And De La Salle coach Franz Pumaren cautioned the vanishing "Houdinis" in his team to make their appearance tomorrow before all is lost.
Cool as a cat despite getting backed against the wall by a flock of tenacious Blue Eagles who refused to get shooed away Thursday from a date with University of the East in the UAAP Finals, Pumaren expressed confidence the Green Archers will find their mark in the do-or-die with Ateneo tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
But first they have to string their bows and load their arrows, a feat La Salle has to accomplish as a team, not as a bunch of talented individuals.
"I’m confident we can win it," said Pumaren, a day after the Green Archers suffered a shocking 65-64 loss to the Blue Eagles in a game La Salle firmly controlled going to the last two minutes.
"We just have to come out strong and sustain our intensity."
The entire Green Archer team, from the stars down to the role players, is well-advised to heed their coach’s call to come out as one.
"The last 16 games, there was not a single game that everyone played well in. Every game, only two or three rose to the challenge. We have to play solid to beat Ateneo," said Pumaren, who has won four titles with La Salle squads that were the embodiment of total commitment to team play.
The 44-year-old Quezon City councilor remains steadfast to his faith in his players though.
"There will be no major changes. If any, it will be very minimal. It’s all about heart and determination to win the game."
The Archers and the Eagles clash for the fifth time this season at 3 p.m., a rivalry that has expanded into an epic showdown.
La Salle, back in the UAAP after serving a one-year suspension for fielding ineligible players four years ago, was two minutes and 20 seconds away from sealing a championship berth two days ago.
JV Casio split his free throws to give the Green Archers a six-point lead, 64-58.
But La Salle kept the bird cage slightly open and the Blue Eagles surged out like avenging Furies.
Chris Tiu nailed a three-pointer and Claiford Arao made a jumper that closed the gap at 63-64. After Bader Malabes missed a running jumper, Tiu came through with his game-winning lay-up with 7.3 seconds, 65-64.
Malabes missed an ill-advised 3-pointer when they only needed a 2-point basket and the Green Archers found themselves shattered beyond words.
"We’re disappointed but not really upset. We’re still believing. Everybody will just have to step up and contribute," Pumaren said.
The winner of the La Salle-Ateneo match will advance to the best-of-three Finals against the Red Warriors, mentored by another Pumaren — Franz’s younger brother Dindo.
The Red Warriors earned an outright Finals berth after sweeping the two-round elimination, a 14-0 card that earned for them a trip to the finals since losing to the Archers in the 1990 championship.
La Salle confident of finishing job
Even the great Sherlock Holmes could find the Case of the Disappearing Green Archers a tough one to crack.
And De La Salle coach Franz Pumaren cautioned the vanishing "Houdinis" in his team to make their appearance tomorrow before all is lost.
Cool as a cat despite getting backed against the wall by a flock of tenacious Blue Eagles who refused to get shooed away Thursday from a date with University of the East in the UAAP Finals, Pumaren expressed confidence the Green Archers will find their mark in the do-or-die with Ateneo tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
But first they have to string their bows and load their arrows, a feat La Salle has to accomplish as a team, not as a bunch of talented individuals.
"I’m confident we can win it," said Pumaren, a day after the Green Archers suffered a shocking 65-64 loss to the Blue Eagles in a game La Salle firmly controlled going to the last two minutes.
"We just have to come out strong and sustain our intensity."
The entire Green Archer team, from the stars down to the role players, is well-advised to heed their coach’s call to come out as one.
"The last 16 games, there was not a single game that everyone played well in. Every game, only two or three rose to the challenge. We have to play solid to beat Ateneo," said Pumaren, who has won four titles with La Salle squads that were the embodiment of total commitment to team play.
The 44-year-old Quezon City councilor remains steadfast to his faith in his players though.
"There will be no major changes. If any, it will be very minimal. It’s all about heart and determination to win the game."
The Archers and the Eagles clash for the fifth time this season at 3 p.m., a rivalry that has expanded into an epic showdown.
La Salle, back in the UAAP after serving a one-year suspension for fielding ineligible players four years ago, was two minutes and 20 seconds away from sealing a championship berth two days ago.
JV Casio split his free throws to give the Green Archers a six-point lead, 64-58.
But La Salle kept the bird cage slightly open and the Blue Eagles surged out like avenging Furies.
Chris Tiu nailed a three-pointer and Claiford Arao made a jumper that closed the gap at 63-64. After Bader Malabes missed a running jumper, Tiu came through with his game-winning lay-up with 7.3 seconds, 65-64.
Malabes missed an ill-advised 3-pointer when they only needed a 2-point basket and the Green Archers found themselves shattered beyond words.
"We’re disappointed but not really upset. We’re still believing. Everybody will just have to step up and contribute," Pumaren said.
The winner of the La Salle-Ateneo match will advance to the best-of-three Finals against the Red Warriors, mentored by another Pumaren — Franz’s younger brother Dindo.
The Red Warriors earned an outright Finals berth after sweeping the two-round elimination, a 14-0 card that earned for them a trip to the finals since losing to the Archers in the 1990 championship.
And De La Salle coach Franz Pumaren cautioned the vanishing "Houdinis" in his team to make their appearance tomorrow before all is lost.
Cool as a cat despite getting backed against the wall by a flock of tenacious Blue Eagles who refused to get shooed away Thursday from a date with University of the East in the UAAP Finals, Pumaren expressed confidence the Green Archers will find their mark in the do-or-die with Ateneo tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
But first they have to string their bows and load their arrows, a feat La Salle has to accomplish as a team, not as a bunch of talented individuals.
"I’m confident we can win it," said Pumaren, a day after the Green Archers suffered a shocking 65-64 loss to the Blue Eagles in a game La Salle firmly controlled going to the last two minutes.
"We just have to come out strong and sustain our intensity."
The entire Green Archer team, from the stars down to the role players, is well-advised to heed their coach’s call to come out as one.
"The last 16 games, there was not a single game that everyone played well in. Every game, only two or three rose to the challenge. We have to play solid to beat Ateneo," said Pumaren, who has won four titles with La Salle squads that were the embodiment of total commitment to team play.
The 44-year-old Quezon City councilor remains steadfast to his faith in his players though.
"There will be no major changes. If any, it will be very minimal. It’s all about heart and determination to win the game."
The Archers and the Eagles clash for the fifth time this season at 3 p.m., a rivalry that has expanded into an epic showdown.
La Salle, back in the UAAP after serving a one-year suspension for fielding ineligible players four years ago, was two minutes and 20 seconds away from sealing a championship berth two days ago.
JV Casio split his free throws to give the Green Archers a six-point lead, 64-58.
But La Salle kept the bird cage slightly open and the Blue Eagles surged out like avenging Furies.
Chris Tiu nailed a three-pointer and Claiford Arao made a jumper that closed the gap at 63-64. After Bader Malabes missed a running jumper, Tiu came through with his game-winning lay-up with 7.3 seconds, 65-64.
Malabes missed an ill-advised 3-pointer when they only needed a 2-point basket and the Green Archers found themselves shattered beyond words.
"We’re disappointed but not really upset. We’re still believing. Everybody will just have to step up and contribute," Pumaren said.
The winner of the La Salle-Ateneo match will advance to the best-of-three Finals against the Red Warriors, mentored by another Pumaren — Franz’s younger brother Dindo.
The Red Warriors earned an outright Finals berth after sweeping the two-round elimination, a 14-0 card that earned for them a trip to the finals since losing to the Archers in the 1990 championship.
Gabe Norwood
Gabriel Daniel Norwood, born on Februaary 02, 1985 is a Filipino-America former NCAA basketball player at George Mason University. He is a member of Philippine National Basketball Team played in the 2007 Williams Jones Cup held in the Taiwan, in which the national team finished third place in the tounament.
College (George Mason U) Ball Profile:
Class: Senior
Hometown: State College, Pa.
High School: State College
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 190
Position: Guard/Forward
Birthdate: 02/09/1985
Major: Communication
Gabe Norwood enters his fourth year with the Patriots and is a returning starter in the backcourt... Has an excellent "feel for the game"... Versatile player able to play either guard position and at small forward... Distributes the ball well and has good court vision... Intelligent athlete... Majoring in communication.
2005-06: Played in all 35 games and was sixth on the team in minutes played. Started three contests including a pair of games in the NCAA Tournament... Scored in 27 of 35 games and led the team in bench scoring... Was third on the team in steals and blocks and was fourth on the squad in assists... Was one of two players with more assists than field goals (min. 100 minutes)... Enters his senior year among the top 25 in school history in career assists and career blocks... Is also among the top 30 all-time in career steals... Stretching back to the start of his sophomore season, has had an assist in 55 of the past 64 games... Had season-high nine points against UNC Wilmington (Jan. 21) on perfect shooting... Had four points, four rebounds and two assists in first meeting with Delaware (Jan. 7)... Played season-high 29 minutes against Radford (Dec. 10) and finished with seven points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block... Against American (Dec. 5) had five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block... Injured against Wake Forest (Nov. 11) and had a streak of 30 straight games with a rebound snapped
2004-05: Started 24 of 29 games played... Averaged 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest... Led Mason in assists (74) and steals (47)... Averaged 26.3 minutes per contest... Ranked third on the squad in rebounds per game and blocked shots (16)... Shot 43.8 percent from the floor... Scored in double figures six times, including a career-best 14 points vs. UNC Wilmington (1/8/05)... Collected a career-high nine rebounds at Delaware (1/12/05)... Registered 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals (tying a career-high) against No. 11 Michigan State (12/5/04)... Tallied 10 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals at St. Bonaventure (12/22/04)... Led or tied for the team lead in assists and steals 12 times... Ranked 14th in the league in assists per game (2.55) and was fourth overall in steals per outing (1.62)... Recorded a career-best three blocked shots vs. Drexel (1/19/05).
2003-04: Saw action in 29 games, earning one start... Averaged 8.4 minutes per contest... Scored 30 points and added 24 rebounds... Connected on 30.6 percent of his field goals and shot 30.8 percent from beyond the arc... Had 10 steals and three blocked shots... Tallied career bests of nine assists and five steals in 24 minutes at Towson (2/4/04)... Scored five points vs. St. Bonaventure (12/23/03)... Collected four rebounds each vs. Hofstra (1/14/04) and Delaware (2/21/04)... Earned first collegiate start against the Blue Hens (2/21/04).
HIGH SCHOOL: Had an outstanding two-year varsity career at State College Area High School for coach Drew Franks... Received Class AAAA 2003 most outstanding player and top offensive player honors in the Mountain League... Named first-team All-League as a senior and second-team All-League as a junior... 2002-03 team captain... Led the Little Lions in steals (71) and blocked shots (65) as well as in scoring and rebounding with 16.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest... Ranked second on the team in assists with 95... Guided State College to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAAA championship and a school single-season record with 25 wins (25-6 overall)... Was the only player from Western Pennsylvania to participate in the 2003 Pennsylvania-Maryland Shootout All-Star game... Helped the Little Lions to a 22-6 overall mark and a PIAA Class AAAA "Sweet 16" appearance as a junior... Played in the Pittsburgh Hoops Classic in fall 2002... Attended Coronado (TX) High School as a sophomore, earning first-team All-District 5A honors and was named "Newcomer of the Year"... Garnered 2001 All-South Plains honorable mention from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal... Played basketball as a reserve point guard for Broadneck High School near Annapolis, MD during his freshman season.
PERSONAL: Full name is Gabriel Daniel Norwood... Born February 9, 1985... Son of Brian and Tiffiney Norwood... Has four siblings, Jordan, Levi, Brianna and Zaccariah... Father Brian played four years of collegiate football for the University of Hawaii... 2003 graduate of State College Area High School... Chose George Mason over Penn State and Rider.
CAREER HIGHS
PTS: 14, vs. UNC Wilmington (1/8/05)
REB: 9, at Delaware (1/12/05)
FG: 5, four times, last vs. UNC Wilmington (1/8/05)
3-PT FG: 1, 15 times, last vs. Hofstra (3/5/06)
FT: 5, twice, last at William & Mary (2/12/05)
ASSISTS: 9, at Towson (2/4/04)
STEALS: 5, twice, last vs. Michigan St. (12/5/04)
BLOCKS: 3, vs. Drexel (1/19/05)
College (George Mason U) Ball Profile:
Class: Senior
Hometown: State College, Pa.
High School: State College
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 190
Position: Guard/Forward
Birthdate: 02/09/1985
Major: Communication
Gabe Norwood enters his fourth year with the Patriots and is a returning starter in the backcourt... Has an excellent "feel for the game"... Versatile player able to play either guard position and at small forward... Distributes the ball well and has good court vision... Intelligent athlete... Majoring in communication.
2005-06: Played in all 35 games and was sixth on the team in minutes played. Started three contests including a pair of games in the NCAA Tournament... Scored in 27 of 35 games and led the team in bench scoring... Was third on the team in steals and blocks and was fourth on the squad in assists... Was one of two players with more assists than field goals (min. 100 minutes)... Enters his senior year among the top 25 in school history in career assists and career blocks... Is also among the top 30 all-time in career steals... Stretching back to the start of his sophomore season, has had an assist in 55 of the past 64 games... Had season-high nine points against UNC Wilmington (Jan. 21) on perfect shooting... Had four points, four rebounds and two assists in first meeting with Delaware (Jan. 7)... Played season-high 29 minutes against Radford (Dec. 10) and finished with seven points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block... Against American (Dec. 5) had five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block... Injured against Wake Forest (Nov. 11) and had a streak of 30 straight games with a rebound snapped
2004-05: Started 24 of 29 games played... Averaged 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest... Led Mason in assists (74) and steals (47)... Averaged 26.3 minutes per contest... Ranked third on the squad in rebounds per game and blocked shots (16)... Shot 43.8 percent from the floor... Scored in double figures six times, including a career-best 14 points vs. UNC Wilmington (1/8/05)... Collected a career-high nine rebounds at Delaware (1/12/05)... Registered 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and five steals (tying a career-high) against No. 11 Michigan State (12/5/04)... Tallied 10 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals at St. Bonaventure (12/22/04)... Led or tied for the team lead in assists and steals 12 times... Ranked 14th in the league in assists per game (2.55) and was fourth overall in steals per outing (1.62)... Recorded a career-best three blocked shots vs. Drexel (1/19/05).
2003-04: Saw action in 29 games, earning one start... Averaged 8.4 minutes per contest... Scored 30 points and added 24 rebounds... Connected on 30.6 percent of his field goals and shot 30.8 percent from beyond the arc... Had 10 steals and three blocked shots... Tallied career bests of nine assists and five steals in 24 minutes at Towson (2/4/04)... Scored five points vs. St. Bonaventure (12/23/03)... Collected four rebounds each vs. Hofstra (1/14/04) and Delaware (2/21/04)... Earned first collegiate start against the Blue Hens (2/21/04).
HIGH SCHOOL: Had an outstanding two-year varsity career at State College Area High School for coach Drew Franks... Received Class AAAA 2003 most outstanding player and top offensive player honors in the Mountain League... Named first-team All-League as a senior and second-team All-League as a junior... 2002-03 team captain... Led the Little Lions in steals (71) and blocked shots (65) as well as in scoring and rebounding with 16.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest... Ranked second on the team in assists with 95... Guided State College to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAAA championship and a school single-season record with 25 wins (25-6 overall)... Was the only player from Western Pennsylvania to participate in the 2003 Pennsylvania-Maryland Shootout All-Star game... Helped the Little Lions to a 22-6 overall mark and a PIAA Class AAAA "Sweet 16" appearance as a junior... Played in the Pittsburgh Hoops Classic in fall 2002... Attended Coronado (TX) High School as a sophomore, earning first-team All-District 5A honors and was named "Newcomer of the Year"... Garnered 2001 All-South Plains honorable mention from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal... Played basketball as a reserve point guard for Broadneck High School near Annapolis, MD during his freshman season.
PERSONAL: Full name is Gabriel Daniel Norwood... Born February 9, 1985... Son of Brian and Tiffiney Norwood... Has four siblings, Jordan, Levi, Brianna and Zaccariah... Father Brian played four years of collegiate football for the University of Hawaii... 2003 graduate of State College Area High School... Chose George Mason over Penn State and Rider.
CAREER HIGHS
PTS: 14, vs. UNC Wilmington (1/8/05)
REB: 9, at Delaware (1/12/05)
FG: 5, four times, last vs. UNC Wilmington (1/8/05)
3-PT FG: 1, 15 times, last vs. Hofstra (3/5/06)
FT: 5, twice, last at William & Mary (2/12/05)
ASSISTS: 9, at Towson (2/4/04)
STEALS: 5, twice, last vs. Michigan St. (12/5/04)
BLOCKS: 3, vs. Drexel (1/19/05)
The top 20 players of the Philippine Basketball League
TWENTY years is a long stretch of time -- two decades marked by highs and lows, triumphs and struggles, trials and errors. Like all things tested by time, the Philippine Basketball League absorbed all these, and still remained upright and aloft, ready to face new challenges - and changes. As a basketball league, the PBL has seen people - players, team officials, league officials, staff - come and go. They are the people who define the league as it passes through time. Still, it is the players, more than anybody else, who made the PBL what it is today - a vibrant and dynamic league who have become a transient place for young men who dreams of someday finding his own place in the big backyard that is the pro league, as have others before them.On the occasion of PBL's 20th year, we pay tribute to the league's 20 finest players, as we, however briefly, trace their humble beginnings and their eventual rise to fame - and fortune.
SONNY CABATU He's knownto break into a smile once in a while, but that's the only concession he will give you inside the hardcourt.That sums up Sonny Cabatu when inside the floor. He's muscle and brawn, but unlike other behemoths, Cabatu knew how to position himself near the basket - and score unmolested, defenders be damned.Notwithstanding his reputation as a bruiser on the defensive end, Cabatu scored enough points to shine and win two MVP plums while playing for ESQ Marketing in the PABL, even outglossing equally-talented teammates such as Ricky Cui, Jojo Villapando, Adonis Tierra and Glenn Capacio. Cabatu broke into the league via the Bank of Rizal, which he helped steer to a runner-up and a championship in its first year back in 1984. When the team disbanded, Cabatu was acquired by ESQ Marketing, which won three straight championships. Like several others during his time, Cabatu went on to play in the PBA, but wasn't as successful as he was in the PBL. Still, Cabatu gave PABL fans plenty of memories - that of a banger who is as merciless on defense as he is as prolific on offense.
ALLAN CAIDIC Shooters litter the face of Philippine basketball, but few of them are as prolific as Allan Caidic - the lefty hotshot who had posted records as a three-point shooter and who, just last year, reinvented himself as a PBA coach. Caidic came to the PABL fresh out of college, shortly after the University of the East won back-to-back titles (1984-85) with him and Jerry Codinera on the firing end. His shooting prowess also made him a shoo-in the Danding Cojuangco-backed national team, which won the Jones Cup in 1985. In the PABL, the future PBA superstar plied his wares with CF Sharp and Magnolia, among others, and continued to wreck defenses with his long bombs, averaging double digits in almost every game.His consistency from the long court earned for him a place in PBL history, and set a benchmark almost impossible to surpass, much less equal.
DONDON AMPALAYO A true-blue Cebuano, Dondon Ampalayo was a player way ahead of his time. At 6-3, Dondon was a deadshot from the three-point range and a turnaround shot artist - a deadly combination that endeared him to basketball fans.Dondon came in board the PABL back in 1985 and suited up for ESQ Marketing. His friendly disposition and winsome smile masked his intensity inside the court. He left the PABL after one year, but his popularity even soared when he joined the never-say-die Ginebra team in the PBA. Like a meteor, Dondon was like a flash of light in the PABL, but he has left enough memories for basketball fans to cherish for years to come.
JOJO LASTIMOSA When Jojo Lastimosa, a product of University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu, brought his act to Manila, his Visayan fans came in droves from all over the city to watch him electrify the crowd. Soon, his hardcourt exploits - and a pair of legs to die for - had the fans packing the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium to the rafters, shouting themselves hoarse as Mama's Love, Lastimosa's team, gave the Manilans a lesson in Visayan brand of basketball - bold, gutsy and fast.Game after game, Lastimosa did not disappoint his fans, and while his reticence kept him from winning an MVP award, he endeared himself to lovers of pure, unadulterated basketball. His quiet leadership and intensity brought him glory as a member of various national teams, and later as a professional player in the PBA.
JERRY CODINERA In the PBA, Jerry Codinera was christened the "Defense Minister." But long before that, the 6-5 slotman was already a force to reckon with in the PABL. The son of a former baseball great, Filomeno Codinera, Jerry was an immovable force in the PABL during his stint with Lagerlite and Magnolia. Even back then, Jerry's strongest suit was his umbrella-like defense, a skill he brought with him in the national team of 1986 and eventually, in the PBA. Jerry's teammate in Magnolia include Jong Uichico and the electrifying BongAlvarez, but he more than held his own on offense. His deadliest weapon is a jumpshot from the perimeter, usually a high banked shot, and a putback off an offensive rebound.
ALVIN PATRIMONIO Even past his prime, Alvin Patrimonio is difficult to stop, especially around the paint. With this in mind, just imagine him some 18 years ago, at a time when he ruled the perimeter like a tiger on a prowl, scoring off bigger men with his difficult pivots and turnaround jumpers. A former volleyball player, Patrimonio saw action for Lhullier and Yco Paints, a stint which triggered the much talked about rivalry with Codinera. That rivalry ceased when he and Codinera ended up together in the national team in 1986 and in the star-studded Purefoods team beginning in 1988.While his most memorable achievement is his winning four MVPs in the PBA, Patrimonio will be most remembered as the first PBA millionaire, earning P25 million in five years in 1984 with Purefoods, sparking the skyrocketing of player contracts in the years to come.
ATO AGUSTIN Renato "Ato" Agustin belongs to that rare breed of small players who can score almost at will. As a player fresh out of college, Agustin first strutted his stuff with the Golden Rice Cereals back in 1985, before moving on to Masagana 99 and Hope Cigarettes. But it was during his stint with Swift in 1989 when Agustin blossomed into a bigtime player who can outsmart and outscore bigger players.And back when one-on-one players were difficult to come by, Agustin was already losing his man with his "shake-and-bake moves. His loyalty to the RFM franchise in the PBL paid off, as he became a part of the Swift team that joined the PBA in 1991. A year after, Agustin's efforts were rewarded with a Most Valuable Player Award.
BENJIE PARAS Before he discovered his flair for comedy, Benjie Paras was already a hit -- in basketball. Paras began his basketball career as a UP Maroon where he won the Maroon's only collegiate title under coach Joe Lipa, and like a dutiful son, Paras followed his coach when Lipa handled Philip Sardines in the PABL. As a UP Maroon, Paras was already a force at the paint, but in the PBL, Paras blossomed into a slam-dunking, shotblocking monster. His Mutt-and-Jeff partnership with the cat-quick Ronnie Magsanoc produced two championships for the Sardine Masters. Those two championships lined up Paras for a stint in the PBA, but right in his first year, he won both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors, a feat unmatched until today.
JOHNNY ABARRIENTOS Even before the crossover dribble became a buzzword in basketball, there was one player who did it with amazing regularity. His name - Johnny Abarrientos. Abarrientos burst into basketball prominence when he teamed up with Victor Pablo to lead Far Eastern University to the championship in 1991. But even before then, Abarrientos was already a household name as a PABL player with Crispa under cage legends Bogs Adornado and Atoy Co. After Crispa disbanded, Abarrientos joined Triple V, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back championships. That eventually led to a stint in the PBA with Alaska Milk, where Abarrientos was a part of a championship dynasty in the 90s. In 199
VERGEL MENESES Nowadays, one-on-one players are a dime a dozen. But back when basketball in the Philippines was still young, there was Samboy Lim. And then there was Vergel Meneses. When he first played in Magnolia in the PABL, Vergel was tagged as Samboy's successor in the high-wire act department. Vergel more than lived up to that tag. Like Samboy, Vergel was a superb one-on-one player, But unlike Samboy, Vergel proved to be more durable. After a short stint with Magnolia, Vergel transferred to Burger City. A year after, in 1989, he was named to the RP Youth team. It was only a matter of time before Vergel will be drafted in the PBA, and in 1990, he joined Pop Cola as one of its pioneers.
ZANDRO 'JUN' LIMPOT Tall, athletic and a deadshot from the perimeter, Zandro "Jun" Limpot took to basketball as a duck to water. A former tennis player, Limpot turned to basketball at the urgings of his uncle, the late Gov. Jose Sering. That decision proved to be wise, as it opened many doors for the young Limpot. After leading De La Salle to the championship, Limpot followed coach Derek Pumaren to Magnolia in the PBL, where he stayed for four years, and won an MVP award in the process. The rest, as they say, is history.Like most of his peers, Limpot made the jump to the PBA, and today, he continues to be one of the most prolific scorers in the league.
KENNETH DUREMDES A lean, fighting machine from Koronadal, South Cotabato, Kenneth Duremdes came to the PBL with solid credentials. One of Adamson U's finest, Duremdes immediately gave basketball fans a glimpse of his talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors with Burger Machine back in 1993. Under the tutelage of coach Perry Ronquillo, Duremdes turned from a raw cager into a fearless slasher, and was instrumental in giving Burger Machine a championship in 1994. After two years with the PBL, Duremdes moved on to the PBA and was picked third in the Draft in 1995.
MARLOU AQUINO They call him The Skyscraper, and he is, in more ways than one. At 6-9, Marlou Aquino is one of the tallest Filipino players to ever play the game. He is also one of the most creative centers ever, as he can vary his shots to frustrate the defense. Together with Kenneth Duremdes, Aquino was player no. 1 in Adamson's 1-2 punch. In the PBL, Aquino immediately made an impact, and with no taller player to challenge him, Aquino ran rings around his defenders at the paint.He saw action for Magnolia, Otto Shoes and Stag, and along the way, he strung up five MVP awards, the most by any player in the PBL.
DANNY ILDEFONSO When Danny Ildefonso entered the PBL, he "raised the roof" of amateur basketball, so to speak. Ildefonso's impact was immediately felt when he first played for Burger Machine for two conferences in 1994, before moving on to Red Bull. A bull-strong player with fancy moves around the perimeter, Ildefonso got away from his defenders and scored by the buckets. His athleticism and natural talent paved the way to a place in the PBA, and in 1998, Ildefonso was taken in by San Miguel Beer.
ROGER YAP Like Jojo Lastimosa and Dondon Ampalayo before him, Roger Yap honed his craft in Cebu. A run-and-gun type of player, this former Southwestern University star was just as explosive as the other Visayan superstars who came before him.Yap plied his wares with Shark Energy Drink under Leo Austria, and soon enough, he was running and gunning with reckless abandon, piling up the points and winning a second crown for Shark in the 2001 Challenge Cup.That year, Yap also won the MVP award, a fitting ending to a colorful career in the PBL before he moved up to the pro league.
YANCY DE OCAMPO A product of St. Francis of Assisi College, Yancy de Ocampo was as tall as they come at 6-foot-9.He started out as a back-up to Don Allado in Welcoat, and when Allado moved up to the PBA, Yancy immediately took on the starting center role. The role fitted Yancy to a T.With no real threat from the opposition, Yancy led Welcoat to two straight championships, picking up an MVP award in 2001. Last year, Yancy achieved the crowning glory of his career in the amateurs after he was picked no. 1 in the PBA Draft.
REN-REN RITUALO Basketball pundits describe Ren-Ren Ritualo as the second coming of Allan Caidic - only thinner. His lean frame notwithstanding, Ritualo didn't let this get in the way of achieving several milestones in his career. After leading De La Salle University to three championships, Ritualo set out to conquer a bigger stage - the PBL. Together with Yancy de Ocampo and Jojo Manalo, Ritualo helped steer the Welcoat Paintmasters to a basketball dynasty in the late 90s up to the early 2000s. Ritualo, a deadshot from practically every corner of the hardcourt, capped his rise to the basketball firmament when he was drafted in the PBA.
ROMEL ADDUCUL Like Gen. Douglas McArthur, Romel Adducul made a comeback - in basketball. And like the American hero, Adducul was a general to his troops at Welcoat. Adducul first came into the PBL in 1995 as Chowking's main man at the paint. Although his team failed to win a title, the former San Sebastian standout won an MVP award a year after. Late last year, after a three-year tour with the now-defunct MBA, Adducul returned to the PBL fold for his second - and last - stop. It was a valedictory worth a toast, as Adducul timed his return with the comeback of Welcoat. Fittingly, Adducul capped his return with his second MVP award, before he turned pro as the second pick in the PBA Draft.
LEO AUSTRIA Today's generation will find it difficult to reconcile Leo Austria, the coach, to the Leo Austria who once upon a time terrorized the PBL hardcourt with his booming triples and gutsy playmaking.But Austria was all that. The former Lyceum Pirate, long before bad eyesight and good coaching skills set in, was a certified PBL superstar who, despite his 5-8 frame, was perhaps one of the finest quarterbacks to ever dribble a basketball.The pride of Sariaya, Quezon, Austria started out as a varsity cager from the Lyceum of the Philippines, playing for the now-defunct MUCAA before moving on to the PABL, the precursor of the PBL.Austria immediately made an impact in the league, and was voted Most Valuable Player in the Ambassador's Cup back in 1984Today, Austria has come back full circle as a coach of Welcoat in the PBL. And just like in his playing days, "coach Leo" remains a winner, having steered the Paintmasters in the recent Challenge Cup.
SONNY CABATU He's knownto break into a smile once in a while, but that's the only concession he will give you inside the hardcourt.That sums up Sonny Cabatu when inside the floor. He's muscle and brawn, but unlike other behemoths, Cabatu knew how to position himself near the basket - and score unmolested, defenders be damned.Notwithstanding his reputation as a bruiser on the defensive end, Cabatu scored enough points to shine and win two MVP plums while playing for ESQ Marketing in the PABL, even outglossing equally-talented teammates such as Ricky Cui, Jojo Villapando, Adonis Tierra and Glenn Capacio. Cabatu broke into the league via the Bank of Rizal, which he helped steer to a runner-up and a championship in its first year back in 1984. When the team disbanded, Cabatu was acquired by ESQ Marketing, which won three straight championships. Like several others during his time, Cabatu went on to play in the PBA, but wasn't as successful as he was in the PBL. Still, Cabatu gave PABL fans plenty of memories - that of a banger who is as merciless on defense as he is as prolific on offense.
ALLAN CAIDIC Shooters litter the face of Philippine basketball, but few of them are as prolific as Allan Caidic - the lefty hotshot who had posted records as a three-point shooter and who, just last year, reinvented himself as a PBA coach. Caidic came to the PABL fresh out of college, shortly after the University of the East won back-to-back titles (1984-85) with him and Jerry Codinera on the firing end. His shooting prowess also made him a shoo-in the Danding Cojuangco-backed national team, which won the Jones Cup in 1985. In the PABL, the future PBA superstar plied his wares with CF Sharp and Magnolia, among others, and continued to wreck defenses with his long bombs, averaging double digits in almost every game.His consistency from the long court earned for him a place in PBL history, and set a benchmark almost impossible to surpass, much less equal.
DONDON AMPALAYO A true-blue Cebuano, Dondon Ampalayo was a player way ahead of his time. At 6-3, Dondon was a deadshot from the three-point range and a turnaround shot artist - a deadly combination that endeared him to basketball fans.Dondon came in board the PABL back in 1985 and suited up for ESQ Marketing. His friendly disposition and winsome smile masked his intensity inside the court. He left the PABL after one year, but his popularity even soared when he joined the never-say-die Ginebra team in the PBA. Like a meteor, Dondon was like a flash of light in the PABL, but he has left enough memories for basketball fans to cherish for years to come.
JOJO LASTIMOSA When Jojo Lastimosa, a product of University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu, brought his act to Manila, his Visayan fans came in droves from all over the city to watch him electrify the crowd. Soon, his hardcourt exploits - and a pair of legs to die for - had the fans packing the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium to the rafters, shouting themselves hoarse as Mama's Love, Lastimosa's team, gave the Manilans a lesson in Visayan brand of basketball - bold, gutsy and fast.Game after game, Lastimosa did not disappoint his fans, and while his reticence kept him from winning an MVP award, he endeared himself to lovers of pure, unadulterated basketball. His quiet leadership and intensity brought him glory as a member of various national teams, and later as a professional player in the PBA.
JERRY CODINERA In the PBA, Jerry Codinera was christened the "Defense Minister." But long before that, the 6-5 slotman was already a force to reckon with in the PABL. The son of a former baseball great, Filomeno Codinera, Jerry was an immovable force in the PABL during his stint with Lagerlite and Magnolia. Even back then, Jerry's strongest suit was his umbrella-like defense, a skill he brought with him in the national team of 1986 and eventually, in the PBA. Jerry's teammate in Magnolia include Jong Uichico and the electrifying BongAlvarez, but he more than held his own on offense. His deadliest weapon is a jumpshot from the perimeter, usually a high banked shot, and a putback off an offensive rebound.
ALVIN PATRIMONIO Even past his prime, Alvin Patrimonio is difficult to stop, especially around the paint. With this in mind, just imagine him some 18 years ago, at a time when he ruled the perimeter like a tiger on a prowl, scoring off bigger men with his difficult pivots and turnaround jumpers. A former volleyball player, Patrimonio saw action for Lhullier and Yco Paints, a stint which triggered the much talked about rivalry with Codinera. That rivalry ceased when he and Codinera ended up together in the national team in 1986 and in the star-studded Purefoods team beginning in 1988.While his most memorable achievement is his winning four MVPs in the PBA, Patrimonio will be most remembered as the first PBA millionaire, earning P25 million in five years in 1984 with Purefoods, sparking the skyrocketing of player contracts in the years to come.
ATO AGUSTIN Renato "Ato" Agustin belongs to that rare breed of small players who can score almost at will. As a player fresh out of college, Agustin first strutted his stuff with the Golden Rice Cereals back in 1985, before moving on to Masagana 99 and Hope Cigarettes. But it was during his stint with Swift in 1989 when Agustin blossomed into a bigtime player who can outsmart and outscore bigger players.And back when one-on-one players were difficult to come by, Agustin was already losing his man with his "shake-and-bake moves. His loyalty to the RFM franchise in the PBL paid off, as he became a part of the Swift team that joined the PBA in 1991. A year after, Agustin's efforts were rewarded with a Most Valuable Player Award.
BENJIE PARAS Before he discovered his flair for comedy, Benjie Paras was already a hit -- in basketball. Paras began his basketball career as a UP Maroon where he won the Maroon's only collegiate title under coach Joe Lipa, and like a dutiful son, Paras followed his coach when Lipa handled Philip Sardines in the PABL. As a UP Maroon, Paras was already a force at the paint, but in the PBL, Paras blossomed into a slam-dunking, shotblocking monster. His Mutt-and-Jeff partnership with the cat-quick Ronnie Magsanoc produced two championships for the Sardine Masters. Those two championships lined up Paras for a stint in the PBA, but right in his first year, he won both Rookie of the Year and MVP honors, a feat unmatched until today.
JOHNNY ABARRIENTOS Even before the crossover dribble became a buzzword in basketball, there was one player who did it with amazing regularity. His name - Johnny Abarrientos. Abarrientos burst into basketball prominence when he teamed up with Victor Pablo to lead Far Eastern University to the championship in 1991. But even before then, Abarrientos was already a household name as a PABL player with Crispa under cage legends Bogs Adornado and Atoy Co. After Crispa disbanded, Abarrientos joined Triple V, where he helped lead the team to back-to-back championships. That eventually led to a stint in the PBA with Alaska Milk, where Abarrientos was a part of a championship dynasty in the 90s. In 199
VERGEL MENESES Nowadays, one-on-one players are a dime a dozen. But back when basketball in the Philippines was still young, there was Samboy Lim. And then there was Vergel Meneses. When he first played in Magnolia in the PABL, Vergel was tagged as Samboy's successor in the high-wire act department. Vergel more than lived up to that tag. Like Samboy, Vergel was a superb one-on-one player, But unlike Samboy, Vergel proved to be more durable. After a short stint with Magnolia, Vergel transferred to Burger City. A year after, in 1989, he was named to the RP Youth team. It was only a matter of time before Vergel will be drafted in the PBA, and in 1990, he joined Pop Cola as one of its pioneers.
ZANDRO 'JUN' LIMPOT Tall, athletic and a deadshot from the perimeter, Zandro "Jun" Limpot took to basketball as a duck to water. A former tennis player, Limpot turned to basketball at the urgings of his uncle, the late Gov. Jose Sering. That decision proved to be wise, as it opened many doors for the young Limpot. After leading De La Salle to the championship, Limpot followed coach Derek Pumaren to Magnolia in the PBL, where he stayed for four years, and won an MVP award in the process. The rest, as they say, is history.Like most of his peers, Limpot made the jump to the PBA, and today, he continues to be one of the most prolific scorers in the league.
KENNETH DUREMDES A lean, fighting machine from Koronadal, South Cotabato, Kenneth Duremdes came to the PBL with solid credentials. One of Adamson U's finest, Duremdes immediately gave basketball fans a glimpse of his talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors with Burger Machine back in 1993. Under the tutelage of coach Perry Ronquillo, Duremdes turned from a raw cager into a fearless slasher, and was instrumental in giving Burger Machine a championship in 1994. After two years with the PBL, Duremdes moved on to the PBA and was picked third in the Draft in 1995.
MARLOU AQUINO They call him The Skyscraper, and he is, in more ways than one. At 6-9, Marlou Aquino is one of the tallest Filipino players to ever play the game. He is also one of the most creative centers ever, as he can vary his shots to frustrate the defense. Together with Kenneth Duremdes, Aquino was player no. 1 in Adamson's 1-2 punch. In the PBL, Aquino immediately made an impact, and with no taller player to challenge him, Aquino ran rings around his defenders at the paint.He saw action for Magnolia, Otto Shoes and Stag, and along the way, he strung up five MVP awards, the most by any player in the PBL.
DANNY ILDEFONSO When Danny Ildefonso entered the PBL, he "raised the roof" of amateur basketball, so to speak. Ildefonso's impact was immediately felt when he first played for Burger Machine for two conferences in 1994, before moving on to Red Bull. A bull-strong player with fancy moves around the perimeter, Ildefonso got away from his defenders and scored by the buckets. His athleticism and natural talent paved the way to a place in the PBA, and in 1998, Ildefonso was taken in by San Miguel Beer.
ERIC MENK Questions about his nationality persists, but when it comes to his basketball skills, few can question Eric Menk's capability.As a testament to his basketball talent, Menk became the PBL's first rookie and MVP awardee, and helped lead Tanduay to the 1997 Mayor's Cup title. Two more MVP awards came Menk's way, and along the way Tanduay also won two more titles. When the Rhummasters moved up to the PBA in 1999, Menk was one of those who came on board with coach Alfrancis Chua to continue where Tanduay left off in the PBL.
ROGER YAP Like Jojo Lastimosa and Dondon Ampalayo before him, Roger Yap honed his craft in Cebu. A run-and-gun type of player, this former Southwestern University star was just as explosive as the other Visayan superstars who came before him.Yap plied his wares with Shark Energy Drink under Leo Austria, and soon enough, he was running and gunning with reckless abandon, piling up the points and winning a second crown for Shark in the 2001 Challenge Cup.That year, Yap also won the MVP award, a fitting ending to a colorful career in the PBL before he moved up to the pro league.
YANCY DE OCAMPO A product of St. Francis of Assisi College, Yancy de Ocampo was as tall as they come at 6-foot-9.He started out as a back-up to Don Allado in Welcoat, and when Allado moved up to the PBA, Yancy immediately took on the starting center role. The role fitted Yancy to a T.With no real threat from the opposition, Yancy led Welcoat to two straight championships, picking up an MVP award in 2001. Last year, Yancy achieved the crowning glory of his career in the amateurs after he was picked no. 1 in the PBA Draft.
REN-REN RITUALO Basketball pundits describe Ren-Ren Ritualo as the second coming of Allan Caidic - only thinner. His lean frame notwithstanding, Ritualo didn't let this get in the way of achieving several milestones in his career. After leading De La Salle University to three championships, Ritualo set out to conquer a bigger stage - the PBL. Together with Yancy de Ocampo and Jojo Manalo, Ritualo helped steer the Welcoat Paintmasters to a basketball dynasty in the late 90s up to the early 2000s. Ritualo, a deadshot from practically every corner of the hardcourt, capped his rise to the basketball firmament when he was drafted in the PBA.
ROMEL ADDUCUL Like Gen. Douglas McArthur, Romel Adducul made a comeback - in basketball. And like the American hero, Adducul was a general to his troops at Welcoat. Adducul first came into the PBL in 1995 as Chowking's main man at the paint. Although his team failed to win a title, the former San Sebastian standout won an MVP award a year after. Late last year, after a three-year tour with the now-defunct MBA, Adducul returned to the PBL fold for his second - and last - stop. It was a valedictory worth a toast, as Adducul timed his return with the comeback of Welcoat. Fittingly, Adducul capped his return with his second MVP award, before he turned pro as the second pick in the PBA Draft.
Eagles live for Another Day
The Blue Eagles made sure there will be one more La Salle-Ateneo game this year when they turned back the Green Archers, 65-64, in the 70th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum last night.
Facing elimination, the Eagles lived to fight for another day by overhauling a six-point deficit, 58-64, with only 2:10 to go in the game.
Ateneo held La Salle scoreless the rest of the way while tallying seven points to post the come-from-behind victory.
“Our defense came through for us tonight,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “La Salle came up with a pretty good game plan which kept us at bay. But we had a lot more energy in the end. Chris [Tiu] also stepped up for us in the second half.”
Tiu, held to only a single point the entire first half, woke up in the second half, scoring six markers in the pivotal third period and then unloading seven points in the fourth when his team needed them the most.
Tiu drilled a triple to cut the La Salle lead to only three points, 61-64, at the 1:54 mark.
Ateneo’s Ford Arao, shadowed by the double-teaming La Salle defense, drilled a jumper as the 24-second clock sounded to cut the gap to only one point, 63-64, with 51 seconds left.
Arao then set up Ateneo’s final attempt at the basket with a brush screen at the top of the key, freeing Tiu from his defender and allowing him to sail in for the winning layup with only seven seconds to go in the game.
La Salle had one final chance to win game, but JV Casio passed up his chance to be a hero when after eluding his guard, passed the ball to Bader Malabes at the corner. Malabes missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.
“We’re very happy to have won the game,” said Black. “We have one more chance to fight another day. That’s all we ever wanted coming into the game. We wanted it and now we have that chance to advance to the championship. Now, it’s time for the coaching staff of both teams to sit down and devise a new game plan.”
Ateneo meets La Salle in a knockout game at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum with the winner advancing to the best-of-three championship against the University of the East Warriors on Thursday next week.
Facing elimination, the Eagles lived to fight for another day by overhauling a six-point deficit, 58-64, with only 2:10 to go in the game.
Ateneo held La Salle scoreless the rest of the way while tallying seven points to post the come-from-behind victory.
“Our defense came through for us tonight,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black. “La Salle came up with a pretty good game plan which kept us at bay. But we had a lot more energy in the end. Chris [Tiu] also stepped up for us in the second half.”
Tiu, held to only a single point the entire first half, woke up in the second half, scoring six markers in the pivotal third period and then unloading seven points in the fourth when his team needed them the most.
Tiu drilled a triple to cut the La Salle lead to only three points, 61-64, at the 1:54 mark.
Ateneo’s Ford Arao, shadowed by the double-teaming La Salle defense, drilled a jumper as the 24-second clock sounded to cut the gap to only one point, 63-64, with 51 seconds left.
Arao then set up Ateneo’s final attempt at the basket with a brush screen at the top of the key, freeing Tiu from his defender and allowing him to sail in for the winning layup with only seven seconds to go in the game.
La Salle had one final chance to win game, but JV Casio passed up his chance to be a hero when after eluding his guard, passed the ball to Bader Malabes at the corner. Malabes missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.
“We’re very happy to have won the game,” said Black. “We have one more chance to fight another day. That’s all we ever wanted coming into the game. We wanted it and now we have that chance to advance to the championship. Now, it’s time for the coaching staff of both teams to sit down and devise a new game plan.”
Ateneo meets La Salle in a knockout game at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum with the winner advancing to the best-of-three championship against the University of the East Warriors on Thursday next week.
UP-hill battle for Fighting Maroons
Rookie point guard Dexter Rosales issued a baseball pass to another neophyte teammate. But it went over the intended recipient’s head and straight into University of the Philippines coach Joe Lipa, who was sitting at the back end of the court.
“Pongalangala ka Rosales”, yelled Lipa.
The familiar scream could only come from the very familiar face, the coach who steered the Diliman-based school to it’s only UAAP championship way back in 1986.
For those who know the man, the Tagalog statement meant: “Kid, don’t do that again.”
Yes, kids. The UP roster for this year’s UAAP season is filled with the likes. And with seven rookies and six sophomores, the Fighting Maroons will need a lot of fighting spirit, perhaps, more yell from Lipa, if they are to make a run at least for a Final Four spot.
But don’t underestimate UP, for it’d new players are no ordinary rookies. Soc Rivera, for one, has been billed as the most exciting recruit to come out pf high school in years. He is quick for his 6-fot-3 frame, athletic, and more importantly can shoot from the outside.
But what impresses many is that Rivera can slash his way to the basket and can play both wing and post defense. He should his minutes from Lipa. “He’s very talented, we’re excited to see him play in the UAAP.”. said UP team manager Bombit Silva.
Rivera is actually one of the high-profile rookies debuting in the UAAP, including Serbian Marko Batricevic, Indonesian Ferdinand and Fil-Bahranian Bader Malabes of La Salle, Rumperry Scott of depending champion University of Sto. Tomas, Nonoy Baclao of Ateneo and JR Cawaling of FEU.
There are also Mark Lopez and Dexter Rosales, Rivera’s teammates in FEU, along with Julius Wong Letran, Dioboy Hipolito, Andrew Marfori and Mike Gamboa, a vital cog in Ateneo High’s title romp over the Rivera-led FEU Ferns.
Wong, a former Letran Squire, is the other tall, agile swingman UP id parading this yeat although the maroons will still rely on a pair of sophomore shooters in Martin Reyes and Miguel De Asis and 2006 Rookie of The Year, Woody Co.
Indeed, UP has ceiling but Lipa admits his big men are soft and untested. That gives the brunt of anchoring a rookie laden squad to Co, Virgilio Serios, who is too small at 6-foot-3 but could compensate with his knack for good positioning and leaping ability.
It would have been better if Marvin Cruz has stayed put instead of opting to pass out his last year with UP in favor of fulfilling a PBA dream.
But knowing Lipa , the man loves to take – and drive – on challenges. “We expect to form a fighting team and do our best in all the games we’re going to play,” said Lipa.
Unlike the other coaches, Lipa has refused to make any pre-season forecast, saying all teams are capable of winning. But like Bogs Adornado of Adamson, he would rank No. 8 in field of eight.
Still, observers note that UP looks better on paper this year than the last time, although Lipa’s immediate concern would be the team’s cohesiveness, consistency, defense and perhaps, mental toughness.
In a couple of tune-up games with Jose Rizal University, UP won the first in impressive fashion but blew away what had appeared to be a won game in the second.
In those games, Rivera had been impressive. And so did Reyes, Serios and 6-foot-9 sophomore Maggy Sison. He’s no Benjie Paras but Lipa can bring out the best in the man on both ends of the floor.
There will be plenty of rookie mistakes, so to speak, for the greenhorn-backed Maroons, But which team will not?
From the looks of things and gauging from the other teams’ strengths, the Maroons might have to wait for another year or two to make a run for a second crown after the Miracle of ’86.
But for sure, the maroons will always be out there – fighting.
“Pongalangala ka Rosales”, yelled Lipa.
The familiar scream could only come from the very familiar face, the coach who steered the Diliman-based school to it’s only UAAP championship way back in 1986.
For those who know the man, the Tagalog statement meant: “Kid, don’t do that again.”
Yes, kids. The UP roster for this year’s UAAP season is filled with the likes. And with seven rookies and six sophomores, the Fighting Maroons will need a lot of fighting spirit, perhaps, more yell from Lipa, if they are to make a run at least for a Final Four spot.
But don’t underestimate UP, for it’d new players are no ordinary rookies. Soc Rivera, for one, has been billed as the most exciting recruit to come out pf high school in years. He is quick for his 6-fot-3 frame, athletic, and more importantly can shoot from the outside.
But what impresses many is that Rivera can slash his way to the basket and can play both wing and post defense. He should his minutes from Lipa. “He’s very talented, we’re excited to see him play in the UAAP.”. said UP team manager Bombit Silva.
Rivera is actually one of the high-profile rookies debuting in the UAAP, including Serbian Marko Batricevic, Indonesian Ferdinand and Fil-Bahranian Bader Malabes of La Salle, Rumperry Scott of depending champion University of Sto. Tomas, Nonoy Baclao of Ateneo and JR Cawaling of FEU.
There are also Mark Lopez and Dexter Rosales, Rivera’s teammates in FEU, along with Julius Wong Letran, Dioboy Hipolito, Andrew Marfori and Mike Gamboa, a vital cog in Ateneo High’s title romp over the Rivera-led FEU Ferns.
Wong, a former Letran Squire, is the other tall, agile swingman UP id parading this yeat although the maroons will still rely on a pair of sophomore shooters in Martin Reyes and Miguel De Asis and 2006 Rookie of The Year, Woody Co.
Indeed, UP has ceiling but Lipa admits his big men are soft and untested. That gives the brunt of anchoring a rookie laden squad to Co, Virgilio Serios, who is too small at 6-foot-3 but could compensate with his knack for good positioning and leaping ability.
It would have been better if Marvin Cruz has stayed put instead of opting to pass out his last year with UP in favor of fulfilling a PBA dream.
But knowing Lipa , the man loves to take – and drive – on challenges. “We expect to form a fighting team and do our best in all the games we’re going to play,” said Lipa.
Unlike the other coaches, Lipa has refused to make any pre-season forecast, saying all teams are capable of winning. But like Bogs Adornado of Adamson, he would rank No. 8 in field of eight.
Still, observers note that UP looks better on paper this year than the last time, although Lipa’s immediate concern would be the team’s cohesiveness, consistency, defense and perhaps, mental toughness.
In a couple of tune-up games with Jose Rizal University, UP won the first in impressive fashion but blew away what had appeared to be a won game in the second.
In those games, Rivera had been impressive. And so did Reyes, Serios and 6-foot-9 sophomore Maggy Sison. He’s no Benjie Paras but Lipa can bring out the best in the man on both ends of the floor.
There will be plenty of rookie mistakes, so to speak, for the greenhorn-backed Maroons, But which team will not?
From the looks of things and gauging from the other teams’ strengths, the Maroons might have to wait for another year or two to make a run for a second crown after the Miracle of ’86.
But for sure, the maroons will always be out there – fighting.
Taken from the UAAP Season’s preview souvenir magazine published by University of Santo Tomas as the Host school.
UP FIGHTING MAROONS
One team. One heart. UP FIGHT! Driven by the utmost desire to be the best, we our bounded to do great in every aspect of the fights. Unity. Passion. Fervor. These are the three elements of the UP Fighting Maroons.
University of the Philippines gives prime to sports, being one of the founders of NCAA before, then UAAP. The Fighting Maroons competes in all the events or games played in the UAAP. The team finished runners-up to perennial champion UST at the past season 69.
UP MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
Season 70 Line Up
4 Micheal Joseph Z. Gamboa - Point Guard - 5'7"
6 Dexter M. Rosales - Point Guard - 5'8"
7 Virgilio P. Serios, Jr. Power Forward/Small Forward - 6'3"
8 Victor Mel L. Epres - Shooting Guard/Small Forward - 6'1"
9 Czarlo M. Dela Victoria Shooting Guard/Small Forward - 6'2"
10 Jayfelson B. Agbayani - Power Forward/Small Forward - 6'2"
11 Magi King T. Sison - Center - 6'6"
12 Martin John T. Reyes - Shooting Guard/Small Forward - 6'
14 Santos Andrew A. Marfori - Center/Power Forward - 6'4"
15 Dionisio B. Hipolito III - Small Forward - 6'2"
16 Woodward John L. Co - Small Forward/Power Forward - 6'3"
17 Mark Anthony F. Lopez - Small Guard/Small Forward - 6'1"
18 Miguel Antonio E. De Asis - Shooting Guard - 5'9"
19 Julius Paul T. Wong - Small Forward/Shooting Guard - 6'1"
21 Socrates F. Rivera - Center/Power Forward - 6'4"
There are six sophomores, two juniors and seven rookies on the team. The seven rookies are fresh from high school. To be precise, the two juniors are actually veteran shooting guard Vic Epres, who is on his final year, and the comebacking Jay Agbayani, who will be entering his fourth season. Also, the sixth sophomore is Andrew Marfori, who is a sophomore in college but a rookie in the UAAP. Regardless, it's still a young team, and although the talent is there, there's still a lot of ground to cover...
University of the Philippines gives prime to sports, being one of the founders of NCAA before, then UAAP. The Fighting Maroons competes in all the events or games played in the UAAP. The team finished runners-up to perennial champion UST at the past season 69.
UP MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM
Season 70 Line Up
4 Micheal Joseph Z. Gamboa - Point Guard - 5'7"
6 Dexter M. Rosales - Point Guard - 5'8"
7 Virgilio P. Serios, Jr. Power Forward/Small Forward - 6'3"
8 Victor Mel L. Epres - Shooting Guard/Small Forward - 6'1"
9 Czarlo M. Dela Victoria Shooting Guard/Small Forward - 6'2"
10 Jayfelson B. Agbayani - Power Forward/Small Forward - 6'2"
11 Magi King T. Sison - Center - 6'6"
12 Martin John T. Reyes - Shooting Guard/Small Forward - 6'
14 Santos Andrew A. Marfori - Center/Power Forward - 6'4"
15 Dionisio B. Hipolito III - Small Forward - 6'2"
16 Woodward John L. Co - Small Forward/Power Forward - 6'3"
17 Mark Anthony F. Lopez - Small Guard/Small Forward - 6'1"
18 Miguel Antonio E. De Asis - Shooting Guard - 5'9"
19 Julius Paul T. Wong - Small Forward/Shooting Guard - 6'1"
21 Socrates F. Rivera - Center/Power Forward - 6'4"
There are six sophomores, two juniors and seven rookies on the team. The seven rookies are fresh from high school. To be precise, the two juniors are actually veteran shooting guard Vic Epres, who is on his final year, and the comebacking Jay Agbayani, who will be entering his fourth season. Also, the sixth sophomore is Andrew Marfori, who is a sophomore in college but a rookie in the UAAP. Regardless, it's still a young team, and although the talent is there, there's still a lot of ground to cover...
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