In my previous post dated September 3, 2010 (PBA must grant SBP’s request), I reasonably pointed out the PBA’s role in the formation of the national team. I was disappointed when, prior the Board meeting, that there were stakeholders who were not in favor of granting the SBP’s request for the inclusion of the three players namely Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and Sol Mercado to the national squad. The board meeting, however, yielded positive results.

Now that this issue has been resolved, there are more reasons to smile than to be worried at all. With it, as a staunch supporter of the SBP and the Smart Gilas, I wish to express my gratitude to the PBA Board of Governors. It may be late to do so but it’s better than never at all.

Based on the performances in the recent tournaments participated by the Philippine national team, it obviously needs some key players to fill in some missing pieces of the puzzle. By the way, RP team finished fourth among seven teams in the 32^nd William Jones Cup in Taipei last July and fourth as well in the FIBA-Asia Stankovic Cup in Beirut last month.

Outgoing Commissioner Sonny Barrios confirmed that SBP has indeed sent the formal request to the PBA last week. It’s just annoying to hear that, according to Barrios, some teams are not supportive to this idea. Disappointing, isn’t it? One reason they cited is its effect on the gate attendance of the PBA games since its schedule runs in conflict with Asian Games.

Looking on a wider perspective, PBA’s contribution to the national team will also benefit the PBA itself. We all agree that the addition of key players Asi Taulava, Kelly Williams and James Yap will definitely improve the RP team’s performance in the Guangzhou Games. The PBA has to accept the reality that one reason for its dwindling attendance is because of its poor showing in the international arena. PBA fans are sick and tired of watching our hardcourt heroes beaten black and blue in the Asian level competitions. A much improved stint by the RP team will surely stir back the interest to take another look at the pro league. Furthermore, once the national players complete their tour of duty, they will all turn to the PBA. Most of them, if not all, will probably join the 2011 and the 2012 PBA Draft. Again, the PBA should look at this on a wider perspective.

Moreover, a decent performance at the Asian Games will encourage our Asian neighbors to watch PBA games on their cable and digital TVs. Look at Fadi El-khatib of Lebanon, he is very much impressed with the quality of basketball here. The PBA must realize that the Asian Games is a vehicle to promote the PBA to the rest of Asia.

I hope the PBA Board grants the request of the SBP on the inclusion of three key players. After all, the PBA is not like North Korea, unless they want it to be.

At this point in time, I think Smart Gilas needs to evaluate and make sound decisions. Why not:

1. Naturalize Milan Vucicevic as a Filipino – Milan may not be monster in the court but he is reportedly well-liked by the team because of his work ethic and winning attitude. He may not be perfect for the role but his commitment is far more important than sheer talent.
2. Let Kelly Williams play the small forward position – The inclusion of Williams in the team is a matter of formality. There’s no doubt ‘K-Will’ plays basketball better than anyone else in the country today at 3 or 4 spot. I think it’s much better to have him in the ‘3’ spot so as not to give up much in height as he is only 6-foot-6.
3. Naturalize one more foreigner standing at least 6-foot-11 – Though Vucicevic is a rational choice, he has had problems matching up with 7-foot guys. The way I see it, Gilas needs somebody who can impose intimidation in the shaded lane. Since only one naturalized player is allowed, the team may choose between Vucicevic and another big man come the competition proper. At least the team has the option either of the two.

I understand that the SBP people are far more knowledgeable in the sport than the screaming fans. But the pressing conditions of the team needs a thorough review and reassessment. Why not lend an ear to them?

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Like the three-point competition, the slam dunk contest has become a ‘reunion’ of past champions in the PBA All-star celebrations. Gabe Norwood goes for a title repeat while former champions KG Canaleta and Kelly Williams are out to prove themselves. Other big names joining are high-flyers Rico Maierofer and JC Intal.

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Forwards JC Intal of Ginebra Gin Kings and Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realty are both voted as week’s best in the ongoing KFC-PBA Philippine Cup. Intal, the 6-foot-4 standout from Ateneo de Manila averaged 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2 assists leading his team to a couple of victories over Alaska Aces and Talk N’ Text Phonepals. Williams, on the other hand, averaged 20 points, 18 rebounds and 2.5 assists helping the Realtors secure an outright quarterfinals seat.

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South Korea’s Shin Yong-rok has reportedly signed with the Siberian club FC Tom Tomsk in the Russian Premiere League. He last played for Bursapor in the Turkcell Super Lig and declared himself free agent in October after the Turksih club failed to honor its commitment. The 22-year old native of Seoul joins fellow South Korean Kim Nam-il in the team.

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Ji Hoon Kim of South Korea is scheduled to face Tyrone Harris of the United States on February 12 in California, US. The 5-foot-9 native of Goyang City is arguably the best in his division in Korea. He will fight in the US soil for the third time in his career. He hopes to continue his streak of KOs dating back to December 2006. Kim’s record currently stands at 19-5-0 with 16 KOs.

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Takashi Miura will face fellow Japanese Seiichi Okada on Febraury 6 in Tokyo. The scheduled bout is for the Japanese Super Feather weight title. Miura hopes to improve his current record of 17-1-2 with 14 KOs as he lands among the top ten in his division in boxrec.com rankings.

Photo Courtesy: Philstar.com

Arwind Santos of the San Miguel Beer is currently on top for the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) Award in the ongoing 2009 KFC-Philippine Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Midway in the eliminations, the 6-4 native of Angeles City, Pampanga has an average of 38.9 Statistical Points (SP). He is the second leading scorer averaging 18.22 points and 10.22 rebounds a game. Following Santos at second place is Sta. Lucia forward Kelly Williams who has a 38.1 SP per game.

Completing the top ten for the BPC are the following:

3^rd Willie Miller (Alaska) 35.6 SP

4^th Macmac Cardona (Talk ‘N Text) 33.4

5^th LA Tenorio (Alaska) 31.3

6^th Ronald Tubid (Ginebra) 30.0

7^th Joe Devance (Alaska) 29.6

8^th Jimmy Alapag (Talk ‘N Text) 29.1

9^th Dondon Hontiveros (San Miguel) 28.6

10. Jayjay Helterbrand (Ginebra) 28.4

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Japan’s high school baseball sensation Yusei Kikuchi finally reached a deal with Seibu Lions. The 18-year old left handed pitcher will receive Y100 million upon signing and Y15 million on his first year with the team.

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LA Tenorio of the Alaska Aces and Kelly Williams of the Sta. Lucia Realtors are named Co-Players of the Week November 16-22 in the ongoing KFC-Philippine Cup in the Philippine Basketball Association. Tenorio has been leading his team to a league-best 8-1 record midway in the elimination round. Williams, on the other hand, leads the league in rebounds at 13.1 a game and is one of the top scorers with 17 an outing.

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Atletico Madrid president  Enrique Cerezo appealed to its fans to be patient with the team’s dismal performance in the Spanish La Liga. The team has already been eliminated from this year’s Champion’s League and is in their worst start in over 56 years.

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FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called on an extraordinary general meeting on December 2 in Cape Town, South Africa. The meeting will tackle issues concerning irregularities in the football betting market and controversies in the qualifiers for next year’s World Cup especially the match of France against Republic of Ireland recently.