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Nescafe Classics Crowned Champs!

Thwarted by a gutsy Smoky Mountaineerz team which forced a tie-breaker game last February 21, the Coffee Makers rode on an emotional tidal wave from their sold-out out home court as they stamped their class early in the first period 42-26 to emerge as champions with a convincing 137-119 victory.

It has been an incredible year for the Classics which underwent a massive line-up overhaul and yet kept winning games in dominant fashion. Key to it all was new GM F.A. Cruz who made the risky decisions and made them pay off.

"This championship belongs to all the fans who have stuck with us all the way and believed in us. Our players are always inspired because of our loyal fans who have supported us through thick and thin," beamed a deliriously happy F.A. Cruz.

Losing 122-117 in the pivotal second game, the Classics' spirit was almost crushed by the defeat. Head Coach I.M. Ganzo, architect of the 20-2 Season 7 record of the Coffee Makers, made some fateful decisions. Ganzo shook the starting line-up and installed a motion offense overnight, replacing their bread and butter plays.

"I made adjustments to the starting line-up because though our defense was excellent, we lacked some scoring punch. Thus, I made Janasiak slide to the PG slot and made Gartnar the starting PG and Bridis as Admir's back-up. I had doubts at the start, but you see the results. It ain't bad at all," said I.M. Ganzo.

Again, it was team captain Ricson Ritualo who top scored for the Classics. Ritualo was red hot from the field in the 1st quarter, shooting 6 of 6 (14 pts) as he asserted his will over the opposing team. He finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals.

Gracijus Bridis, came off the bench for Admir Gartnar and chipped in 27 points and 5 steals. Jan Janasiak had 22 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals. PF Daniel Muyco put in 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals.

For the opposing team, SG Ralph Faigao shot the lights out with 43 points on 17 of 27 shooting, 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. He had little help though as their bench wasn't able to contribute as much.

Though the Classics was out-hustled and out-rebounded (41-56), they more than made up for it through their stingy full court press, forcing their opponents to 34 turnovers. The Classics also had a total of 32 steals as their suffocating defense totally swarmed the opposing ball carriers.

"All our efforts have been rewarded and our decisions vindicated. The Nescafe Classics will continue to improve and win championships for years to come. We've built them as a dynasty and this is Year One," boasted GM F.A. Cruz.

Last edited by Fridrik at 2/23/2009 9:34:17 AM

BEASTS BACK-TO-BACK PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPS

Jubas Astrodome - After 22 regular games and 4 playoff games it has come down to 1 big game in deciding the best team in the Philippine Premier League. The Jubas Beasts(53996) have successfully defended their title against the Trailblazers United(54042) in a thriller 106-101 game(10545926).

The Beasts and Trailblazers have faced each other in the Premier League Finals for the past 3 seasons. But this was probably the hardest road to the finals for both teams with all the strong teams coming into their own this season.

The Beasts only topped the Great 8 conference through point differential in a three-way tie with the rejuvenated Red Robins(53984) and the red-hot Queen's Coast(53994) . The tie was forced with a win by the Beasts over the Robins in their final game of the season and Queen's Coast riding it's 7-game winning streak.

The Trailblazers made it through an even rougher Big 8 conference which boasts of 6 teams with more than 10 wins. This is the conference of Philippine Cup champions RNA(54037) and the powerhouse Hoes(54021) .

In a game where Beasts wingmen Liang "Laway" Wai Cheng(2445408) and Marlon Kintanar(2205524) had a difficult time finding their shots, it was the reserves who stepped up to try and keep up with Ubaldo Nudalo and company. Cleber Aguilar(817892) and Richard Tonillo(2205520) contributed from the bench 14 and 9 points respectively.

But it was the prolific defense of Cesar Bastos(2228771) and Ondrej "Colossus" Zatkovsky(3198109) who also made it harder for the Trailblazers big men to dominate the game.

Then with the game on the line and 5 minutes left, it was Liang Wai Cheng and Marlon Kintanar who made the big plays.

Philippines suffers first U21 loss against Australia U21

at the second leg of the BuzzerBeater Asia U21 Championship Tournament, Philippines U21 suffers their first loss against Australia U21 with the score of 155-101 held at the Zapper Arena in Indonesia.

U21 gunman Sotero Maravilla erupted for 43 points, nailing down 5 three-pointers and swatting 5 shots. Anthony Gillegao also scored in double figures, with 24, also racking up 5 blocks.

Scond quarter was a big problem for the Pinoys, as they were pinned down to only 18 points, after scoring 31 on the first quarter. The Australian youngsters were everywhere on the court, gunning shot after shot on the next 2 quarters.

"We have been challenged to a showdown, we were prepared to fight, i just think that tonight was not our night." says the U21 coach.

The Pinoys shut down the Australians' outside shooting, but their spped and perimeters cam to a toll, they even shut down floor leader Miguel Pingonan, who never had a basket from downtown.

"They were spotting me on, pressuring ten-folds and intercepting the passing lanes. It was a very embarrasing effort."

Nonetheless, our Pinoy U21 bigmen provided frontcourt prescence with 61 rebounds, Legaspi had 15 and Pacanan grabbed 16.

"We thought that our big men will save the day. They had a very good game, but the Australians were feeling it too."

Down at the end quarter, the pinoy team couldn't make a run, which is in their forte, to give the last quarter a big run.

Next game would be against China U21, and they're pretty confident that they will learn from their previous game and apply give what they got on Monday. They never liked the loss, for it's their first since the management took a transition by appointing GM-Katchafire Collie as their new manager.

"I never take it with them, They were unbeatable, and that also means that there will come a time that they would be losing a game... it's natural. I have high hopes on this youngsters and hopefully so, we would win the remaining games." says Collie.


Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 4/28/2009 8:04:57 AM

Sorry di ko sigurado kung saan ko ilalagay itong message pero minor correction lang, 115-101 yun final score. :)

Last edited by Greedy at 4/28/2009 6:55:06 AM

Shortie: Hoes couldn't compete with TrailBlazers United

Shortie has admitted that they would have won the title were it not for their bitter rivals TrailBlazers United.


Hoes manager, Shortie, has acknowledged that Hoes could not compete with TrailBlazers in the Philippine Premiere League this season.

Shortie declared himself "happy and proud" of his time with Hoes, but told the press that their team couldn't topple their rival.

"We could not compete with Aldo's squad. Our performance has been very high and with the results that we have obtained, we could be champions, but for TrailBlazers," he explained.

"They play excellent basketball, but these are the patches in basketball. Players like Nudalo, Czulinski and Nezih combine to the highest level."

Certainly Shortie has managed to turn Hoes around in his time in charge, but perhaps not enough to see him stay beyond this season.

He admits that his contract is only for five seasons, and that already there is plenty of talk of possible replacements after the elections.

"It was clear that my contract was for five seasons and if nobody gets in touch with me before may 30, it will be clear that my time here is over." he mused.

"I knew where I stood and what was required of me. I only wanted the next team to count on me if he trusted in my work.

"The rumors have already started and they are mainly talking about my retirement."

Despite almost acknowledging that he will be leaving this summer, Shortie did say that he has at least achieved his objectives.

"When I arrived, the objective was to qualify for the Playoffs and we have done that several times and even bagged home a championship trophy. In fact, I even feel like we could become a champion in the near future with rising stars Teofilo García de Caceres, NT player Mauro Sumayod and former national player Ivan Ricamona!" he joked.

"The fans are delighted because in his last reign I gave the fans a reason to come in the team's color during game time. I feel sad for them that I have to move on now with my own life. Apart from being a manager. " he said.

TrailBlazers United Win PPL season 8 Championship

The TrailBlazers have broken Jubas Beast's chance of getting the cup and league trophy in one season by sealing the championship series 2-0...

TrailBlazers United are PPL champions for season 8 following a hard-fought but deserved win from Game1 of the series.

"The Jubas Beasts was a bigger team against our Team. They have outstanding players. Sharpshooter guards and dominating big men. and what a time to win against them. we had 3 games in the past this season and we lost all of them. I just put my trust on my players in game 1 and won. I guess its just that they(Beasts) didnt prepare for us. It is not yet the right time for the Grandslam season of Jubas Beasts. Maybe some other time.". Aldo commented

The coach is not about to rest on his laurels, though, and told the press that he wants more players for the next season.

"I want a bigger TrailBlazers Squad next season."

The coach went on to state that it is "always necessary to incorporate new players" but said he did not want to be drawn on who might leave or come in. We must keep in mind that this is a mentally stable and young team, who can go for some years more."

With regards to the future of Ubaldo Nudalo at the team, again the coach did not want to speak too much about it, but he said they will discuss his deal soon.

"He is a very important player and I am delighted with him, but I will not speak publicly about transfers. We will speak with him soon, we will speak privately and we will let it be known what happens," he explained.

Personally, TrailBlazers United manager Aldo said that he will "digest the success" he had in this league.

"We just managed to bag home a runner-up trophy for the past two seasons and we are so much determined to win this championship this season because I know it will be very hard for us to bounce back if we continue on displaying a runner-up trophy on our trophy case and the Jubas Beasts will surely be the favorite of all filipino fans. That is what I am afraid of.. We know how Ginebra Team wins the PBA championship because of the fans."

Season 8 is over

After one season of training and playing, Korniks Team ended with a disappointing tie breaker loss to ShoOots.


Eliseo Garin was fouled out during the last minute of the game, "I am so disappointed. Where are the inside prescence of my teammates? I was relying to their skills but what happened? Are they tired or something?", told the reporters after the "solo" game when he scored 30 points and 12 rebounds.

The only player who has double digits is scoring is Shumkovski garnering only 10 points and the team had a bad shooting night with 30-80 in shooting.

"We faced a team that is so outstanding and we are undermanned, I wish them luck in League II", cezzz16 told the reporters. "I have to talk to my players to boost their morale and learn from our mistakes. He (Garin) is disappointed because everybody have a great expectation on him because he is a member of the national team. I was so proud of Garin and the team for what they did in this season. I saw their hardwork and teamwork that made them strong as a team. This feeling of loss shall pass and i know next season, my team would be strong as ever. I would like to thank all of our fans who watched every second of our game. Next year fans, next year." he added.

The Korniks Team is hoping for getting a new draftee next season. "One more center for next year and I'm done training my big men." the manager closed.

PAL arena to host the most number of fans

"We really give high priority to our fans, that's why we dedicated ourselves in expanding the arena to accommodate viewers and fans alike, thus announcing the almost finished 2000 seats in the PAL arena."

This was the statement given by the general manager of team Polydozel. And any day from now, we would be witnessing PAL arena, the home of team Polydozel, with their added 2000 seat capacity for fans to enjoy. Now, PAL arena has the highest seat capacity with 22900 seats.

"We would be doing this nonstop, to ensure fans get to see their favorite team in action. we would also add some some luxury boxes in the future, so that families would be able to watch their favorite games while maintaining comfort and convenience to any member of the family."

The future project is still undated, as preparations in the coming season are taking place. If they take forward in this certain proposal, they might reach the 30000+ mark by season 10.

Some pundits criticize this move differently, as they reiterate that spending too much on the arena means limited budget for the team's roster, and such. But, the general manager already have response to the statement.

"We have enough funds for this season when it comes to our players, I talked also to Nodally about his future plans and we believe that we will do well in this coming season, so we have nothing to worry about. Our concern right now is our fans who have undying support to our team, this is our way in repaying them and i hope that there would be more new faces, young and old, who would be attending the games."

Team Polydozel landed the 5th spot in Season 8 after losing a decision game against PPL Season 8 semi-finalist ribonucleic acid. It is their first time that they didn't enter the playoffs since their founding in Season 3. Team Polydozel's Hipolito Guarnes averaged 20.9 ppg and is considered one of the candidates for this season's MVP, along with point guard Soren Pettersson. Power forward Ksaveras Verumbickas, their new acquizition in season 8, has averaged 10.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 2.1 bpg, in which he holds second best in the season's shot-blockers.

Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 5/31/2009 12:59:24 PM

Ubaldo Nudalo search for his career has started

Filipino Power Forward Nudalo finalized his move to another club today, marking the end of a "soap opera" and the start of a new phase of his career outside the philippines.

"Now the soap opera is over," said Nudalo, decked out in a Red-White TrailBlazers United team jersey after a PPL game against Batangas Blades in the Balisong Stadium. "The only leftover details were the medical exams, and I've done them. The negotiations is still open but I have sealed my transfer away from TrailBlazers United."

Ubaldo Nudalo passed a medical in the Capitol Medical Center earlier Monday and and is ready to sign a new contract by 10pm wednesday, possibly to Tüskevári SE(160336) in Magyarország.

"Nudalo is one of the players that every team would like to have and we had the chance to get him. He was in top form during the first seasons of BB Philippines" TrailBlazers United managaer Aldo told Snow Badua of NBN sports.

Nudalo has said he intends to revive his "magic" which, along with Ellis Pador, attracted star players like turkish Erman Nezih, Marian Czulinski and the most recent signing, the italian Oddone Cavallin to TrailBlazers United in the past seasons. but his "magic" will be witnessed on a lower division league from another country and this time not with his friend Ellis.

Nudalo called Aldo's strategy, an interesting sports project."He's trying to buy other players, and I think he can make a very offensive team, Im proud to be part of the TrailBlazers History. for I brought home a lot of trophies" Nudalo told a news conference.

Nudalo said he talked with Nezih about his transfer, and the turkish veteran said it would be the best step for his career.

"I hope to be part of my new team and help to win titles, both League and National Cup" he said.

Nudalo turned down a bid of $100,000 transfer to Secret Warriors last sunday because his scout advised him to get a higher bid than 100k.

Despite previously saying he was happy at TrailBlazers, his career status appears to have proved too much for the Power Forward to ignore. He was watching from the bench most of the time during a game but wants more playing time.

Aldo is expected to attempt to sign a couple more top names for TrailBlazers United before the start of next season.

The departure of Nudalo, who won the League Championship 4 times, runner-up twice, one national cup championship and two MVP awards came a day after the game against Riboneucleic Acid.

"I hope this Jubas Beasts domination ends and that TrailBlazers United wins the two trophies this season. I will be a fan of TrailBlazers United starting today. and I will watch their game on tv whenever I had the chance." Nudalo said.

Ubaldo Nudalo: "The Titan"

"The Titan" Ubaldo Nudalo(2548414) does his magic once again with the Toronto Titans(25111). He had his usual game high scoring in his debut with the Titans creating a good impression from the manager TruestBaller.

His second game was no different as he scored his personal(and leagues) best record performance of 63 points and grabbing 22 rebounds(best since BB season 6).

"Im happy with Toronto Titans now. and I love my new nickname, "The Titan". I can't say that I am the hero of this team because as a newcomer, I still respect my senior teammates but all I can say is I will do my job to get that MVP award at the end of the season."

"I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate my former teammates for winning their BuzzerBeater's Best game. It was really a nail-biting one!". Ubaldo Nudalo

The Silent Marksman strikes once more

The PAL Arena rumbled once again after a week of no show at their mothership, and as the opening tip was underway, fans and viewers alike are watching and cheering as they witness another interesting match up.

Polydozels erupted in the first quarter, as they hit their first four shots, including a three-pointer by the rookie, and transfer-listed Dexter Estolaga, which forced the men from Queens Coast to call a timeout. At this time, you know that the home team means business.

It's interesting to note also, that coach Vic Nodally once again pulled out Hipolito Guarnes and Mervyn Jamora into the starting 5, chich caused concern at first by fans.

However, it was Estolaga's first quarter spark that gave their opponents a hard time by scoring big on the first quarter alone, making 13 points.

Jamora and Guarnes took care of the second quarter, by maintaining their lead up to half time, but Queen's coast was annahilating them on defense as they made the home team to force shots and bad passes. Even the Polydozel centers are outrebounded, led by Amado Lumasag and company.

Second Half was different however, as Jamora turned his game around. After missing shots in the second quarter, he hit almost all of his shots in the second half as he only made 2 misses totalling in 32 points, shooting 6-10 three pointers. Jamora, so-called the "Silent Marksman" played with minimum minutes but with high efficiency as he was the key in winning the game.

Hipolito Guarnes scored 23 points, and Dexter Estolaga managed to get a best scoring night with 18 points.