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TAKING THE NECESSARY STEPS

From my Manila Standard Column Game Winners 7/30/10

Last Wednesday, import Omar Sneed arrived in the country and immediately made an impact for Talk and Text. He didn’t see a single second of action neither did he get to meet the team, but yes, he was a game changer.

Shawn Daniels whose been with the Tropang Texters since the start of this conference, has been dominated by his nemesis Diamon Simpson scoring-wise. But with a team like Talk and Text, they never really had a need for Daniels to produce big number because of the system, and because they do have a number of players who take care of the scoring cudgels. But if you put his stats right beside Simpson’s, any coach would want to look at other options.

So Coach Chot Reyes took the necessary step and called for Sneed, an 11 year professional, whose played in many countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Israel where he was always a strong contender for the MVP race. This 33 year old Texas native went to Memphis State and reached many collegiate achievements.

Daniels was told that Sneed was a back up plan and that he was their man. With the challenge, Daniels came out more aggressive and more productive, churning out 13 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists. With Sneed in the background, it just gave Daniels that extra motivation. So in that sense, Sneed made an impact.

Yesterday, TNT practiced with Daniels and Sneed, and Coach Chot made that decision that tomorrow, they’ll stick with Daniels. But still, their backup import will still be on standby, in case there’s a NEED FOR SNEED (quoted from Asst. Coach Josh Reyes).

Talk and Text will meet Alaska for Game 5 at the Araneta Coliseum after the San Miguel and Derby Ace semifinals showdown. The Llamados are in a must win situation with the Beermen leading the series 3-1. They too must take the necessary steps.

On another note, before the sun even rises, thousands of weekend warriors and serious runners will come together to join hardcourt heroes in a foot race to help support a worthy endeavour.

The “PBA Powerade Run For A Cause” is happening tomorrow at 5am, at the SM Mall of Asia.

There will be 10K, 5K and 3K races with the top male and female winners in each category getting P7,000, P5,000 and P3,000 respectively, and timepieces to be awarded to the top three finishers. But all the finishers will get shirts, medals and loot bags. But more than that, the P500 registration fee will go a long way.

The PBA is helping the Cancer and Hematology Center of the Philippine Children’s Medical Hospital in Quezon City. It’s sponsored by Soleus, the official timer, and backed by Smart, Air21, Viva, Zest Air, Pharmaton, Accel, Mang Inasal, Biogenic Alcohol, Norkis, AeroMed and Ifnica, along with commissioner Sonny Barrios, deputy commissioner Chito Salud and members of the PBA Board led by chairman Rene Pardo of B-Meg Derby Ace.

Registration is ongoing at the PBA office at 186 E. Rodriguez Jr Ave. Libis, Quezon City, Araneta Coliseum (during PBA games only), Cancer and Hematology Center GF PCMC, Second Wind store, ROK Fort Bonifacio High Street and Chris Sports (SM Megamall, Ermita and Glorietta).

For more details, call the PBA office at 470-2768 loc 221 or log on at www.pba.ph.

3 weeks and 5 days

From my Manila Standard Column Game Winners 07/23/10


After finishing in top spot at the end of the eliminations and after having beaten Alaska in all their meetings this season, the Talk and Text Tropang Texters had a sobering semi-finals reception via a 104-88 beating in game 1.
“First of all I think Tim outcoached my butt. That’s the number 1 reason” shared Coach Chot Reyes candidly.

“I don’t what to make that as an excuse, but our last game was June 23. Our last game was 10 days earlier than San Miguel’s last game.” Despite their participation in the Smart Invitational cup, a coupld of games in China, and a scrimmage against San Miguel, the fact of the matter is, it was hard to simulate a play-off calibre game.

Alaska meantime got sharp from playing the Bgy. Ginebra Gin Kings in 5 quarterfinals games and their confidence shot up. They already had the playoffs mentality, and were able to sharpen their game even further hence the dominance in the semifinals.

“LA Tenorio and the big guys outplayed our point guards and our big guys”, added Coach Chot. He also pointed out that Kelly Williams was a missing factor, only coming up with 3 points in limited minutes, as he was riddled with fouls. “You have to remember that Kelly’s last game was almost 2 months ago so he’s really out of it, the timing and everything else surrounding that.” Williams was hospitalized due to flu near the end of the eliminations and was given some time to just rest.

Despite all that, the Talk and Text coaching staff is trying to find a solution for all the advantages Alaska had. “Our guards were 6 of 51 from the field and when the offense wasn’t going well the defense suffered”.

After the game, Coach Chot just talked to his players in the locker room and said “Welcome to the semis”. They now know that the battle has begun and what they need to do. “No matter how we psyched ourselves, the level of contact, pressure the intensity of defense, you can’t simulate that in practice.”

“Awareness and acceptance” is the initial step. You just have to get up, shake it off, and get back into the grind, better and more prepared. “Alaska is really a tough team.”
“2nd step is to stay calm and focus on the things we need to do and finally just make sure that everyone’s attention is just on game 2 and nothing else.” Coach Chot says that there will be no magical motivational talks. The important thing is that they keep believing in themselves and the team.

“Last night was our worst loss this conference. The good thing is it’s just game one”.

The Tropang Texters waited for 3 weeks and 5 days for game one. Now they just have one day to adjust and prepare for the next battle against Alaska.

For all the semi-finals buzz, follow me on www.twitter.com/patriciahizon or www.patriciahizon.blogspot.com

GOING FOR THE KILL

We'll have 4 teams going for the kill today. Although some might be taking "going for a kill" a bit too literal.

Here are the different sides I gathered.

1 - player has been totally disrespectful to opposing coaches - staredowns, talking so much trash, flipping the finger, etc. Utter disrespect. One coach kept that behaviour in check but was getting provoked by player who offered to take it outside. But the coach's colleague warned him that if he does that, he might get killed. Don't provoke, it might get you killed. This was misunderstood by player as an outright threat on him, but it wasn't even him that it was addressed to.

2 - a player is so intense, so competitive, that his actions on the court are misconstrued as insolence. When the other team barks the orders to hurt him, he just reacts as any should and plays harder, tougher. Player got threats from the coaches that he could get killed if he continues to provoke them. Player laughs off the threats but issues a fair warning of his own. What else can a player possibly do if he feels that the coaches ordered to hurt him?

3 - The player's coach says that Christian to Christian, you should never say that you'll have someone killed. Stop talking or I'll have you killed? He says he would never ever say anything like that and is just in utter shock that such words would come out from his rival on the basketball court.



This is such a huge misunderstanding.

First, honestly, I have so much respect for all involved. I don't want to sound like I'm defending one or the other. If anything, I'd like to defend all concerned if that's even possible. After listening to all their sides, I just feel that it's all a big misunderstanding.

I don't think that coach would say something that crass. In all the years I've known him, he just doesn't strike me as someone who would say that. Maybe he's right. It was taken out of context. (I know that the other side totally disagrees with me on this one)

On the flip side, I don't think player deserves to be threatened like that. He's competitive, he's got a lot of fight in him. If you can't handle it, too bad. So what if he stares? He's winning if he gets into your head. (I know the other side totally disagrees with me on this one)

Both are champions for Christ. One is a religious and prayerful man. While the other is from a bible institute.

Coaches shouldn't give their players authority to hurt other players. Players shouldn't challenge the authority or manhood of the other coach".

At the end of the day, they should just use whatever issues they have with each other to fuel their drive to WIN GAME 5.


do read my yahoo post on WINNER TAKE ALL SUNDAY
http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2010/07/18/winner-take-all-sunday/

NEW IMPORT....(we've been down this road before)

Two timing didn't work out, so they went back to the ONE.

After the ONE has blown hot and cold (though many will say that he's efficient enough and is complimenting the system well), there's no other choice but to change gears.

Here's the name of the new recruit:

First name: ___ but not dela cruz
Last name: _____ your hands with soap + Fil-____.

Put them together and you have _______ __________________!



I'm sure many of you already know who it is, but it's just amusing for others to try to guess. WE all need cheap thrills every now and then.


BUT NOTE: they're still keeping the ONE on the side... Test the waters, see if it works out... If not, you can always get back what you had.

RANK THE DECADE'S BEST IMPORTS

Folks, I need your opinion....

Need you to rank the DECADE'S BEST IMPORTS, from 1st to 10th (the 1st being the best of course)

Here's the list:


2000 Commissioner's Ansu Sesay - Sta. Lucia

Governors Derrick Brown- Purefoods

2001 Commissioner's Antonio Lang - Red Bull

Governors Damian Owens - Sta. Lucia

2002 Governors Derrick Brown - Purefoods

Commissioner's Jerald Honeycutt - Talk 'N Text

2003 Reinforced Tee McClary - Coca-Cola

(2004) Fiesta Victor Thomas - Red Bull

2004-05 Fiesta Jerald Honeycutt - Talk 'N Text

2005-06 Fiesta Marquin Chandler - Purefoods

2006-07 Fiesta Rosell Ellis - Alaska

2007-08 Fiesta Chris Alexander - Ginebra

2008-09 Fiesta Gabe Freeman - San Miguel





EXAMPLE: (this doesn't mean this is my actual choice... it's just random)
1. Lang
2. Alexander
3. Ellis
4. Brown
5. Owens
6. Sesay
7. Honeycutt
8. Mclary
9. Thomas
10. Freeman

Two timer

No, this isn't about no marital woes or extra curricular activities of anybody. Though I'm sure a lot of you wished this was that kind of CHISMIS. Sorry to disappoint you.

A team will have an affair. Will have two instead of one. Will keep one on the side as they take the other for a road test. Must be nice to have one patiently waiting on the side hoping that the other relationship won't work out.

We've seen him before..
He's got these numbers in his career
- 16 - sweet
- 26 - ripe for the picking
- 1 - big opportunity that was lost
- 2006 - the introduction

Who will be the one they'll eventually pick? They can't two time for too long.

TOPEX IS BAAAAACK!

A couple of months ago, Topex and I messaged each other on facebook just to catch up. He was taking up some coaching clinics in the States and he was trying out all sorts of things like photography and mountain biking.. two of the things I love to do as well.

Apart from basketball, Topex also dabbled in broadcasting. We've covered some PBL and V-League games in the past so I know first hand how intelligent this guy is.

It's nice to have him back in the PBA. Alaska could sure use a guy like you. Coach Luigi said "game changer", and I can see that. He's done it numerous times before.

Good luck Topex!

Love and Basketball

From my Manila Standard Columnn 7/2/10 (Can't believe it's July already!)

No, this is not about that movie that came out almost 10 years ago, starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan, about two people who grew up next to each other, who shared the same dream and passion for basketball, and who fell in love with one another. Though they eventually went their separate ways and ended their relationship, through basketball, they rekindled their love and lived happily ever after. No, this is not about that. No one knows for sure if this one will have as happy an ending. Though, you always wish for the best in others.

Everyone’s talking about James Yap and Kris Aquino’s marriage and how Kris came out on the Buzz last Sunday and announced their separations while James was in Araneta, oblivious to what was happening, focused on winning that game. After the battle smoke has been cleared, in the locker room, he reached for his cellphone, and found tons of messages about the announcement. He apparently was one of the last to find out. He’s remained mum about the situation, until now.

Here’s James Yap statement in full (English translation):

“You know me. I’m quiet and simple. I also think that all these issues should be dealt with in private between me and my wife. Ever since, no one has ever heard anything from me saying things about my relationship with Kris. I want to keep this brief.

I believe in the importance of keeping the family together. That’s why I’ll fight for our family to stay intact, no matter what. I know that all families experience similar trials. Kris and I have been through a lot of challenges and I don’t think we should give up now. I really want to save our relationship specially because we have a son and we can’t just set aside 6 years of being together. I’m hopeful that everything will be fixed in time.

There are a lot of news that came about, but I chose to keep my silence to respect our new President Noynoy Aquino. A lot of people have asked me about skipping President NoyNoy’s inauguration. I spoke to him and texted him and he understands where I’m coming from. I don’t want to add to the burden he’s already facing as the new president of our country.

Also, I promised Mom Cory that I will take care of our family. That I’d care for Kris, Josh and Baby James. Kris and I gave our promise to Mom Cory that we’d stay together. I know this is hard for our son that this is happening to me and his Mama but I know that there will come a time he’ll understand our situation. There’s a time for everything. Baby James, I’m doing all this because I love our family. I really want our family intact.

Kris, we’ve been through tougher times, but I never gave up. I kept my silence out of respect for our family, and to help keep it together. I really love you and our children, including Josh whom I’ve treated as my own.


Again, it’s final. I’m going to fight for our family and to keep it together. With God’s help, I know we can overcome this challenge.”
It’s admirable of him to not give up on his family and to want to fight for what he believes in. We don’t know what transpires between the two behind closed doors, and honestly, we shouldn’t have any privy to that because it’s between them. All we can do now is wait and hope that they work it out.

For more on this saga and real basketball news, follow www.twitter.com/patriciahizon

James Yap's statement in English

Here’s James Yap statement in full (English translation):
You know me. I’m quiet and simple. I also think that all these issues should be dealt with in private between me and my wife. Ever since, no one has ever heard anything from me saying things about my relationship with Kris. I want to keep this brief.
I believe in the importance of keeping the family together. That’s why I’ll fight for our family to stay intact, no matter what. I know that all families experience similar trials. Kris and I have been through a lot of challenges and I don’t think we should give up now. I really want to save our relationship specially because we have a son and we can’t just set aside 6 years of being together. I’m hopeful that everything will be fixed in time.
There are a lot of news that came about, but I chose to keep my silence to respect out new President Noynoy Aquino. A lot of people have asked me about skipping President NoyNoy’s inauguration. I spoke to him and texted him and he understands where I’m coming from. I don’t want to add to the burden he’s already facing as the new president of our country.
Also, I promised Mom Cory that I will take care of our family. That I’d care for Kris, Josh and Baby James. Kris and I gave our promise to Mom Cory that we’d stay together. I know this is hard for our son that this is happening to me and his Mama but I know that there will come a time he’ll understand our situation. There’s a time for everything. Baby James, I’m doing all this because I love our family. I really want our family intact.
Kris, we’ve been through tougher times, but I never gave up. I kept my silence out of respect for our family, and to help keep it together. I really love you and our children, including Josh whom I’ve treated as my own.


Again, it’s final. I’m going to fight for our family and to keep it together. With God’s help, I know we can overcome this challenge.



NOW FOR THE ORIGINAL TAGALOG VERSION (You can actually appreciate the Tagalog version more because it's more him, and you feel the sincerety.)

Kilala niyo po naman ako. Tahimik at simple lang akong tao. Tingin ko din itong lahat na issues na naglalabasan siguro dapat kami na lang mag-asawa ang mag-aayos in private. Ever since naman, never niyo akong naringgan ng kung-anu-ano tungkol sa relasyon namin ni Kris.

Kaya konting lang ang gusto kong sabihin.

Naniniwala ako sa kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng buo ang pamilya. Kaya ipaglalaban ko na mapanatiling buo ang pamilya namin ni Kris anuman ang mangyari. Alam ko walang pamilyang hindi dumaan sa ganitong pagsubok. Marami na kaming dinaanang pagsubok ni Kris before and I don’t think na ngayon pa kami susuko. Gusto ko talagang i-save ang pagsasama namin dahil syempre, may anak kami at hindi biro ang halos anim na taon naming pagsasama. Umaasa pa rin ako na darating ang tamang panahon na maaayos ang lahat.

Marami nang lumabas na mga balita at mas pinili ko na manahimik muna bilang paggalang sa ating bagong Presidente Noynoy Aquino.

May nagtatanong din tungkol sa hindi ko pagsipot sa inauguration ni President Noynoy Aquino. Nagkausap kami at nag-text ako kay President Noynoy at naiintindihan niya ako. Ayokong makadagdag pa sa napakalaking problema na kakaharapin niya bilang bagong presidente ng ating bansa.

At isa pa, nangako ako kay Mom Cory na hindi ko pababayaan ang pamilya namin. Na-aalagaan ko si Kris, si Josh at si Baby James. Nangako rin kami ni Kris sa harap ni Mom Cory na hindi kami maghihiwalay.

Alam kong mahirap para sa anak ko ang nangyayaring ito sa amin ng Mama niya pero alam kong darating ang panahon na maiintindihan niya ang situwasyon. May tamang oras at panahon ang lahat.

Baby James, ginagawa ko ito dahil sa pagmamahal ko sa pamilya natin. Gusto kong mapanatiling buo ang pamilya natin.

Kris, marami na tayong pinagdaanan na mas mabigat na problema pa rito pero hindi talaga ako bumitaw. Nanahimik ako palagi bilang respeto sa pamilya natin na hanggang sa ngayon ay gusto ko pa ring manatiling buo. Mahal na mahal ko kayo ng anak ko, pati na si Josh na tunay na anak na ang turing ko.

Inuulit ko, it’s final, ipaglalaban ko ang pagsasama ng pamilya natin. At sa tulong ng Diyos , alam kong malalampasan natin ang pagsubok na ito