Latest Updates

Rich Alvarez Newest Giant

Posted by dAVe on Thursday, October 30, 2008 , under , , | comments (0)




Purefoods get another Barako in the person of Rich Alvarez. The 2004 number one draft pick is now with Purefoods in exchange for the Giants' 1st round pick in 2011.

The Giants holding a 2-4 win-loss card this season lacks a legitimate small forward and Rich might just be perfect to fill the position. I think Rich is an active defender. He has the height and speed to keep up with speedy forwards in league. Rich reunites with former Barako-mates Topex Robinson, Enrico Villanueva, and Paolo Bugia. This reunion is a hidden advantage. This four players can inject something new to Purefoods.

I expect Purefoods to start string some wins from here on. Rich might just be the missing puzzle.

My shot: This is definitely a positive move on the part of Purefoods. Rich can provide defensive intensity and energy just like what Pingris used to provide for Purefoods. I just hope he can stay healthy and improve on his offense. I think he's worth Purefoods' 2011 1st round draft pick. On the Red Bull side, I just don't know what the management is up to. I guess they're cooking something big for next year.

*With the addition of Rich Alvarez, Purefoods also acquire a new celebrity fan in singer Kyla, Rich's girlfriend. hehehehe

NBA 2k9

Posted by dAVe on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 , under , | comments (1)



wallpapers pictures

2k Sports is out to show EA how it's done. I've tried and tested (ok, piracy!) this one. It's certainly worth the download.

"http://rapidshare.com/files/156264736/NBA.2K9-RELOADED.part01.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/156265015/NBA.2K9-RELOADED.part02.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/156265311/NBA.2K9-RELOADED.part03.rar
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http://rapidshare.com/files/156281105/NBA.2K9-RELOADED.part59.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/156281259/NBA.2K9-RELOADED.part60.rar"

Installation:
1. Unrar files.
2. Unrar rld-nbk9.
3. Burn or mount iso file.
4. Run exe file, install.
5. Game time!

I have a lot to say about this game but I'd save it for future posts. One thing that I'll mention now is that this game cannot be played via LAN. *sigh.

NBA Opening Games Analysis

Posted by dAVe on , under | comments (0)



I was lucky enough to watch the three opening games of the new season of the NBA. Good news is, Basketball TV or bTV is back over SkyCable channel 33.

Cleveland vs Boston : 85-90

This game was definitely a treat especially the fans of Celtics. It seems like every Celtic is in high spirits and overflowing confidence coming from last season's championship run. Kevin Garnett was not in his usual form, shooting wise while Paul Pierce was on target right from the tip-off. Tony Allen and Leon Powe provided energy and scoring from the bench. The two scored at least 10 points. It was an ugly game for King James fanatics because Lebron failed to play the hero's role at crunch time. He muffed crucial free throws. If I remember it right, he only made a single field goal in the fourth. I was impressed with Mo Williams. He provides the Cavs with speed and clutch shooting from beyond the arc.

Milwaukee vs Chicago : 95-108

Looks like Chicago's trade deals last season and rookie draft acquisitions will pay-off this season. The team had a very good debut against Milwaukee. First overall draft pick, Derick Rose showed he can play the starting point and alongside Kirk Hinrich. The rookie sensation was one assist shy of a double-double performance finishing with 11 points and 9 assists. He's not the flashy type of a player but he gets the job done as a point guard. Chicago's backcourt is now more reliable and it seems that the players have adjusted with the rotations. Before, playing time was an issue with Ben Gordon. Milwaukee on the other hand didn't have the spunk to compete against Chicago. They played flat. Michael Redd had 30 points while new recruit, Richard Jefferson finished with 15.

Portland vs Los Angeles (LAL) : 76 -96

After today's game, a lot of Portland fans are perhaps in dismay with center Greg Oden. Oden limped early in the first quarter. Looking at him, I think he really lacks the legs for his body and size. The game was an all LA show. Bright spot for Portland is Spaniard Rudy Fernandez. Just like what he did in the Olympics, Rudy displayed his beautiful touch from the outside and his basketball smarts.

NBA opening

Posted by dAVe on Monday, October 27, 2008 , under | comments (0)



The new season of the NBA is just few hours away. Opening day features three worth-watching games:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics | 8:00PM (ET)

Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls | 8:30PM (ET)

Portland Trail Blazers vs Los Angeles Lakers | 10:30PM (ET)

Hope I could watch the Cavs-Celtics game. I would love to see how Mo Williams play alongside Lebron James. The Lakers-Blazers match is also a good offering.

RP Team Roster

Posted by dAVe on Thursday, October 23, 2008 , under | comments (3)



Coach Yeng Guiao, appointed head coach of the RP basketball squad will be announcing a 15 man roster in two weeks time. This is perhaps one of the most difficult task to do because this is where real work begins.

I'd like to formulate my own 15 man line-up and see if I can match Guiao's selection.

1. Dondon Hontiveros - SG
2. Asi Taulava - C
3. Kerby Raymundo - PF
4. Ranidel de Ocampo -PF
5. Gabe Norwood - SG/SF
6. Mark Caguioa -SG
7. Willi Miller - SG
8. Kelly Williams - SF
9. Arwind Santos -SF
10. Jimmy Alapag - PG
11. Jayjay Helterbrand - PG
12. Anthony Washington - SF/PF
13. Mick Pennisi - C
14. Dennis Miranda -PG
15. Sonny Thoss - C

My list is only composed of PBA players. We can anticipate Fil-Am recruits because they can definitely help the team in terms of size just like what the RP team got in Gabe Norwood this year. A notable recruit also is ex-Blue Eagle, Japeth Aguilar. Japeth, now listed at 6'10" is currently in the US NCAA Division 1 team, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. It would be very exciting to see this young, pure-blooded Filipino to play for our country.

NBA Live 09 at Wii

Posted by dAVe on , under | comments (0)



Nintendo Wii is one of the enjoyable ways to get slim and fit. Now, I wonder how playing NBA live in Wii feels like.

I bumped in the 09 release of NBA Live for Wii. Here's some words from EA regarding the game - "Step onto the court and into the fun with a unique basketball experience designed exclusively for the Wii. NBA Live 09 All-Play offers more action, more often, with an over-the-top basketball experience designed with everyone in mind. Improved responsiveness and more control options make this game easier and more fun to play than ever before."

Wish I could shop for one. By the way, Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo. A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detect movement in three dimensions. Another distinctive feature of the console is WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in standby mode.

Kinda of topic but I'd like to mention that I am currently downloading files for NBA Live 2k9, PC version. Yep Yep.



Rain or Shine escapes Purefoods

Posted by dAVe on , under , , | comments (0)



I was planning to watch the delayed telecast of the out of town game featuring Rain or Shine against Purefoods. Two teams on a slump. However, upon hearing that Purefoods once again failed to snatch a win, I've changed my plans.

Here's the news update from www.gmanews.tv:

Rain or Shine overcame a slow start behind a strong finishing kick as it edged out Purefoods in overtime, 88-84, to snap its losing skid in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Thursday night at the Olivarez College gym in Paranaque.

Back-up guard Don Dulay drained a big three-pointer with 76 seconds left in the extra period to break the game’s final deadlock and put the Elasto Painters on top for good, 86-83.

Kerby Raymundo split his free throws to make it a two-point game, but the Giants bungled two potential-game winning plays as Chico Lanete and James Yap missed successive three-point shots, allowing Rain or Shine to escape with the hard-earned win.

Jay-R Reyes had 23 points to pace the Elasto Painters, whose two-game losing streak came to an end and improved to 3-2.

Gabe Norwood added 18, Sol Mercado 17 while Dulay 11, including the two free throws that sealed the game in the final five seconds.

Peter June Simon topscored with 23 markers in another losing cause for the Giants, who suffered their fourth straight setback to join the Coca-Cola Tigers down the cellar with a 1-4 card.

It was a heartbreaking loss for Purefoods which opened up the game with a big 15-0 run following a blazing start that caught Rain or Shine by surprise.

But Reyes and Mercado led a big Elasto Painters comeback in the second half. A pressure-packed three-pointer by the Rain or Shine rookie with 34 seconds to go in regulation put the team in front, 79-77.

James Yap sank two free throws with 25 seconds to tie the game at 79.

The Giants had a chance to win it in regulation after Wainwright bungled the Elasto Painters’ final play by committing a traveling violation.

But without a timeout left, Purefoods failed to convert, paving the way for the overtime.
GMANews.TV

Purefoods fans we'll even be more dismayed. Movements to oust coach Ryan Gregorio will certainly be louder.

Mike Cortez suffers ACL

Posted by dAVe on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 , under , , | comments (0)



"Not once but twice!" Cool-cat Mike Cortez is once again sidelined because of no less than ACL injury on his right knee. He'll be out for six months. Recall that he suffered the same injury on his left knee while with Alaska Milk back in 2006.

[cortez.jpg]

I saw it when Cortez went down to the floor holding his knee. I thought it wasn't that bad since he was able to stand-up and walk. This is really a bad news for the fans of Mike Cortez. His being injury-prone was a big issue when he was shipped to SMB.

ACL or anterior cruciate ligament injury is extreme stretching or tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. A tear may be partial or complete.

ACL may occur from coming to a quick stop with a directional change while running, pivoting, landing, or overextending the joint in either direction

Rain or Shine: Norwood and Mercado

Posted by dAVe on Friday, October 17, 2008 , under | comments (1)



If you talk about Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (formerly Welcoat Dragons), then first on your agenda would be these two guys. Gabe Norwood, the overall 1st draft pick and Solomon Mercado, the 5th draft pick of Alaska (traded to Welcoat) are the heart and soul of this young team.

http://sanmiguelbeermen.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/gabe-norwood-solomon-mercado-rain-or-shine-elasto-painters.jpg

Mercado had the most impressive debut among the rookies exploding for 29 points. Norwood meanwhile has yet to show his A-game, at least in my opinion. Norwood has preferred to be a passer, an orchestrator in their games so far. I believe he still has a lot to show, especially on the offensive end.

The future certainly looks shiny for Rain or Shine. They may not instantly be a title contender this season, some more additions in their roster plus experience, they'll surely get there.

Purefoods TJ Giants Games

Posted by dAVe on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 , under , | comments (1)



For the Purefoods fans, here's a list of their games for the KFC All Filipino Cup!

PUREFOODS' SCHEDULE of GAMES (for the year 2008)


Oct 8 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Red Bull Barakos
7:30 p.m. Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. Sta. Lucia Realtors

Oct 10 – Friday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. Red Bull Barakos vs.Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
7:30 p.m.San Miguel Beermen vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Oct 15 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Coca-Cola Tigers
7:30 p.m. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. San Miguel Beermen

Oct 18 – Saturday PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte
5:00 p.m. Sta. Lucia Realtors vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Oct 23 – Thursday OLIVAREZ COLLEGE GYM
3:00 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Oct 26 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Coca-Cola Tigers
6:30 p.m. Barangay Ginebra Kings vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Oct 31 – Friday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto
Painters
7:30 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Air21 Express

Nov 07 – Friday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS
7:30 p.m. Alaska Aces vs. Sta. Lucia Realtors

Nov 09 – Sunday ARANETA COLISEUM
4:00 p.m. Sta. Lucia Realtors vs. Red Bull Barakos
6:30 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Alaska Aces

Nov 13 – Thursday YNARES SPORTS ARENA (Pasig)
3:00 p.m. Red Bull Barakos vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Nov 16 – Sunday CUNETA ASTRODOME
4:00 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings
6:30 p.m. Air21 Express vs. Red Bull Barakos

Nov 22 – Saturday SAN JUAN ARENA
2:30 p.m. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS
5:00 P.M. Air21 Express vs. Coca-Cola Tigers

Nov 26 – Wednesday CUNETA ASTRODOME
5:00 p.m. Red Bull Barakos vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters
7:30 p.m. San Miguel Beermen vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Nov 29 – Saturday TACLOBAN CITY
5:00 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Air21 Express

Dec 05 – Friday YNARES CENTER
5:00 p.m. Air21 Express vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings
7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Tigers vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Dec 12 – Friday YNARES CENTER
5:00 p.m. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS

Dec 17 – Wednesday ARANETA COLISEUM
5:00 p.m. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings
7:30 p.m. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS vs. Sta. Lucia Realtors

Dec 19 – Friday YNARES CENTER
5:00 p.m. Alaska Aces vs. PUREFOODS TJ GIANTS
7:30 p.m. Air21 Express vs. Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Robin Lopez

Posted by dAVe on Monday, October 13, 2008 , under , | comments (0)





I was able to watch the pre-season game of the Phoenix Suns playing against Denver Nuggets. Hoping to see impressive rookies, 7 footer Robin Lopez caught my attention. The 15th overall pick takes the role as the back-up center for the aging Shaquille O'neal.

A product of Stanford University, Robin Lopez is not as athletic and skilled as his twin brother Brooke Lopez. Nevertheless, Robin has the potentials to make a name in the big league. I was impress with his timing on going up for blocks. He definitely has the wing span to block or at least intimidate shots down low. He is a good post defender. He's not a scoring machine but he makes a living on put backs, drop passes, and from garbage plays. The big guy can also run up and down the court, something that O'neal has passed up already.

Denver playing without Melo and AI won the game, 77-72. Robin Lopez had 8 points, 5 rebounds, 7 blocks. The young center still has a lot to improve. But definitely he's an asset to Phoenix. He'll get better as the season progresses.

Game Preview" Rain or Shain vs San Miguel

Posted by dAVe on , under | comments (2)





Wednesday, 15th of October, undefeated Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will collide with the San Miguel Beermen. After two impressive wins by Rain or Shine, the team has certainly earned respect and attention of the media, fans, and the PBA community.

Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado have proven their worth in the PBA after leading their team to consecutive wins against Red Bull and Air21 Express. San Miguel meanwhile has bounced back from a sour loss to Sta. Lucia beating Purefoods in their second outing. SMB, despite giving up 3rd pick Jason Castro to TnT seems to found a gem in 8th pick, Bonbon Custodio. The 6 foot guard from the University of the East showed brilliance in the team's first two games.

Norwood-Seigle match-up is certainly something to look forward to. Norwood maybe too skinny for Danny Seigle but he can certainly sky with Seigle. Solomon Mercado's offense will also be put to test against the pesky guards of Beermen like Dondon Hontiveros.

Catch the game live at the Araneta Coliseum or watch on you TV sets via Solar Sports on CS9.

PBA Ticket rates

Posted by dAVe on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 , under , | comments (7)



Seat Location
(Wed & Fri)

( Sun )
Courtside 650 670
Patron A 450 480
Patron B/Lower Box A 400 430
Lower Box B 350 365
Patron C/Lower Box C 300 330
Upper Box A 90 100
Upper Box B 25 30
General Admission 18 18

These are the ticket rates for watching the PBA live at the Araneta Coliseum. If you noticed, ticket price is higher during Sunday games just like the NFL Sunday Ticket. I would love to watch PBA games live. If I'd be in Manila, I will surely spend some penny to watch in the Big Dome. With sensational rookies like Sol Mercado, Gabe Norwood, Jared Dillinger, Jason Castro and many more, the PBA has become more appealing to the basketball fanatics.

I think it would be good to look at the possibilty of establishing a PBA TV. A channel that would air only PBA games, current and classic games and include PBA-related programs. It would be like Basketball TV and NFL TV. Flexible packages must be offered in order to make it attractive to the viewers. I've learned that NFL TV Package offers a wide variation of rates for the subscribers to choose from.

Meanwhile, I have to mention that Solar Sports over CS9 is doing a good job in covering the PBA games. True to what they promised, they gave the PBA a new look and feel in terms of the coverage. However, in some PBA forums, there are negative reactions to the commentators for being to strict in speaking english.

No PC version for NBA Live 2009

Posted by dAVe on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 , under , , | comments (3)




Looks like that's how it's going to be...

Earlier this year, EA Sports announced that it will not be producing a PC version for the much awaited NBA Live 2009. *sigh! Now as the official release date for the Xbox360 is near, there's still no signs of good news for NBA Live fanatics (PC) like me.

"IGN: Will there be any further EA Sports games on the PC?

Peter Moore:
We're doing two this year – we're doing FIFA and we're doing NHL. For business reasons they're very viable. FIFA in particular, because it's a strong business – and console penetration where soccer is powerful – which of course, is everywhere – is weak sometimes, and people have PCs. I can go to my dev team and I can look at the numbers and say it's worth investing millions of dollars to create the PC version of FIFA. Same with NHL, particularly if you're pushing into Eastern Europe and into Russia where we're doing a lot of investment with our hockey franchise. But there are others where we're just losing money. And I reserve the right not to lose money. And my team – as you know, in any job if you do well you get more compensation. It's a difficult conversation to have – am I going to go develop for the PC where, by the way, we're going to lose money and not make a bonus. How do you think about that? It's not fair to these guys. And piracy's an issue – there's not enough sales to justify it, and we do just about every other platform. If you want console, you want your DS, your Wii experience – which takes a team now because you need a brand new Wii experience – eventually you run out of resources and you say we're just not selling enough on the PC and you make a very hard business decision. And then you have this very unique conversation going on now on the blog. I'm trying to think if this has ever happened in our industry where I state my case. It's entertaining and people want me dead, or hung, drawn and quartered."

Here's the NBA Live 09 Exclusive Features Trailer



I'm still hoping for the PC version to come out.

Solomon Mercado shines

Posted by dAVe on Sunday, October 5, 2008 , under , , | comments (0)



5th overall draft pick, Solomon Mercado outshined this year's 1st overall pick Gabe Norwood in their debut in the pro league against Air21 Express. Mercado sizzled for 29 points, converting 5/10 from the rainbow country. Norwood managed just 6 markers going 2/8 from the field. Nevertheless, the Elasto Painters crushed the Express, 120-102

The bulky guard who was originally drafted by Alaska landed on Rain or Shine via the Joe Devance trade showed speed and range in his first game. He can play the 1 and 2 positions. Plus, I thought his defense was superb. But the most notable about his game is his ability to slash into the paint and finish strong. He's an effective one-on-one player. He uses his lightning quick crossover to leave his defender and uses his upper body strength to surpass incoming defenders. He also has the energy on and off the court that seems to channel to his teammates. That makes him more valuable. Definitely the Elasto Painters got a bright color in this rookie.

Solomon Mercado Birthdate :
Position : Shooting Guard
Birthplace :
College : Biola University
Height : 6-1 Weight : 200
Team : Rain or Shine Drafted : 2008: 5th overall by Alaska

I'm hoping Rain or Shine can manage to add a big men to its current roster. Perhaps they can look up for trade options with San Miguel Beermen.

Meanwhile, other rookies who were impressive scoring wise in their debut were Jarred Dillinger of Talk n Text who scored 15 points on a win against Coca-Cola and Bonbon Custodio who had 14 points for San Miguel losing to Alaska.

Note: Mercado's 29 points is the highest debut output by a rookie since Asi Taulava had 32 for Talk 'N Text in 1999 against Tanduay.


UAAP NCAA Review

Posted by dAVe on Thursday, October 2, 2008 , under , , | comments (2)



NCAA

Men's Seniors Basketball
San Beda College - Champion
Jose Rizal University - 1st runner-up
series:2-1

Men's Juniors Basketball
San Sebastian - Champion
Colegio de San Juan de Letran - 1st runner-up
series:2-0

UAAP

Men's Seniors Basketball
Ateneo de Manila University - Champion
De La Salle University- 1st runner-up
series:2-0

Men's Juniors Basketball
Ateneao de Manila University - Champion
Far Eastern University - 1st runner-up
series:2-0