What's wrong with Franz ?

It looks like that the De La Salle University Green Archers coach Franz Pumaren don't know how to accept defeat.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles just crushed the Green Archers 62-51 in Game 2 of the UAAP Finals to capture the crown.

Now I think that he is sour graping and cannot accept that he had been defeated by his former teammate and coach, Norman Black.

He's saying that it was due to bad officiating that's why they lost in the Finals, well then, he should think again.

Man for Man, the Green Archers are simply no match against the Blue Eagles.

They don't have someone who can stop Rabeh Al Husaini. Before the Game 2 started, he's saying that the Archers are capable of coming back and now that they lost he's blaming it on the officiating.

Well in case he forgot, the reason why the Archers are in the Finals is due to bad officiating, remember the knockout game for the twice to beat advantage, where the Green Archers narrowly escaped the FEU Tamaraws 62-59.

That game was so bad for the Tamaraws, all the referees call were in favor of the Green Archers.

Now he should be just thankful for the Bad officiating, if it wasn't for that, the Green Archers should have been eliminated.

Baketball is just a game.

Memphis Grizzlies Triple Tower

Remember the Spurs Twin Tower of David Robinson and Tim Duncan ?

Well then, expect that Memphis Grizzlies to match or surpass the Twin Tower combination this season with the arrival of two seven footer in the person of Marc Gasol and Iranian Hamed Haddadi.

We all know that the younger brother is also a towering Guy, although he seems to be more stronger and wide bodied compared to Pau.

If you've seen the Olympics, you probably see the power of Marc Gasol. Flexing his muscle way inside the paint is a tough task but Marc seems not bothered at all whoever was in front of him, whether it be Dwight Howard or Chris Bosh.

Another Big Guy who was quite impressive in the Olympics was Iranian Hamed Haddadi.

The 7-foot-2, 254-pound Haddadi led all Olympians in Beijing in rebounding (11.2) and blocks (2.6) while averaging 16.6 points in five games for Iran, which did not advance to the medal round. Haddadi, who was not selected in the 2004 NBA Draft, drew the interest of several NBA teams when the Iranian team competed against NBA teams this summer in Utah.

The Iranian team tops the Asian Qualifying because of this Guy.

Now if Darko Milicic won't be traded to other team, they'll be having a Triple Tower combination.
But there is a downside here, if they use all the three players at the same time, they;ll be slower, which is why I think Milicic will be traded.

There are rumors that he'll be traded to the New York Knicks.

Expect the Grizzlies to barge in the playoff this coming season.

UAAP's Final Four

This year's UAAP cast of the Final Four includes league leading Ateneo De Manila University,defending champion De La Salle University, perennial contender Far Eastern University and making it for the seventh straight year the UE Red Warriors.

The first and fourth place have been secured by Ateneo and UE respectively, with Ateneo having the twice to beat advantage. I think Ateneo will easily make it to the championship round, with big man Al Hussaini dominating the game. Chris Tiu is in his final year,expect him to carry his team all the way to the Finals.

The second and third place have not yet been decided, with La Salle and FEU both toting a 10-3 record.

Both team have still one game left in the elimination, with La Salle facing Ateneo and FEU against UE.

If both La Salle and FEU wins, these two teams will play in a knock out game for that prestigious twice to beat advantage. It will be some sort of best of three for both squads.

Mac Baracael is back in the FEU roster after being shot by still unknown assailant, FEU's brotherhood has somehow carry the team to where it is now standing.

Final Four action kicks off September 14.

It was a sorry season for the UST Tigers, although boasting a strong lineup,they failed to make it this year. Better luck next time.

Redeem Team accomplished Mission

The Redeem Team of USA have accomplished their mission by beating Spain in the Men's Basketball Finals of the Olympics,118-107.

After overwhelming everyone for seven games, the Americans led by only four points with under 21/2 minutes to play. Then the U.S. proved it could handle a close game that seemed would never come in Beijing.

Spain made one last push to close within 108-104 on Carlos Jimenez’s 3-pointer, but Wade hit one on the other end, and the final score became lopsided when the Americans hit a bunch of free throws after the Spanish became frustrated and were called for the technicals.

The Americans were not dominant anymore unlike in their first game,this time Spain was more serious even leading by five points after the first quarter.

What's interesting here is we got the chance to see Pau Gasol's younger brother Mark Gasol to play. Mark Gasol is expected to play in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies.The younger Gasol, who is also a seven footer,have shown that he is stronger than his brother. He is wide bodied, I am sure that he'll give a lot of players a hard time in the NBA.

Expect more tough times in the Olympics Basketball in 2012, Spain got a great 17 year old player in the person of Rudy Rubio. He got talent and skills,he can even play in the NBA now.

Once again, congratulations to Team USA and to Spain for giving a big fight that nearly cost Team USA the gold medal.

It's the Basketball Olympic Quarterfinals

It's the battle for survival for the remaining Final Eight for that elusive basketball gold and supremacy. If you blink and loose focus at these stage it's bye bye time for you.

Lithuania vs. China. Lithuania must be very upset loosing to the Aussies in their last game. But Lithuania should have no problem disposing home country China, unless of course they play bad and China play superb like their game against Spain, China can likely upset Lithuania. My choice to make it to the semis= Lithuania.

Spain vs. Croatia. World Champion and last Olympics weeping boys, Spain is raring to make it to the next round and somehow forget what happened to them in 2004. Croatia may give up a good fight but I still predict that Spain will prevail.

Argentina vs. Greece. Two of Team USA past tormentor in the last four years.This quarterfinal match up would be the greatest among the match up. Intensity wise, this series have it, and when your country is at stake, players from both of these squad will surely pumped up their adrenalin. Expect the defending champion Argentina to defend it all cost.My choice is the Argentinian team, why because mainly of Manu Ginobili. Ginobili's experience and leadership can spark up his team.

USA vs. Australia. Australia is the only team which USA had not blown up, even during its exhibition game. I am pretty sure that Team USA will go all the way with their guns blazing. They have a mission and that is to return to Basketball supremacy. The Aussies might get short in upsetting Team USA.

Let the game begins!

Are the Redeem Team ready ?

This is probably the question many of us are thinking now.

It's the Olympic time, and the most exciting basketball showdown will happen. Only tough teams can play in the quest for the Basketball Olympic Gold.

Defending Champion Argentina sure is raring to win it back to back while 2006 FIBA World Champions are out to forget what happened to them in Athens. Sweeping the elimination was their only great achievement in 2004 but come knock out game, they were booted out by Team USA. So expect the Spaniards to be more aggressive.

And now the Redeem Team, Le Bron James,Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard are mature now, and surely that experience in 2004 have toughen them up.

Plus with the addition of Kobe Bryant,Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and Michael Redd, I think this Redeem Team have a pretty fair chance of bagging the gold.

It's gonna be a very tough competition, but I think the Best World Basketball Team in the Olympics is Team USA,not of course unless other team upsets them.

FEU's Mac Mac Baracael shot

Bad news for the FEU Tamaraws supporters and fans. FEU's star player Mac Mac Baracael will missed the rest of the season due to an unfortunate event that nearly took his life.

Baracael was shot Thursday night at about 8:20 p.m. at the corner of R. Papa and Nicanor Reyes Streets in Sampaloc while walking with teammates Ryan Cabagnot and Robert Kabe.

They had come from the FEU gym and were on their way home, when a man walked up to them and shot Baracael in the back, the bullet exiting through the cager's chest.

His teammates took him first to Mary Chiiles Hospital, and he was later transferred to the Capitol Medical Center.

Witnesses described the gunman as about 5’-1" tall, wearing a red T-shirt, short pants, and slippers. He also had a backpack.

The rest of the Tamaraws must step up the level of their game in order to compensate for the absence of Mac Mac Baracael. Baracael is their go to guy, now JR Cawaling,Paul Sanga and Marlon Adolfo must show that they can also carry this team.

Let's just hope for the fast recovery of this promising player and maybe next year he'll be back again.

Baracael just did a splendid work on his last game, silencing UST 's main man Jervy Cruz. Who would have thought that it would be his last game of the season.

Watch the related video below.


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New Teams for some NBA Players

It looks like NBA teams are getting busy this early. One month after the Celtics bagged the NBA title, there are already a lot of blue chip players who have been traded to other teams.

Elton Brand will surely provide muscle for the 76ers who made a surprise appearance in the playoff last season. Partnering with Iguodala,Miller and Dalembert will give them a fearsome look.

Jermaine O' Neal boost the stock of the Raptors and somehow solidify the frontline of the team. Now the East have their version of the Twin Towers with Chris Bosh and Jermaine O' Neal.

Richard Jefferson has a new team with the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian. Looks like the Nets is gonna sport a new look this coming season.

My favorite team, the Indiana Pacers has seven new players in the team.Good thing they got TJ Ford,Rasho Nesterovic and Jarrett Jack plus two new rookie in the person of Brandon Rush, a 6' 6" swingman who played NCAA 2008 Champion Kansas, and Roy Hibbert a 7-2, 278-pound center, played four seasons at Georgetown, averaging 10.9 ppg and 5.9 rpg.

While the Orlando Magic has acquired the services of Mickael Pietrus to add more depth to their bench.

I'll talk about the Western team on my next post. So Keep it up here.

It's UAAP Basketball once again!!!!

College Basketball has always been exciting.

And its the start of the new season of the UAAP ( University Athletic Association of the Philippines )once again. Expect all the eight teams to give out their best to win the country's most prestigious collegiate basketball title.

And for this year, here are my choice teams who will make it to the Final Four.

De La Salle University Green Archers. No doubt about it, DLSU Green Archers have always been in the Final Four except in 2006, where they were banned from the league, but came back with a vengeance last year bagging the title against the unbeaten UE Red Warriors.

Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles.Barely making it to the Finals last year but lost to the eventual Champion DLSU Green Archers, expect the Eagles to soar this year. It will also mark Chris Tiu's final year and I am sure he wants to end it with a title.

Far Eastern University Tamaraws. Although they nearly make it to the Final Four last year with a bunch of Rookies and Sophomore, I believe that this team have already mature and are ready for the big time. Watch out for the 1-2 punch of Mac Baracael and JR Cawaling.

University of the East Red Warriors. Sweeping the elimination round last year but winless in the Finals, the Warriors are raring for a shot once again. Although they are no longer the same team last year with the departure of Mark Borboran and Kelvin Gregorio, still the team remains a potent threat with Elmer Espiritu, Marcy Arellano,Hans Thiele and James Martinez around.

Dark Horse is the University of Santo Tomas Tigers. This team have become unpredictable for the last two years,thanks to main man Jervy Cruz.

It's war in the basketball court.

Celtic's Pride Returns

I was wrong at my prediction that Lakers would win the Finals in Game Six, turns out that it was the opposite, it was the Green and White of the Boston Celtics that dominated the Finals.

It was imminent that the Celtics would win the Championship after Game 4, down by as much as 24 points in the second half. The Celtics rallied down the stretch to beat the Lakers 97-91 in Game 4.

I thought that the Lakers have the greatest comeback in the Finals in Game 2, but they fell short.

It was hunger and determination that paved the way for the Big Three to win their first NBA title. It was the 17th Championship for the Celtics and the first one after 22 years. Last time around was with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish the original Big Three back in 1986.

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each scored 26 points to lead the Celtics. While Finals MVP Paul Pierce added 17 points.

The Lakers simply have no match against Kevin Garnett who simply outsmart, outhustled, outrebounded and sometimes knock Pau Gasol down. Gasol was just too soft for Garnett to crack offensively. Also, the bench of the Celtics outplayed its counterpart, thanks mainly to veterans Sam Cassel,James Posey and PJ Brown.

Can they do it again next year ? Only the Big Three cans answer.

The Lakers are still Alive

This time the L.A. Lakers survived the onslaught of the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals with a win of 103-98.

Winning the Game 5 of the NBA Finals cuts the deficit of the series to 2-3.Game 6 Would be tough because I am pretty sure that the Celtics want to end the series right away.

No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in NBA history.The Lakers are only two wins away from doing that. But up against the Mighty Celtics, I think that they might have a hard time doing it.

My prediction that Lakers will win it six games is already history, now that the Celtics can end it Game 6.

The Lakers started the Game once again with an early big lead just like in Game 4, but this time they managed to hold on to it.The Celtics even tied it at 90-all with less than 5 minutes remaining.This time Kobe Bryant diplayed flashes of brilliance down the stretch.

I think that Game 6 will be toughest of the series with the Title on the line for the Celtics and survival for the Lakers.

It's Lakers Time

It's Lakers turn to host the NBA Finals for three straight game. They will be hosting from Game 3 to 5.

I am sure sure that the Lakers are aching to bounce back in the series and finally gab a win in tonight's game.

You see how dangerous they were in Game 2, erasing a 24 point deficit in just over four minutes. They could have won that game had Sasha Vujacic made his three point with over a minute left.

The Lakers 0ffense and defense were tremendous at that time, although they missed their last two important field goal.

The Celtics should be very afraid, they are the underdogs here in this series. Expect the Lakers to bounce back.

The MVP, Kobe Bryant is trying to prove something and that is winning a championship without Shaq. Expect him to play hard in the next games.

It's game time.

CELTICS VS LAKERS

Much have been written about these two fabled teams. The Lakers and The Celtics finally faces each other once again the NBA finals after twenty one long years.

The Lakers and the Celtics met 10 times in the Finals from 1959-87, with the Celtics winning the first eight. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar were the pillars of that Lakers team against Larry Bird and Kevin McHale of the Celtics.

Now comes a new breed of Lakers and Celtics.

This is Kobe Bryant's chance to prove that he can win a championship without Shaquille O' Neal. Although he got the support of another 7 footer, lanky Spaniard Pau Gasol. Pau Gasol has more perimeter shot compared to Shaq. Gasol can shoot the three at any given time. Kobe and Pau are the new dynamic duo of the Lakers.

The Big Three of the Celtics are veterans out to prove their greatness in the league. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce wnat just one thing in their mind. A championship before they retire. Although they don't have championship experience, it is their supporting cast who can teach them how to play at cruch time. Sam Cassel and James Posey are champions who can instill the virtue of how to be a Champion.

This is the Celtics chance to redeem themselves, who never have success at the league after the 1986-1987 season, failing to advance in the Finals for 21 years.

What's exciting about this series is Phil Jackson's record of surpassing Red Auerbach. With his tenth title at stake. I am pretty sure that he will do everything just to get that exclusive tenth championship ring. He will than be named the greatest coach ever. Six championship with the Chicago Bulls and three with the Lakers, another one is coming unless the Celtics stops his team.

My prediction Lakers will win it in six games.

It would be Great if the Lakers face the Celtics in the Finals

The L.A. Lakers just trounced the defending champions San Antonio Spurs to advance to the Finals. Lakers won the series 4-1.

The Last time that the Lakers advanced to the Finals was in 2004. Led by All Stars Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Gary Payton. Karl Malone transferred to the Lakers that season hoping to bag a championship before he retires. But destiny would not permit it, the Lakers lost to the Pistons in the Finals, putting an end to the career of Karl Malone with no Championship won.

Luckily for Gary Payton, he was signed up by the Miami Heat in 2005-2006 season and got a Championship with Shaq, Wade and the rest of the Heat.

Now Kobe Bryant has a shot of getting the Championship ring without Shaquille O’Neal around.

This time around help will come with Spaniard Pau Gasol. Ever since the trade of Gasol to the Lakers, Lakers are on a roll. Gasol easily blended with his new team. Pau Gasol easily adapted to the triangle offense instilled by Phil Jackson.

Boston or Detroit ? That’s the question that’s been buzzing now. Boston has 3-2 lead over the Pistons, but they are not yet out.

It would be great if the Celtics reach the Finals. It would be renewing fabled rivalry. But if the Pistons make it, I am pretty sure that they want to repeat what happened four years ago. While Revenge will be on the mind of the Lakers.

The Spurs are in Big Danger

Defending champion San Antonio Spurs is once again in danger of being eliminated in the playoffs. They just lost to the Lakers 93-91 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals right at their homecourt.

Maybe they just don't have the drive to defend their crown. Since winning every other year have always been the habit of the Spurs since 2003.Their lineup is aging now, they must pull their act together to come from 1-3 deficit to advance to the NBA Finals.

If the Spurs lose this series against the Lakers, they will be tagged as the only dynasty team that failed to win back to back crown. Or perhaps you cannot call them a dynasty because they didn't dominate a straight year instead they are winning the Championship every other year.

Another loss and its goodbye for the Spurs. Its time to wake up.

Are the Celtics for real ?

Ok, the Celtics may have lost in their homecourt for the first time in the playoffs, but looked at them bounce back.

Crushing the Detroit Pistons and winning their first road game in the post season. It's a tall order for the Celtics and I thought that they would succumb to the pressure and lost. But no, they managed to hold on and won their very first on the road.

Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Now that's what I am talking about, Big Time player should step up now because its playoff time, if you blink you're in danger of being eliminated.

Let's wait tonight if the Celtics can steal another one from Detroit tonight. Or the Pistons equalize the series in the Eastern Finals.

Can the Celtics finally win one at the Road ?

The Boston Celtics are just having a hard time winning on the road since the playoff started. They now have five losses at the road.

But the question, will be answered when the Celtics visits the Cavaliers. They lost two in a row at Cleveland and I don't think Le Bron James will allow the Celtics to shut them out at their home court.

The problem with the Celtics is that there Big Three is shy of one another. They are too nice with each other, that's why they've been losing on the road.

One of these Big Three should step up big time if they wanna win, one of them has to score 40 points or more. Neither of the three are taking charge in offense. Look at what James been doing to his team, his taking charge of his team and that's the reason they're in the second round.

It's playoff time, one has to step up big. So can the Boston Celtics win one at the road ? Or Le Bron James and the Cavaliers lives for Game 7 ?

The answer after Game 6.

Will Smith as Robert Horry ?

It's playoff time, and there is only player that I like to watch when it comes to crunch time.

Robert Horry a.k.a Big Shot Bob.

Yep, he is that one guy who always hit the clutch shots when it mattered most. From his heroics to his Houston Rockets days to L.A. Lakers and currently to San Antonio Spurs. Always delivering the killer blows when it mattered most.

Watch this video above to relive the heroics of Robert Horry, truly a fighter and a Champion. Expect Big Shot Bob to make more this playoff time.

I was just wondering, Will Smith really do looks like Robert Horry, so I guess that if ever Robert Horry's life be turn to a movie,Will Smith could play him.

Wild Wild West

Now let’s head to the Wild Wild Western Conference, where even if you have a strong winning percentage, it does not guarantee you to claim a playoff spot, just liked what happened to the Golden State Warriors. They were raring to duplicate if not surpass what they achieve last year, but they fell short this year.

LA Lakers vs Denver. It was quite a surprise that Pau Gasol would blend easily with his new team and got the Triangle Offense effortlessly. Maybe this time, he’ll surpass the first round jinx, of course with the help of MVP contender Kobe Bryant. Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson should step up big this time in order to survive the onslaught of the mighty Lakers, otherwise their hard earned entry will go to none. Lakers in five games.

Utah vs. Houston. Tracy McGrady ,gets another chance to redeem himself facing Carlos Boozer and the rest of the Utah Jazz, a superstar with no first round success for his entire career. Without Yao Ming and Rafer Alston, the rest of the Rockets should go a notch higher in order not to waste their 22-0 winning game streak. Maybe Luis Scola should prove himself and supports T-Mac to avoid humiliation. This series is so tough, but I’m putting my money on Jazz in seven games. Without Rafer Alston, Deron Williams will easily dismantle Houston’s offense.

New Orleans vs. Dallas. New Orleans is probably the surprise team of the year, winning their first Division title and gaining Home court advantage in the playoff opener. This is also redemption time once again for the Dallas Mavericks, who seems to have no luck the past two years. Chris Paul will be having a hard time pitting his wares against the two Jason of Dallas, Terry and Kidd. The experience of Jason Kidd will probably guide the Mavericks past the Hornets. Experience will prevail over young blood in this series. It is not yet the time of Chris Paul yet. I’m pretty sure Dirk Nowitzki will reassert himselfand vanish the stigma of the last two years of the Mavs.

San Antonio vs. Phoenix. Big Diesel against the Gentle Giant. Shaq has always been known to be the a Champion, a Fighter. That’s the kind of spirit he’s bringing to the Phoenix Suns who just couldn’t reach the Finals. This one will be a long and tough series. It will be physical and always a close game, so whoever looses focus it’s bye bye for them. The Spurs will have a hard time defending their crown and they may just exit early. My choice is Phoenix in seven games. San Antonio is just so undermanned at this time, I don’t think they can match up with Phoenix firepower offensively.

It's Playoff time

It is playoff time, and here is my prediction as to who will win in their own series match up. First let’s head to what others may say the Weak East.

Boston vs. Atlanta. It is clear that the Celtics will simply just walk in this series. I don’t think that the Hawks can match up to the Big Three. I think Boston will sweep the series. Although having the league best record does not guarantee an easy win in the playoff. Just like what happened to the Mavericks last year. But I doubt that Atlanta have the talent as same as those Warriors who pulled the Mavericks out of contention last year.

Cleveland vs. Washington. Its their third straight year to meet in the playoff and Cleveland always prevailed in the series. This year they are 2-2 with each other, unless the Wizards find a way to stop King James from wreaking havoc, I think that the Cavaliers will take the series in six games.

Orlando vs. Toronto. Two promising young big men slug it out in this series. Dwight Howard of the Magic and Chris Bosh of the Raptors try to out muscle each other. I think that the Black Superman will prevail over Bosh Raptors, considering that Howard had just bulked up his body. Plus he has a lot of support from shooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Torkoglu, who I think will win this year’s Most Improved Player. Orlando Magic will win it six games.

Detroit vs. Philadelphia. It’s a surprised to almost everyone when the 76ers made it to the palyoff this year. They were regarded as the Dark Horse and they have just proven that they can move on even without Allen Iverson but they are face with the task of beating the Detroit Piston, the most consistent and coherent in the Eastern Conference for the last five years. Loaded with four super starters with Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace. Just a defensive stop on Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala and the 76ers are in deep trouble. Detroit in five games.