Schedule of Games (September 30 and October 1)

PRADA: Marist vs Xavier School
Date: September 30 - Saturday
Time: 8:00 AM
Venue: Jacinto Tiu Competition Court

PAYA: Southridge vs Xavier School
Date: September 30 - Saturday
Time: 12:00 nn
Venue: High School Gym Wooden Court

Fr. Martin's: CKSC vs Xavier School
Date: October 1 - Sunday
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: San Beda College, Mendiola

35th Hour: Kevin Durant

With the NBA lockout still in progress and with no hope of it being soon lifted, the Durantula, Kevin Durant, decided to show his fans how his daily life goes about. Durant is one of the NBA stars who consistently plays in many summer leagues during this lockout to help him keep in shape for the upcoming NBA season, if there is any.

Here is 35th Hour, featuring Kevin Durant and what he does during the NBA "offseason".

Episode 1: Capital Punishment

Episode 2: "Hardwork beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."

One Of The Cheesiest Songs I Have Ever Heard

Credits to Kyles Lao for the find.

Smart Gilas: A Journey As A Whole

Once again, the Philippines has come up short in an international competition with their defeat to Korea, 68-70. Disappointing, yes but the journey, heartfelt. For the past three years, the Smart Gilas National Team has continued to change the perception of the world on what the Filipinos can do, especially in the game dearest to our hearts, basketball. 

During the fight for 3rd a while ago, Smart Gilas had all the chances to win. We were completely dominating the Korean opposition, as we were during the 2002 Busan Games, but "luck" has its limits. The Korean team made their shots when it mattered the most and their superior outside shooting continues to haunt us to this very day. Hats off to Korea for the victory but that was ours!!! Marcus Douthit showed the world why he's the best power forward in Asia with a dominating performance. The Mighty Mouse found his old form and played brilliantly. Sadly, basketball is a team game and a tough game like this can't be just won with 2 players playing well, offensively. 

Free throws continue to haunt us to this very day from Olsen Racela's missed charities to the ones we missed today. It goes to show in general that the Filipinos are horrible free throw shooters, just saying. Marcus Douthit missed several down the stretch. Kelly Williams clanked 2 and Marcio Lassiter missed 1 hurting our chances. (Sadly, I don't want to label them as goats, too derogatory in a time like this) Bilog ang bola, that adage summarizes our misfortunes. At times the ball will fall for us and at times, it won't. 

The Smart Gilas National Team showed the world that through hardwork, good coaching, and corporate funding that the dream is possible. Qualifying for the Olympics and regaining our rightful place as the 

#1 basketball country is a dream attainable. Hats off to the Gilas team led by Coach Rajko Toroman. They have revolutionized on how the game of basketball should be played. Yes, there are star players to carry your team but nothing beats a team running like a well-oiled machine. 

The Gilas program goes to show that talent development is possible. Bringing in the best of college basketball, some Fil-foreigner to add ceiling, and some old reliable players from the PBA, makes our National Team a young, quick, united and talented group. Our old concept of forming a National Team several months before the competition is bogus, and it shows because we haven't succeeded in doing so. We should continue this and build an even stronger team. Some of our players even became better players after they have joined this program. As a proof, all of them were selected in the Top 10 of the PBA Draft.

I would also like to give credit to Manny V. Pangilinan, MVP, for all that he has done for Philippine sports especially to basketball. He had a vision for Philippine basketball and it almost became a reality but God has other plans for him and the country. He should be hurting the most after all he has done but I believe Mr. Pangilinan's love for the game is a testament that basketball is not just a business venture but a way to pioneer change and to unite a country. I hope he still will be the benefactor for our National Team, if this project does continue, and in my opinion it will.

What is next for the Smart Gilas team? Yes, all its players except for skipper Chris Tiu and Marcus Douthit will be joining their respective PBA team but if we want to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, we need to start NOW! The main concern is who would be funding for this team? I hope Mr. Pangilinan still does but only time will tell. Without proper funding, our National Team will not develop. It is through money we get to hire the best coaches, play in tough international competitions abroad, and have better training in other countries and without money, how do you expect to run a team? Second, who will be the coach for this team? Coach Rajko did a magnificent job, in my opinion, in running the team. He single handedly changed the brand of play for Philippine basketball from being an one-on-one isolation team to a team who runs a fluid system. If they decide to keep Coach Rajko, good. If not, I hope that we can find someone as passionate and energetic as him to teach us the proper way to play basketball. Lastly, the talent of the Gilas team will be better. The UAAP and the NCAA is full of talented players they can choose from. The future really looks bright for Philippine basketball. 

As a whole, I salute the Smart Gilas team for being back the pride and the recognition of Philippine basketball. Yes, they did not win and qualify for the Olympics, but they won over a nation's heart. Mabuhay ang Smart Gilas at Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 

UAAP S74 Finals Analysis

            All the battles have been fought and games decided by blowouts or last second heaves, Season 74 of your UAAP has been one of the most exciting in recent memory. The influx of talented rookies, solid foreigners, and the competitive spirit of college basketball, have turned the UAAP into the basketball hoopla of the country and has overtaken the slow progressing Philippine Basketball Association, in terms of popularity. 

            As the elimination round and the exciting Final Four closed, two teams remain and have the right to fight and to be crowned this season’s champions and they are the three-peat defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles and last season’s runners-up Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

            Let us breakdown the key points for both teams and put them head-to-head and see who has the edge.

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY TAMARAWS

Keys For Success:

Defense

 FEU’s defense should be able to dictate on how Ateneo will play the game. The big dilemma that FEU Head Coach Bert Flores has is which option to give Ateneo. Will he choose to let Greg Slaughter and his inside presence dominate the game or will he let the slashing and shooting ability of the other players of Ateneo such as Kiefer Ravena and Nico Salva beat him? Personally, Slaughter dictates the tempo of the game. When only one man defends him, he can easily score at will but when he sees the double team, he knows when and how to dish it to his open teammates. Slaughter has been playing poorly as of late and FEU should capitalize on that. They should throw changing defenses at him and keep him guessing.  

The Dynamic Duo

 Last season’s Rookie of the Year Terrence Romeo and last season’s MVP RR Garcia should launch an all out scoring barrage against the Blue Eagles. Although Ateneo has been the league’s best defensive team, it would be tough to defeat the Tamaraws if both Garcia and Romeo have good games. Both players can dictate the tempo of the game by either scoring at will or dishing it off to open teammates. The bad part about relying on RR and Romeo is that both take too many shots, or in basketball terms volume shooters, so they should be able to decide on when to take the shots or when to pass them.

Revenge

FEU has consistently posted Top 2 records in the elimination round but come the Final 4, they become a totally different team. Last season, Ateneo completely annihilated them and stamping their class en route to a three-peat. Can FEU use their shortcomings as fuel for their first championship ever since the Arwind Santos era or will they continue to feel the pressure and choke under these circumstances?

OTHER NOTES:

Chemistry

Will the likes of JR Cawaling, Pipo Noundou, and Christian Sentchu be able to play for the Tamaraws? If they do so, the Tamaraws are faced with a big dilemma. Will they allow 3 of their key players to suit up and disrupt the rotation and chemistry the team has built during their absence or will Coach Bert opt to use the players that got him to this moment in the Finals?

Starting 5

Will Coach Bert Flores decide to start with 2 guards and 3 bigs or 3 guards and 2 bigs? Ateneo has had a history of match-up problems, especially against Adamson, when their opponents go big. The main concern of FEU is that they have a lot of talented guards but will they match Ateneo man for man or go big and play a defensive game? In my opinion, FEU should go and try to defend Ateneo because no team can out-gun the Blue Eagles especially in championship games such as these. It is better for them to keep the game close rather than let the Blue Eagles run away at the start.

ATENEO BLUE EAGLES

Keys For Success:

Give the ball to Greg

Most championship teams build around a solid big man down low and Ateneo has that in Greg Slaughter. When Slaughter has the ball down low, everyone is watching his every move. He can either go up for that seemingly unblockable hook shot of his, turn around and shoot over his opponent, or dribble the ball and go up strong. Slaughter causes many match-up problems because he draws so much attention on offense. If Ateneo is able to make a consistent effort in feeding the ball to him, it almost guarantees them a victory. Slaughter is also able to kick the ball out once he sees double team and Ateneo should make FEU pay.

Bench Play

Ateneo’s bench this seasonhas been inconsistent. To me, this second unit lacks a scoring threat but makes up for it through defense. The key of the series will be if Ateneo’s bench can sustain the lead its starters made. Justin Chua should step-up big time just as he did all of last season and be the main man in the second unit. We’ll see if Tonito Gonzaga, arguably the most improved player on the Ateneo side, can continue his torrid shooting ways and defend the opponent’s best scoring threat.

Go 4 Glory

Does Ateneo still have the determination and drive to go for a rare 4-peat? I believe they do. Being the best team in the elimination round, they have showed that they still have heart and what it takes to bring back another championship to Loyola Heights. Amidst times of struggle, this is where they will dig deep and fight for what they believe is their championship.

Now that we have talked about both team’s keys for victory, let us put them head-to-head and from there, let us predict on who will bring the bacon.

Starters:

Both team’s starting units are topnotch. Both of them can score at any given moment and both teams possess offensive threats that they can go to. FEU will dictate on the game based on the starting unit. It is either they play 2 guards to create defensive mismatches on the other end or will they decide to place 3 guards and match Ateneo’s scoring prowess? Nevertheless, Ateneo’s starting unit boasts a great offensive-defensive line-up which can match any teams.

Slight Advantage: Ateneo

Guard Play:

FEU is a guard-oriented team led by last season’s MVP, RR Garcia. The Tamaraws have Terrence Romeo, Ping Exciminiano, Mike Tolomia, Jens Knuttel, and Roger Pugoy in the mix and any one of them can score in any given moment. For Ateneo, they have this season’s Rookie of the Year in Kiefer Ravena, Emman Monfort, Juami Tiongson, Kirk Long, Tonito Gonzaga, and Von Pessumal. FEU’s guards are more offensive minded and can easily take over the game while Ateneo has a steady scorer in Ravena but more defensive guards on their team.

Advantage: FEU

Big Men:

The 3-time defending champions can field in the likes of Greg Slaughter, Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Justin Chua, Frank Golla, JP Erram, and Oping Sumalinog. For FEU, they have Aldrech Ramos, Russell Escoto, Carl Bryan Cruz, John Foronda, JR Cawaling*, Pipo Noundou*, and Christian Sentchu*. Ateneo has a big advantage down low because they are the taller team and second, FEU is hurt big time. Ateneo’s big men are more offensive minded compared to the defensive mindset the Tamaraws bigs have.

Advantage: Ateneo

Bench Play:

To me both benches are polar opposites. FEU’s bench often provides offensive firepower but on the contrary, Ateneo’s bench is a more defensive minded unit. When the game or championship is hanging on the balance, which bench prevails?

Advantage: Even

Coaching:

Both coaches from both teams are great coaches. Coach Norman Black has won 10 PBA Titles in the PBA including a rare grand slam plus his 3 UAAP championships. On the other hand, Bert Flores steered FEU to its last championship in 2005. Not taking anything away from Coach Bert, Coach Norman is a true preacher of the game. He has won in all levels and he is able to motivate players excellently and even with all the championships, they still remain hardworkers and continue to play their brand of basketball.

Advantage: Ateneo

Defense:

Ateneo is the league’s best defensive team but FEU has pushed all the right buttons if defeating the Adamson Falcons in the Final Four, twice, considering that Adamson is one of the best teams, if not the best UAAP team in executing in the halfcourt. Defense can’t be judged on a series of games but its how you play the whole season and Ateneo has done that which led them to the best record in the season.

Advantage: Ateneo

Championship Experience:

No questions asked.

Advantage: Ateneo

Heart and Desire:

It all boils down to which team wants it more. Numbers and statistics are all forgotten in games such as these. It’s your heart and determination that makes you prevail in championship games. The game of basketball is played with many dependent variables but the only constant variable in the game is how much effort you give.

Advantage: To be decided by the winner of the series. (EVEN)

Prediction:

            From the many things I’ve written and explained above, it looks like the Blue Eagles are going to win their fourth championship in a row but not without a fight. FEU is playing with everything to lose since it will lose many key players next year due to graduation. I expect an exciting championship game showcasing both teams’ strengths. Ateneo will win Game 1 because of their championship experience but FEU will come back and steal Game 2. In the all important and deciding Game 3, both teams will give a good fight but Ateneo will prevail. The Finals MVP will be a toss-up between Greg Slaughter and the Phenom, Kiefer Ravena. 

Photo Credits: fabilioh.com and uaapsports.com

Game Analysis: Xavier vs San Beda Championship Game

To me, numbers do not matter in games such as these. You can throw away all the statistics and just focus on one thing, heart. Championship games are decided by great players and teams who rise up to the occasion and play their hearts out even giving more than 100% even if its mathematically impossible. 

With Xavier's win today, it successfully defends its title and now for the first time in history are back-to-back champions in this prestigious tournament sponsored by Milo. Yes, a win is a win but as Coach Owen would always say, "the last day you learn is the day you die." Let us critique that game and see how well did the Stallions fare and how much do they have to improve. 

1. Height Advantage 

The Stallions did a good job in capitalizing their height advantage. They had numerous offensive rebounds which led to many second chance points and opportunities. Their height also anchored their numerous zone defenses with San Beda's players as it intimated them even before they attacked the ring. Their centers and forwards also were able to block numerous shots but sadly were called for too many ticky-tacky fouls in my opinion. 

2. Free Throws 

Last game, Xavier missed 21 free throws. Today, I honestly don't know. I didn't bother to take down stats of those because it was difficult and I wanted to personally enjoy the game and the championship atmosphere. Xavier definitely shot better than the Red Cubs and that is what distanced them from their opponents. 

3. FATE 

The championship was really for Xavier to lose. San Beda had countless opportunities to tie or even take the lead at the foul line but they couldn't make the baskets when it was necessary. Jarrell Lim would have to be regarded as the Savior as he nailed every conceivable shot from every conceivable angle when they needed it the most. That my friends is what a MVP is about! As the Essence of Winning suggests, we can win with a dominant performance from one player but without God's divine hand, I don't think we can do so. It was really our game to lose! 

4. Too many forced shots. Control the tempo. 

As mentioned above, Xavier had a big size advantage when it came down low. San Beda's players were only leveled to the shoulders of our own big men but I don't understand why we still force up difficult shots. Yes, by nature Xavier is really a run-and-gun team scoring most of their points from fastbreak opportunities but against a fast team like San Beda, you can't run all the time against them. Organized chaos, is what we need. We know when we should run and we should also know when it is the time to set and rely on our improving halfcourt game. 

5. Who is the alpha dog? 

Every player by nature wants to take over the game but at times he can't do it alone. You need to understand who to give the ball to when you need points. Coach Owen's system allows players to shoot open shots given at their own range but for one to be great you must know when to give the limelight to others. You should have shame when you continue to throw up bricks. Pass the ball, help in other aspects of the game! You should not be too centered on scoring especially in games like this! Team comes first! 

I hope the Stallions can have a deeper run in the Nationals and bag the championship with 15 strong! You have a long way to go guys but its a great start! Congratulations! You have successfully defended the crown and protected our house! 

Xavier Repeats as NCR Champs Trounces San Beda, 73-65

Xavier School, with its relentless and unforgiving variety of defenses, defeated last season's runners-up, San Beda, en route to their second NCR Passerelle championship in the last two years with a 73-65 victory. 

San Beda drew first blood as they drained a three pointer followed by RP Youth U-16 mainstay Andre Caracut's twinner. Afterwards, Xavier made up for lost time by going on a 9-4 run with baskets from Jonathan Yu, Tyler Tio, and Jarrell Lim with his 3-point play tying the game at 9-all with 5:17 left in the quarter. Xavier had numerous offensive rebounds because of their height advantage which allowed them to get extra cracks at the basket. Xavier had its first lead of the game at 10-9 with 4:46 remaining with a split from the free throw line from Jarrell Lim but Lim's scoring outburst does not stop there. He goes on a personal 9-2 run including the fore mentioned free throw and gives them an 18-11 advantage. Xavier's defense was at its finest despite all their 4 team fouls from that quarter coming from Jonathan Yu. The quarter ended on a 4-0 run by Xavier with baskets from Tio and Lim who scored 16 points in that quarter giving them a 22-11 edge at the quarter break. 

The pace of the game changed dramatically as the run-and-gun feel of the game turned into a halfcourt slugfest for both teams. Xavier started the quarter with back-to-back turnovers. Xavier had difficulty in executing their offense and nobody wanted to shoot the ball. John Guntang was a beast for San Beda scoring 8 points in the quarter to further help their cause. Guntang single-handedly matched the scoring output from Xavier in that quarter. Both teams did not take advantage of their opponents since Xavier was at penalty with 6:47 left and the Red Cubs with 3:50 remaining in the quarter with numerous splits and missed free throws. Changgi Hong struggled immensely from the field missing on numerous short stabs but Jefferson Tan made 2 crucial baskets to end the quarter with the Stallions still up by 4, 30-26. 

The third quarter unit of Coach Owen Oliva, who have been his best performing quarter for their two past two games, started with a man-to-man defense but quickly switched back to their zone defense to match-up with San Beda's quickness. Martin Sy nailed the first basket of the quarter, the first two of his six points in the quarter, with an inside stab to give the Stallions a 6-point lead. San Beda slowly but surely clawed their way in back to the game with the free throw line due to numerous ticky-tacky fouls on Xavier. Xavier's 6'6 center and RP Youth U-16 mainstay Isaac Go was held to a single point because of their tenacious defense. This did not affect him in the defense end as he swatted away 2 shots and altering many in the process. San Beda had their first taste of the lead ever since the early parts of the game with 1:15 left in the quarter with the score favoring them, 41-40. The quarter ended with exchanges from both sides and after the dust settled, the score favored the Red Cubs, 45-43. 

As the fourth quarter started, with their championship hopes hanging in the balance, the young Tyler Tio nailed a pivotal 3-pointer to start the quarter giving the Stallions a 46-45 lead. This would be the turning point of the game and momentum switched back to the side of the Stallions. Jarrell Lim again went on a scoring outburst scoring 20 points in this pivotal quarter, finishing with a season-high of 36 points, with able support from Anton Lapez who scored 5 big points in the quarter. Lim, who was named Passerelle Most Valuable Player, made shots from both inside and out as he toyed with the San Beda defense and leading the Stallions to their second Passerelle title in 2 years with a 73-65 victory. 

Xavier would be playing in the National Finals as it represents the NCR and goes up against the other champion schools from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.