Fix Square

Who would have thought a few years back that the Philippines would be able to compete in the FIBA Basketball world cup? Everyone thought that it would take the Philippines a few more years to qualify. But they surprise everyone. For the first time in nearly 4 decades, the Philippines would be able to compete against the top basketball teams around the world. 

When they qualified last year everyone thought they Philippines would be a push over. But we were proven wrong again. Then number 34 seed Philippines faced the world's number 3 Argentina. Argentina has the advantage in size and experience. We thought it would be blow out. We were proven wrong yet again. 

Philippines made sure that they wouldn't go down fighting. The Philippines got a lead as high as 10 points during the first half of the game.In was three beyond the arc for both teams. De Ocampo and Alapag had the most 3 points shot for Gilas. Norwood had a great performance that night. The highlight of his performance for the that game was 2 slam dunk in the face of NBA superstar Luis Escola. 

A few seconds left in the game and the score was 83 to 81 in favor of Argentina. Castro tried to tie the game or get the lead with a three point shot. However he failed to release the ball and was call for the traveling. In the end the Philippines fell short. Final score was 85 to 81 favoring Argentina.

Despite not having won any games in the FIBA Basketball world cup this year, I am very impressed with Philippines' performance. Considering it has been nearly 4 decades since the Philippines last qualified they are doing quite well. What I mean is that I was expecting that could not go head to head with bigger teams in FIBA. But it hasn't been a walk in the park for the opposing team. Crotia only won by 3 points, Greece by 12 points and today Philippines lost by 4 points. That something to be proud of. I was honestly expecting Philippines to lose by 20 or more points each game but I am dead wrong.

Next they face Puerto Rico. I hope they do get their 1st win against Puerto rico

June 24, 2013 game results

LPU Pirates wins over San Beda Red Lions -  70 - 66
JRU Bombers beats MIT Cardinals - 83 - 72

The 89th Season of NCAA Philippines has started last started. Defending Champions San Beda Red Lions faced off with host school College of St. Benilde Blazers in the first game of the season. Followed by 1st runner up Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights facing off with San Sebastian Stags.

The San Beda Red Lions was off with a rough start barely grabbing a win against the Blazers. With only 4.7 seconds the Lions were down with one point. Arthur Dela Cruz sealed the deal scoring the game winning basket with a pass from Rome Dela Rosa.

On the second game, CSJL knights missing the services of their ace guard Kevin Alas and under the leadership of their new coach Caloy Gracia managed to win against the San Sebastian Stags. Filling the  void that Kevin Alas left is Raymond Almazan who scored 15 points and gathered 20 rebounds. By the end of the game score was tagged at 74 - 69


This is the Team Standing as of June 22, 2013

San Beda is still the team to beat this year. After completing a historic 18 game sweep last year, it makes you wonder if their roster this year could repeat history.

The policy on foreign nationals playing in the NCAA is still undecided. Some believe that it would be unfair for those schools who do not have foreign players while some think having them lessens the focus on local talent. I think PBA has enough foreign player in the league. I hope NCAA and UAAP create a policy that favors local talents. I read an article about this and one commented that without foreign players, watching NCAA basketball game would be boring. Really? I don't think so. There is a big difference between the PBA and college league. Loyalty. You would be loyal to your Alma Matter no matter what. Whether or not my school has Foreign players or not, I would still support them. When I was still in college (that was 10 years back), they did not have foreign nationals playing in the tournament. And it was really exciting then.

We will just have to see how each school fair this year. I hope i could keep updates on each game on a regular basis.