29.0 points.
 This time, Simon normed 23.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in leading injury-plagued
Derby Ace past previously unbeaten Smart-Gilas and San Miguel Beer in a pair of
overtime games that stoked their drive to the playoffs.
What makes those numbers special is the fact they came at a time when the
Llamados were sorely missing the services of reigning MVP James Yap (calf
strain), Rico Maierhofer (ACL), Don Allado (foot), Jonas Villanueva (ankle),
Rafi Reavis (hand) and Jondan Salvador (shoulder).
“PJ has been stepping up in the absence of James and he has become our
go-to-guy,” noted Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent after Simon’s heroics enabled
the team to improve its win-loss record to 4-4.
“I hope he continues to inspire the whole team.”
As stimulating was Tenorio while leading Alaska to a come-from-behind 104-101
win, also in OT, over Meralco last Friday.
With import LD Williams ejected barely four minutes into the game, Tenorio
exploded for a new career-high 33 points in leading the gritty bunch of local
Aces who rose to the occasion.

The heady playmaker made half of his 20 shots, including four triples, and added
eight rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocked shots in 39 minutes in
a sterling all-around performance rarely seen on local shores.
“LA did everything to bring us back. It’s incredible to watch LA do that kind of
stuff,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone, taking special note of Tenorio’s two triples
highlighting an 11-0 burst in the last three minutes of regulation that brought
the Aces back.
As is his wont, Tenorio refused to hog all the credit.
“After na ma-thrown out ang import namin we as a team decided to play harder and
just continue playing. The most important thing was everyone stepped up, not
only me but everyone in the team,” he stated.
“Siguro I was lucky lang talaga that time na the ball was in my hand during the
crucial part of the game. Basta I played hard lang talaga that game and grabbed
the opportunity to step up.”
The win jacked the Aces’ record to 5-2, tantalizingly close to a top two spot
and an automatic semifinals berth, but surely safe enough to ensure passage into
the next round.PR

Black Water Perfume outplays RnW Pacific Pipes, 72-69

Gio Ciriacruz made four free throws in the closing seconds and  Black
Water Perfume rallied from a poor start and outplayed RnW Pacific
Pipes down the stretch for a 72-69 victory in Group A Thursday in the
PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Joshua Saret showed the way for Back Water Perfume (1-1) with 13
points and Vergel Zulueta added 12 as the Elite bounced back after
losing their opening game against Group A leader Pharex (2-0).

In Group B play, Cobra Energy Drink crushed Junior Powerade, 86-73.

With John Paul Lee, Joseph Hermosisima and Kenneth Acibar knocking
shot after shot, Cobra Energy Drink opened the third quarter with 30-4
run that ripped the game wide open.

Hermosisima, who had 20 points, ended that run with 3-pointer and a
basket effectively sealing the Ironmen’s second straight victory that
catapulted into the lead in Group B.

Lee led all scorers with 22 points on 7 of 14 shooting. He also had
four steals, three assists and eight rebounds. Acibar contributed 18
points and 11 rebounds as Cobra outrebounded Powerade, 31-23.

Alvin Padilla and John Smith had 14 points apiece for Junior Powerade
which picked up its second straight loss.


The Elite struggled with their offense early, fell behind by 13 but
stay in the game with their pressured defense until Zulueta put on a
scoring clinic in the third quarter as Black Water Perfume gained
momentum going into the fourth.

Then Ciriacruz, who managed just seven points, took over by knocking
two free throws with 43 seconds remaining that broke a tied game and
put the Elite ahead to stay. He capped his splendid effort with 12
rebounds, four assist and block.

“This is an inspiration win to my players. By now they have realized
that we can compete and win in this tournament,” said Black Water
Perfume coach Leo Isaac.

Rex Leynes led RnW Pacific Pipes with 13 points. His 3-point shot with
57 seconds left tied the count at 68-68 and had another chance to tie
game with 6.5 ticks to go but he missed the first of two free throws.

With the game tied after three quarters, Isaac turned to Jonathan
Belorio, Adrian Celada and Ciriacruz – his former players at Arellano
U -- to make sure their plays are executed to the letter.

“When it comes to end-game play kailangan may ulo. So I relied on
those players who have been under me for sometime,” Isaac said.
His gambit worked as the Elite held RnW Pacific Pipes (1-1)to only
eight points in the last seven minutes.

Celada, who had 11 points, also did a good defensive job on free agent
Jim Viray, who managed just four points in 27 minutes. Viray exploded
for 22 points in RnW Pacific Pipes opening game victory against PC
Gilmore.

RnW Pacific Pipes threatened to rip the game early when it roared to
an 18-3 advantage as Black Water Perfume went without a field goal
during a 10-minute stretch.

After Black water Perfume opened a 54-52 lead in the fourth,
RnW Pacific Pipes scored the next seven points to go up by five only
to sputtered down the stretch.


The scores:
First Game
Black Water 72 – Saret 13, Zulueta 12, Celada 11, Acidre 11, Ciriacruz
9, Belorio 9, Mazo 5, Lapuz 2, Caperal 0, Del Rosario 0.

RnW Pacific Pipes 69 – Leynes 13, Ilagan 11, Del Rio 11, Sabellina 9,
Manuel 7, Melegrito 4, Musngi 4, Viray 4, Importante 3, Lansang 3,
Cornejo 0, Delgado 0, Guillermo 0, Ynion 0.

Quarters: 13-24; 33-36; 52-42; 72-69.

Second Game

Cobra Energy Drink 86 – Lee 22, Hermosisima 20, Acibar 18, Sanga 8,
Foronda 4, Bandayang 4, Reyes 3, Riosipa 3, Baloran 2, Abaya 2.

Powerade 73 – Smith 14, Padilla 14, Jeffries 12, Martinez 10, Sison 7,
Gomez 6, Gamboa 4,  Gingerich 2, Ilad 2, Wong 2, Juruena 0, Maniego 0,

Quarters: 17-16; 38-36; 72-55; 86-73.PR

Southern Minda teams ready for Nat'l PRISAA C'ships in Zambo City next month

*BASKETBALL Men [Event Chairperson: MARLAN JOSE]

1. Andres , MJ Zenegger AGRO

2. Bangga , Nichole John AGRO

3. Bordas , Leo Patric HCDC

4. Bulac , Jumabon JMC

5. Cantorne , Donnie Ray HCDC

6. Costaños , Jonathan HCDC

7. Cutin , Francis Joseph JMC

8. Josol , Jon Ryan HCDC

9. Manlangit , Glenn HCDC

10. Ochate , Levie HCDC

11. Pinto , Nard John HCDC

12. Plata , Miguel UM DAVAO

13. Ruiz , Clemente AGRO

14. Tagarao , Kim Loey UM DIGOS

15. Villagonzalo , Rowell HCDC

Coach: Nobleza , Adel Gino Paulo HCDC

Asst.: Pido , Ramon HCDC

*BASKETBALL Women [Event Chairperson: MARLAN JOSE]

1. Arado , Kate Glea SPC

2. Badayos , Jhoane UM DAVAO

3. Cantaluna , Karen UM DAVAO

4. Chan , Jaimee Marie BC

5. Cuevas , Charissa Mae UM DAVAO

6. Gestopa , Lorelaine UM DAVAO

7. Lanaban , Hazel Cristie SPC

8. Lozano , Kristine Jane BC

9. Lupogan , Pamela SPC

10. Mabitag , Javie-Ann UM DAVAO

11. Olaguer , Davie Jane BC

12. Ontua , Ana Mae UM DAVAO

13. Sabayton , Jonah HCDC

14. Sango , Lindabler UM DAVAO

15. Tuling , Fabie Lyn HCDC

Coach: Sarabia , Chrisanthemum UM DAVAO

Asst.: Dayot , Roseminda UM DAVAO

M. Lhuillier keeps 'Araw' cage crown

M. LHUILLIER Kwarta-Padala of Cebu used a suffocating defense and a fiery offense anchored on main gunner Ian Saladaga to crush Montaña Pawnshop, 94-80, and capture the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Araw ng Dabaw Invitational basketball tournament crown before a capacity crowd at the fully-airconditioned Davao City Recreation Center Sunday night.

M. Lhuillier jumped to a 7-0 lead using a man-to-man defense and utilized the early advantage as a springboard to the lopsided victory as the home team simply fell apart from a maze of errors and sloppy plays.

With the win, the Cebuano dribblers retained the crown they won last year and pocketed the P75,000 champion's purse in the five-team field organized by Liga Dabaw and staged as one of the sports highlights of the 74th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.



M. Lhuillier, mentored by Yayoy Alcoseba, bagged P95,000 all in all as Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte also gave P20,000 to each of the teams just for competing in the five-day event.

It was a double celebration for M. Lhuillier as Saladaga emerged the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He had a game-high 24 points in the final game aside from providing the spark for his team with timely baskets down the stretch.

Both M. Lhuillier and Montaña actually finished the single round-robin tournament tied at three wins and one loss each, but the former was declared the champion because of "the team that beat the other" rule.

Bruce Dacia and Nat Cruz provided scoring support for Saladaga with 16 and 15, respectively.

Monta¤a was led by Henry Fernandez with 17 points. Eugene Torres had 15 and Dado Asyon 13.

Montaña finished second to pocket P70,000 while CM Farm and Goldstar Hardware ended up third and fourth, respectively. CM Farm received P55,000 and Goldstar got P45,000. Sanman Corporation ended up fifth and received P30,000.

Liga Dabaw vice chair Atty. Mans Carpio, the husband of the mayor, awarded the cash prizes and trophies to the winners right after the final match.

Atty. Caprio was assisted by Liga Dabaw secretary general William "Butch" Ramirez, assistant city administrator Erwin Alparaque and Regino "Boy" Cua, Region 11 director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) which sanctioned the tournament. (Charles Raymond A. Maxey)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 22, 2011.

Mark the transformer

MARK Caguioa’s growth as a player has been clearly evident in the PBA
Commissioner’s Cup and Barangay Ginebra is all the better because of it.
With the man primarily known before as a scorer now fully evolved into a team
man as well, the Kings have sustained their rise to near the top of the
standings and in a very good position to clinch one of the six playoff spots up
for grabs in the mid-season tourney.
Nobody has a clearer view of what the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week
for the period March 14 to 20 has recently done than Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“He has been a great transformation player, from a scorer to a playmaker who can
score. That’s evolution in terms of basketball,” noted Uichico of the man
instrumental in stoking their winning streak to three.
In the Kings’ 99-86 victory over Air21 followed by a 106-94 triumph over San
Miguel Beer, Caguioa averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5
steals while coming off the bench each time.
What made the man nicknamed “The Spark” earn the scribes’ nod over Powerade’s
Gary David was Caguioa’s  ability to still ignite – and even stoke – whatever
run Ginebra may need, like in the game against SMB last Sunday.
Caguioa picked up from where Nate Brumfield left off by scoring 10 straight
points as he single-handedly put away what had been a 96-91 game.
Caguioa seems to be enjoying more his reliever’s role, a job he has had their
last five games, as he also had 14 points and six rebounds against Air21 last
Wednesday.
Those back-to-back victories and three-game streak put Ginebra at 4-2 and in a
tie for third-running spot with Alaska behind unbeaten leader Smart-Gilas and
Talk N Text (5-1).
With only three games left in the eliminations, Uichico wants his players to
continue bringing their A-game as they continue striving for a top-tier spot.
For sure, Caguioa aims to do just that.(pr)

Early showdown pits two title contenders

Games on March 22, Tuesday
      (FEU gym)

2 p.m. – Max Bond Super Glue vs. Maynilad
4 p.m. – NLEX vs. Pharex

AN early showdown pitting two title contender highlights Tuesday's
doubleheader of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FEU gym in
Morayta.

On the day Max! Bond Super Glue makes it debut, all eyes will be on the
potentially explosive encounter between the NLEX Road Warriors and the
Pharex Batang Generix set at 4 p.m.

The match features two of the pre-season favorites for the inaugural
championship of the fledgling league and two of the three teams
currently on top of Group A.

Behind the combined 34 points of San Sebastian stalwart Calvin Abueva
and free agent Ogie Menor, the Road Warriors flattened Freego Jeans in
its opening match, 82-71.

Not to be outdone, the Batang Generix were equally impressive in a
100-90 demolition of Black Water as Marlon Adolfo exploded for 25
points and Jayson Deutchman posted double-double figures of 16 markers
and 10 rebounds.

As if that’s not enough, Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan admitted the team
has yet to play as one cohesive unit.

“The team has not really experienced a time to bond and know each
other. Good thing our defense hold and enable us to win. I hope we
jell sooner than later,” Tan said.

Coach Pido Jarencio and his Sumos are the last ones to see action for
the first time, opening their campaign with a 2 p.m. match up with the
Maynilad Water Dragons in a meeting between teams from Group B.

Jarencio will be banking on a core of young and veteran players that
included Santiago Cabatu, Roel Hugnatan, Rudy Lingganay, Reil
Cervantes, Mark Benitez and his own players from Santo Tomas, Jeric
Teng and Jeric Fortuna.

The Water Dragons, powered by the roster of reigning NCAA seniors cage
champion San Beda, fell to the Cobra Ironmen in their debut, 78-70.

These games will be aired right after on delayed telecast at 6:00pm over IBC-13.(pr)

Goldstar stuns M. Lhuillier

GOLDSTAR Hardware scored a major upset in its final game, dealing defending champion M. Lhuillier-Kwarta Padala of Cebu a stinging defeat in the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Araw ng Dabaw Invitational basketball tournament.

Ronald Capati unloaded 35 points against his former team and Neil Raneses added 15 as Goldstar toppled the mighty M. Lhuillier, 91-85, before a highly appreciative Saturday crowd at the fully-airconditioned Davao City Recreation Center.

In the second game, Montaña Pawnshop beat Sanman Corporation, 95-76, to grab the solo lead in the five-team field with a 3-0 slate and needs only to beat M. Lhuillier in its final game to seal the crown.

It was another stunning win for the Goldstar dribblers, who opened the tournament with two straight defeats only to bounce back with a two-game win streak.

The loss jeopardized M. Lhuillier's bid to retain its title. It needs to beat Montaña in its final match to force a 3-1 slate and rely on the quotient system to eventually break the tie.

On Friday, Goldstar topped Sanman, 112-104, and its victory over M. Lhuillier gave the team a 2-2 card. M. Lhuillier is at second with 2-1.

Montaña was to shoot for the crown last night against the Cebuano dribblers starting at 7 p.m. following the 5 p.m. showdown between CM Farm and Sanman.

The champion in the tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11 under Regino "Boy" Cua will receive P75,000 while the second and third placers will pocket P50,000 and P35, respectively.

The fourth placer will get P25,000 and fifth P10,000.

The teams that competed also got a bonus after Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte gave them P20,000 each just for participating in the event, one of the highlights of this year's Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 21, 2011.

M. Lhuillier tops Sanman for 2nd win

DEFENDING champion M. Lhuillier-Kwarta Padala crushed Sanman Corporation, 102-78, for its second straight win in the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Araw ng Dabaw Invitational commercial basketball tournament Thursday night at the Davao City Recreation Center.

Ian Saladaga poured in 21 points and Stephen Padilla, Mark Ababon and Nat Cruz added 15 each for the Cebuano dribblers, who also won the opening day assignment against the CM Farm cagers.

CM Farm bounced back from that defeat with a stunning 100-84 victory over Goldstar in the main game Thursday for a 1-1 card in the five-team tournament that is organized by Liga Dabaw and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11 headed by its regional director Regino "Boy" Cua.

Leading the attack for CM Farm was Ardy Larong, who fired a game-high 21 points. Egay Billionaires backed him up with 15 markers.

Ron Capati scored 15 for Goldstar, which suffered its second straight loss in the event which offers P75,000 to the champion.

M. Lhuillier is leading the field with a 2-0 slate, followed by Monta¤a Pawnshop (1-0), CM Farm (1-1), Sanman (0-1) and Goldstar.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte maded the ceremonial toss to open the tournament Wednesday. Also present in the opening rites were Liga Dabaw officials led by its chair Guillermo "Willie" P. Torres, vice chair Atty. Mans Carpio, the mayor's husband, secretary general William "Butch" Ramirez and treasurer Jon Ramirez.

The second placer in the event stands to receive P50,000 while the third and fourth finishers will get P35,000 and P25,000, respectively. The fifth placer will also get P10,000.

As an added bonus, Mayor Duterte is also giving P20,000 to each team for competing in the event to highlight the 74th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

The tournament's Most Valuable Player will pocket P5,000 courtesy of Atty. Carpio.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 19, 2011.

10 Visayas teeners off to Manila for Jr. NBA National Training Camp April 9-11; 143 kids join Cebu Regional Selection Camp

10 Visayas teeners off to Manila for Jr. NBA National Training Camp

April 9-11;

143 kids join Cebu Regional Selection Camp

Cebu City -- 143 kids from the Visayas and Davao showed up as early as 6 a.m. for the  Cebu Regional Selection Camp of the 2011 Jr. NBA Philippines Program presented by Alaska at the Covered Courts of the old Sacred Heart School at Maxilom St. in Mandaue City yesterday (March 7).

The selection camp, which started at 10 a.m. was led by NBA Asia Head of Basketball Operations, Jama Mahlalela, assisted by Jr. NBA appointed coaches Jojo Lastimosa, Elmer Cabahug, Roehl Gomez and Topex Robinson. Junior players from Cebu and Davao, some as tall as 6’2 and others as short as 4’2 -- tested their skills and basketball savvy against standards set by the Jr. NBA for kids aged 10-14, to vie for 10 slots reserved for the Visayas region.

Ten kids emerged as best players of the Visayas regional selection, the penultimate stage of the four-month long NBA grassroots basketball development program that will culminate in the Jr. NBA National Training Camp in from April 9-11 in Manila. US Jr. NBA Coach Frank Lopez and NBA Legend AC Green will run the program in Manila together with Coach Jama and the local PBA legend coaches.

Mhike Spencer Patalinghug, Noel Villaceran and Niño Dave Paon of the University of Visayas; Miguel Competente of the Holy Child School of Davao; Jude Luke Bulan and Arnie Christian Padilla of the University of San Carlos-North; Godard Barbosa and Randell Senining of University of San Jose Recoletos; and Jair Edrei Igna and Dawn Hynric Ochea of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu topped the vitals checks, tests of speed, stamina, flexibility and vertical leaping ability. They also registered the highest scores in the five different skills stations, namely: the Alaska Layup Station, the Gatorade Dribbling Station, the Hi-Smart Shooting Station, the BTV Passing Station and the Asia Miles Footwork Station.

The ten got the nod of the Jr. NBA coaches as they proved themselves to be the best all-around young basketball players in this part of the country. The winning 10 also best exhibited the Jr. NBA’s core S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, (a positive) Attitude and Respect. The ten boys were chosen from a selected field of 20 players who high test scorers who participated in the final scrimmage. The players’ applied basketball skills in the scrimmage helped determine the final selection.

After Cebu, three more regional selection camps will be held in Bacolod City (March 19), Laguna (March 24) and Manila (March 26). The Top 10 players in Bacolod, Laguna and Manila plus the 10 best players of the Alaska Power Camp will join the Top 10 from Cebu at the Jr. NBA National Training Camp which will be held at the Xavier School Gym at Greenhills, San Juan on April 9 and 10. The selection of the Top 10 players from the 50 national training camp participants will be held at the SM Mall of Asia on April 11. The public is invited to watch the final scrimmage and the find out who will make it to the 2011 Jr. NBA Philippines Team that will be rewarded with a courtside view of a live NBA game and the chance to play a counterpart Jr. NBA selection out of the country.

Jr. NBA 2011 is presented by Alaska and is also made possible through the support of some of the NBA's Official Partners including Asia Miles, Gatorade and Hi-Smart Multivitamins.  Basketball TV is the Official Media Partner while the Marriott Manila and Spalding are the Official Suppliers.  For more information on Jr. NBA Philippines, including registration information, dates, venues, photos and news, log on the www.jrnba.com.ph.

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About Alaska Milk

Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) is committed to providing nutrition to Filipino households by ensuring high quality standards across its milk brands for almost four decades. Leading AMC brand, Alaska Powdered Milk Drink, highlights the importance of nutrition among children during their “growth gap years” (ages 4-12 years old). Since its introduction in 1986, Alaska Powdered Milk’s benefits of building strong bones and bodies as well as character formation is expressed in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle through sports.  Brand Alaska owns and implements the multi-awarded Alaska Power Camp which is held nationwide, offering programs in basketball and football.  Alaska also owns its professional basketball team, the Alaska Aces, a 13-time PBA champion team which is now on its 25^th year of inspiring the youth to engage in sports.  Today, Brand Alaska partners with excellent local and international organizations that share the same objectives, vision, and values including the Ironman 70.3, Ironkids, XTerra, Makati Football School, Alabang Football School, and the Philippine Basketball Association.

  About the NBA

The NBA, founded in 1946, is a professional sports league and global business that features 30 teams in the United States and Canada.  During the 2010-11 season, NBA games will reach 215 countries and territories in more than 40 languages.  Official NBA rosters currently feature 86 players from 40 countries and territories.  NBA merchandise is sold in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents.  NBA.com averages more than 26 million page views per day, with more than 50 percent of the site’s visitors coming from outside of North America.  The NBA is the No. 1 U.S. sports league on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, with the most fans, followers, and videos viewed on each, respectively.  Through NBA Cares, the league, its teams and players have donated more than $145 million to charity, completed more than 1.4 million hours of hands-on community service, and created more than 525 places where kids and families can live, learn, or play. (pr)

Pharex overcomes early deficit on way to victory against Black Water, Cebuana Lhuillier defuses tough challenge from Cafe France

Marlon Adolfo scored 25 points, Jayson Deutchman added 16 and 10
rebounds and Pharex overcome a big early deficit on the way to 100-90
victory against Black Water Thursday in the PBA D-League Foundation
Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Raymond Aguilar collected 14 points and Chester Taylor and Jeff
Viernes each scored 10 points for the Batang Generix, who turned the
game by scoring 11 of the first 15 points in the second quarter.
Viernes was banished off the court with five minutes left in the game
after hitting Rocky Acidre with a wayward elbow in the head.

In the other game, Cebuana Lhuillier lost star guard Benedict
Fernandez early in the third quarter but got solid performances from
Alain Maliksi, Marvis Hayes anad James Sena to defuse a tough
challenge from Café France for an 83-62 victory in Group B.

The Gems trailed by one points after 10 minutes, but held café France
to 2 of 25 shooting in the second quarter to seize control. Then
Maliksi (16 points) and Sena (12 points, 10 rebounds) took charge in
the third as Cebuana Lhuillier ripped the game open. Hayes also scored
12 points and grabbed 12 boards.

“It’s tough to play collegiate players because they have a system. But
I thought our defense was good and we made good shot selection in the
second half,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo, the youngest
coach in the league at 35.

Fernandez, a free agent, managed just five points before being thrown
out of the game with eight minutes left in the third for plan ting his
foot on the landing spot of a shooting player.

Leeward Labaton and Jewel Ponferada each scored 13 points for Café France.

“Our defense is kind of soft early. But we’re lucky we were able to
turn it around,” said Pharex coach Gian Carlo Tan.

Tan said team was formed only two weeks before the tournament and
pointed to its lack of chemistry as also a factor to their poor start.

“The team has not really experience a time to bond and know each
other. Good thing we defense hold and enable us to win. I hope we jell
sooner than later,” Tan said.

Rocky Acidre scored 22 points and Gio Ciriacruz had 21 for Black Water
which allowed a big, early lead to dissipate. To make matters worse,
the Elites committed 20 tunrovers.

Mentored by Leo Isaac, Black Water got their offense going early and
roared to a 17-5 lead.

But Pharex, which tied NLEX and RnW Pacific Pipes for lead in Group A,
rallied and outscored Black Water, 15-3, the rest of the period to tie
at 20-20.

With the Bidang Generix frontline of Adolfo, Duetchman and Aguilar
taking charge in the third, Pharex opened a 31-25 lead and never
trailed again.


The scores
First Game

Pharex 100 – Adolfo 25, Deutchman 16, Aguilar 14, Viernes 10, Taylor
10, Banal 8, Mangahas 5, Asoro 4, Morial 4, Tecson 3, Montilla 1.

Black Water 90 – Acidre 22, Ciriacruz 21, Celeda 12, Zulueta 12, Mazo
10, Belorio 8, Lapuz 2, J.Del Rosario 2, Del Rosario 1, Zaret 0.

Quarters: 20-20; 48-44; 74-67; 100-90

Second Game
Cebuana Lhuillier 83 – Maliksi 16, Hayes 12, Sena 12, Alas 9, Eunon 8,
Nabong 6, Mepana 5, Fernandez 5, Semira 5, Mandani 2, Lee 2, Llagas
12, bagatsing 0, Canta 0.

Café France 62 – Ponferada 13, Lobaton 13, Bulangis 12, Rublico 8,
Banas 5, Gallardo 4, Magbiutang 3, Mejos 3, Almario 1, Babad 0,
Graebel 0, Garcia 0.

Quarters: 16-17; 33-29; 42-61; 83-62 (pr)

Cebuana Lhuillier sees action for the first time

March 16, 2011
Games today
        (San Juan Arena)
2 p.m. – Pharex vs. Blackwater Elite
4 p.m. – CaféFrance vs. Cebuana Lhuillier


FOCUS will be on title contender Cebuana Lhuillier when it sees action
for the first time in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup which returns to
The Arena in San Juan this afternoon.

With former pro players Benedict Fernandez (Barako Bull) and Kelvin
Gregorio (Sta. Lucia), as well as college standouts James Ryan Sena,
Marvin Hayes and Kevin Alas, son of Letran mentor and Philippine
Patriots coach Louie Alas, the Jewelers, have been installed as among
the early favorites for the title together with the NLEX Road
Warriors.

Luigi Trillo, who once led the Jewelers to a runner-up finish in the
PBL, will once again handle the team.

Testing the mettle of Cebuana Lhuillier right away is CaféFrance in a
battle among Group B teams at 4 p.m.

National Youth team 3-on-3 coach Mon Jose will be calling the shots
for the team, whose main core is composed of the Centro Escolar
Scorpions, with help from National University’s Jewel Ponferrada and
Jose Rizal University’s Ildefonson Bulangis.

Meanwhile, Group A teams  Pharex and Blackwater Elite clash against
each other to open the day’s hostilities at 2 p.m.

Showing the way for the Bidang Generix are PBA rookie free-agent
Edwin Asoro, one-time UST and Harbour Centre stalwart Chester Taylor
and Fil-Am free agent Jason Deutchman.

Gian Carlo Tan will once again assume his long-time role as coach of
the Bidang Generix, also once a runner up in the PBL behind a team
backstopped by now PBA players Josh Urbiztondo and Chris Ross.

Blackwater Elite brings back the men behind the Blu team in the PBL
led by team manager Silliman Sy and coach Leo Isaac, who has tapped
the services of the Arellano Chiefs to reinforce the ball club led by
Giorgio Ciriacruz.

Teams which posted early wins in the fledgling league that serves as
farm tournament of the PBA are Pacific Pipes and NLEX in Group A, and
FCA Cultivators and Cobra in Group B. (pr)