Most of these teams are composed mainly of its respective national players and beefed up by two imports. Mahram of Iran, for instance, lists at least six members of its national team in this joust while Lebanon has five. The Philippines, however, waive its privilege for additional imports.

With it, this tournament already serves as a teaser to the much awaited  Fiba-Asia Championship which is also the qualifying tournament for the London Olympics.

Australia’s basketball may not be as big as in the United States or in the Philippines. Cricket, Rugby, Australian Football, Horse racing  are far more popular in terms of crowd attendance. However, there’s one thing that caught the attention of coach Rajko Toroman in the Aussies – zone defense.

I remember back in 2004 Athens Olympics, Australia played against the United States in the preliminaries.  The Americans had a hard time breaking the zone of the Aussies. Though the former won in that game, it was a close match that pushed the Americans to the brink. Note that Team USA was made up of NBA stars including Tim Duncan, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. The Americans ended up third in that tournament though.

The Australia trip of the Gilas is the second of the series of international exposures as a run up to the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China beginning November 12. Scheduled to follow this tour is a series of exhibition games in Serbia, United States and possibly against the Canadian national team in April.

Photo Courtesy: Aliguasmangaldan.net

The bulk of Team Pilipinas are on their way to Vientiane, Laos today for the 25^th South East Asian Games. Two chartered planes are commissioned to bring the 351 strong delegation which includes athletes, coaches, managers and trainers and other team officials of the Philippines. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuanco leads the delegates while Philippine Sports Commissioner (PSC) Harry Angpin will follow soon.

Team Pilipinas is seeking for redemption as it placed 6^th overall in the last edition of the biennial event after grabbing the overall title in 2005. The Filipinos are expected to dominate some events such as billiards, long jump and swimming. There are disciplines that were scrapped from the event due to lack of facilities in Vientiane. One is basketball where the Philippines should have already been assured of a gold medal.

Nonetheless, the Filipinos will put a fighting spirit and a gallant effort to withstand the stiff friendly competition.

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Takashi Saito of Japan has agreed to sign a $3.2 million one year contract with the Atlanta Braves in the Major League Baseball (MLB).  The right-handed pitcher who turns 40 on February played for the Boston Red Sox last season. He made it to the National League All-Star back in 2007 while playing for the LA Dodgers.

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South Korean Park Chan-ho has been the subject of tug-of-war of six MLB teams in the free agent market.  The 36-year old pitcher native of Gongju was not offered salary arbitration by Philadelphia Phillies. He told local scribes that he would likely suit up for the team that gives him a starter role and can advance to the World Series.

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Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines has agreed in principle to a fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13, 2010.  Pacquiao had a discussion with his promoter Bob Arum in Manila and the two came to terms though the specific details of the fight has yet to be ironed out. Among the issues that are yet to be discussed are the weight, the gloves and the economic aspects.

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Taiwan’s Chan Yih-shin hung tough for his lead midway in the ongoing King’s Cup at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club in Thailand. The 33-year old has been chased by at least six players including Harmeet Kahlon, Kim Dae-hyun and Rahil Gangjee for the prestigious title.

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Photo Courtesy: Gmanews.tv

Bethune Tanquingcen or more popularly known as Siot Tanquingcen is one of my favorite active coaches in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). His preparedness coming into the games as well as his passion to be the best he can be are just two of the traits I like from him.

Siot was born on November 3, 1972 in Manila. In college, the 5-foot-9 point guard played under coach Aric del Rosario and was one among the UST ‘four-peat’ team in the UAAP in the ‘90s. He joined the PBA Rookie Draft in 1996 and was one of the only three undrafted rookies. He managed to sign with Sunkist Orange Juicers that season though. He then joined the backcourt rotation of the San Miguel Beer in 1997 until 1998 and was considered as the ‘12^th’ man in the team. Though his playing career was something forgettable Siot has so far reversed the fortunes in his coaching career.

Tanquingcen was named as an interim coach back in 2002 for San Miguel beer after coach Jong Uichico was loaned to handle the national team bound for the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. Siot was later elevated to San Miguel Beer’s sister team Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings head coach in 2005 where he guided the latter to win the championship in his first try as a head coach.  Later in the year, the Gin Kings scored a back to back championship.

Last season’s Fiesta Conference, he was tasked to handle San Miguel Beer which he led the team to its 19^th title overall. That was coach Siot’s 3^rd in as many Finals appearances. To this day, he remains to be the only active PBA coach who has never lost in a Finals. Truly, Siot always shoots for the best.