Coaches agree Beermen have edge vs Kings

For its domineering performance in the classification round and against Burger King in the Final Four, the talent-laden San Miguel Beer has been picked as the prohibitive favorite over an injury-plagued Barangay Ginebra side in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Cup title playoff beginning tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

“San Miguel has been the team that has played well all conference and that is the kind of team that is a safe pick. I think it would be SMB in five games,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone. “San Miguel has so much depth. I go for them in six games,” said Coca-Cola coach Kenneth Duremdes.
Coach Chot Reyes, taking a break from the Talk n Text team training in Las Vegas, also predicted an SMB triumph in six games. Although he feels it would be a close fight, Purefoods coach Ryan Reyes also had San Miguel as the slight pick in the best-of-seven series.
Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez, however, expects the titular showdown to go the full route although he refused to predict which team would win it.

“San Miguel has the edge in manpower but Ginebra could neutralize it with its tremendous crowd support. I think import strength, coaching, and desire to win are all equal,” said Fernandez.

For Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, the defending champion Kings remain the underdog in the series.

“We had to work our way up from a 2-5 start. We’re hounded by injuries. Good thing, we got some key acquisitions at midstream. Cyrus Baguio is a big addition to us,” said Uichico.
SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen admits he has more talented players in his roster but stressed that doesn’t guarantee success.

PFBL New Season Starts

The Premier Fil-Am Basketball League started the Summer season league last Saturday and Sunday with (3) separate venues in Holy Trinity in San Francisco, and War Memorial and Westlake Gym in Daly City. Several teams in six divisions were formed to compete, show their skills and aim to become divisional champions. The Open and Prime Divisions are played on Sundays, while all other Divisions are played on Saturdays.

Havocs Team playing in Grand Division, standing left to right: Rudy Lacson (Commissioner), Vic Viray, Benjie Suico, Tony Ocenada, Edgar Liongson, Danny Larosa, Ding Sustrina, Ramon Berania, Sal Samson. Kneeling: Rudy Labson, and Butch Reynoso.

Craver’s Delight playing in Grand Division, standing left to right: Jun Regalado, Alan Sanchez, Rey Revilloza, Eugene Navarete, Albert Javier, Jun Ocampo (Coach). Kneeling: Rey Valdez (Captain), Jojo Cielo, Boyet Balla, and Ernesto Sajo.

There was a huge crowd in attendance to see their loved ones play and enjoy their love of basketball. Sweat dripped from the players’ bodies just like the Gatorade and Nike commercials. Determination in their faces showed how serious and competitive they were. There were a multitude of different uniforms, displaying different logos and designs.

With the start of the new season, PFBL welcomed the addition of 2 new divisions: The Shooting Stars and Grand Division. With these additions the league has now grown to 6 divisions:

Shooting Stars Dvision (15 and under)
Prime Division (19 and under)
Open Division (all ages)
Veterans Division (30 and over)
Master Division (35 and over)
Grand Divison (45 and over)

Players from the Shooting Stars division are fun to watch. These kids display amazing talent to show us all how bright the future is. Families and friends love to support the young ones and show their enthusiasm with cheers, and feet stomps on the bleachers. In the Grand Division, it’s amazing to see the more seasoned players running up and down the court. These players of course range from 45 years of age to a few players in the sixties. These guys are definitely an inspiration for all. Their motivation and energy is truly something that engages one to be more aware of health and wellness. Sure they have lost a few steps but their moves and their jump shots, as well as their overwhelming court savvy and presence are still there. “Hindi pa kami laos” (we haven’t lost our touch) yelled jubilantly by Jun Ocampo, playing coach of Craver’s Delight after beating my team Havocs. Enthusiasm and competitive drive brought them back to play the Pinoy favorite past time, basketball. – Rudy L. Lacson Anyone interested in sponsoring a team may visit our website at www.premierfil-amball.com or call (650) 84-9637.

UST dorm quarantined; 2 jins join RP Team

THE members of the University of Santo Tomas girls’ beach volleyball team will still be allowed to go to Singapore for the first Asian Youth Games despite ongoing quarantine procedures being implemented at the school’s varsity dormitory.

The decision to allow the beach volley players to travel was made even though a UST taekwondo jin had earlier tested positive of the A(H1N1) flu virus.

The case prompted school authorities to suspend practices of all varsity squads for the next 10 days, starting last Tuesday as it shut down the athletes’ quarters.
The suspension put UST’s preparation for the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines on hold.

Athletes staying in the university’s dormitory have been isolated and quarantined, according to members of the school’s varsity coaching staff, who requested anonymity.

Still, 5’7” high school standout Eliza Valdez and 5’6” Kim Fajardo, were allowed by the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics to join the national contingent since the two have not shown any sign of illness, or any symptom of dreaded flu.

The two spikers will fly to Singapore on June 30, three days before the lapse of the 10-day quarantine period imposed on athletes who are staying at the UST dormitory.

“Please continue praying for the athletes at sana ay wala nang madamay pang iba,” said chef de mission and National Police Sr. Supt. Cesar Binag before he left for Singapore yesterday.

Manny, not Cotto, will dictate terms, weight

It’s Manny Pacquiao, and not Miguel Cotto, who should dictate the terms of their projected showdown later this year. “It’s up to Pacman,” said lawyer Franklin Gacal yesterday amid reports that trainer Freddie Roach has agreed to 145 lb as the catchweight for the anticipated showdown in Las Vegas. Gacal said a couple of days ago that they want Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion, to go down to 142 or 143 lb for the fight, scheduled Oct. 17 at the MGM, to happen. Roach said the other day he’s fine with 145 lb, adding that he doesn’t even care of the Puerto Rican champion who hasn’t fought under 145 in his last eight fights, weighs as much as 200 lb. Gacal said with due respect to Roach, whatever the three-time Trainer of the Year said is not the boxer’s official stand on the weighty issue. Pacquiao’s legal adviser said it’s Pacquiao who will have the final say even if the reigning pound-for-pound champion said last Monday he’d fight Cotto at any weight they agree on. “Kahit ano (Whatever),” he said repeatedly. Then he retracted by saying everything is being discussed right now, including the purse split which could go 70/30 or 65/35 in Pacquiao’s favor. Cotto, at 28 two years younger than Pacquiao, said he can’t go lower than 145 lb just to face the Filipino icon and stake his 147 lb crown, which he barely defended against Josh Clottey. “Cotto will have the upperhand if he gets the 145. He’s younger, he’s bigger and he’s a natural welterweight,” said Gacal, adding that Pacquiao has only fought once over 145. “Manny should be the one dictating the terms. Otherwise, it’s crazy,” said the lawyer. Pacquiao said he wants to fight on Oct. 17 as previously announced, and not on Nov. 14 as promoter Bob Arum wants, citing the World Series in October as the main reason for the change. (PHILSTAR)