Is this the right time for OKC to win it ALL?

If the Miami Heat have their "Big Three" following their arch rival Boston Celtics with their own set of "Big Three" plus Rondo. This young blood team named Oklahoma City Thunder is making their own noise, but if you'll take a look for BIG names, you only have Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook with a super-sub James Harden compare to what you will get from Miami and Boston.

Can you also consider them as a "Big Three"?

If not, then why they are winning like they have a "BIG FIVE!"?

Tweet

NBA Trade Deadline Analysis (Lakers-Cavs-Rockets)

This is one of the most unexpected and tough trades in history.

Lakers - Cavs Trade

- Lakers acquired Guard Ramon Sessions, Forward Christian Eyenga plus the Right to swap Heat's 2013 first-round draft pick

- Cavs got Forward Luke Walton, Forward Jason Kapono plus a First-Round pick (lottery-protected)

Lakers - Rocket Trade

- Lakers received Forward/Center Jordan Hill

- Rockets got Guard Derek Fisher (but he was waived by the Rockets and signed by OKC)

The re-bump in the roster of LA Lakers made them again a contender for a playoff run. The addition of Ramon Sessions give them a new dimension in offense especially now that they have a new coach. It gives them a more fast-phase game which Coach Mike Brown wants them to do.

It was a tough deal to do for the Lakers because D-Fish is their long time point guard. Although it was tough move I think it was a great decision, Lakers in now in the 3rd spot of the Western Conference with 30-18 (W-L) including a recent back-to-back win.

OKC became part of this talk because of their acquisition of Derek Fisher. After signing D-Fish, OKC won their last 3 games with Fisher. OKC is now on the top of Western Conference with a 37-12 win-lose record.

Could D-Fish be the torn in Lakers run for another title?

Tweet

NBA Trade Deadline Analysis (Blazers-Nets-Rockets) and (Pacers-Raptors)

New Jersey Nets - Portland Trail Blazers Trade

NJ Nets is one of the most awaited team in the season trade deadline, because they are included in the "Dwight Howard Talk", but it did not happen instead they got:

- Forward Gerald Wallace (Nets)

- Blazers got Forward/Center Mehmet Okur, Forward Shawne Williams plus a Protected First-Round pick

In this trade I think Nets have the edge, Wallace made an early impact as soon as he get into the team. Some says that the Nets is one of the losers in the Trade Deadline because they weren't able to get Dwight Howard, but Howard also did not sign an extension contract with the Magic. Some says that Deron Williams could go to Dallas this coming off-season, but for the Nets the future is Now! Having a solid line up, with Williams, Wallace and Lopez might be the start of something for the future Brooklyn Nets.

Despite the the Nets record of 16-34 (W-L) 13th in the Eastern Conference they are still competing with a high level of basketball and in my opinion they are one of the Winners of the trade deadline.

Portland Trail Blazers is in a new formation, they are looking for the future of the team, they disposed the old players and looking for an effective addition this coming off-season.

With a 22-26 (W-L) Record, Blazers are still in the run for the playoffs because they are just 4 games behind the no.8 seed, the Houston Rockets.

Pacers - Raptors Trade

Indiana Pacers acquired Guard Leandro Barbosa in exchange with the Second-Round draft pick of the Raptors.

Pacers got a stable two-guard in Barbosa, he is a scoring threat and could also be a back-up for the point position. Indiana improve their chances in playoff contention. This team is very hungry for playoff success with the addition of a playoff veteran Barbosa they made the right decision in acquiring him for a playoff run.

With a 28-19 Win-Lose record they are in the 6th spot of the Eastern Conference.

Next: NBA Trade Deadline Analysis (Lakers-Cavs-Rockets)

Tweet

NBA Trade Deadline Analysis (Wizards-Clippers-Nuggets)

The Wizards - Clippers - Nuggets Trade

- Wizards got Center/Forward Nene and Forward Brian Cook plus a Future Second-Round Pick

- Clippers picked-up Guard Nick Young

- Nuggets acquired Center JaVale McGee and Forward/Center Ronny Turiaf (but Turiaf was waived and signed by the Heat)

Let's look at the standing of each team:

- Wizards 11-37 (W-L) 14th in the Eastern Conference

- Clippers 27-21 (W-L) 4th in the Western Conference

- Nuggets 26-23 (W-L) 9th in the western Conference

The acquisition of Nene for the Wizards is I guess a great move for the team. Nene is an experienced center suddenly Wizard got a post-presence and a reliable rebounder. This might not be the answer for the team but at least they are slowly establishing themselves in the right way. One of the good things in acquiring Nene is he will stay for awhile because he signed an extension contract with the Nuggets that will keep him with the Wizards.

The scoring power of the Clips strengthen when they received Nick Young. This acquisition solve the problem of Clips with two-guard and the injury of Chauncey Billups. Young is very explosive and a streak shooter, Clips will benefit with his scoring capabilities and shooting. This will give Blake Griffin and Kenyon Martin a more wide space in the paint because Nick Young will attract defense to go outside.

Everyone thought that the Nuggets would be in the losing end of this Trade because they lost Nene, but it seemed like it was a fair gain. Nuggets playing style is slowly going into a run-and-gun type of game, where JaVale McGee will perfectly fit plus his aggressive defense. In his debut as a Nugget, he made the game winning dunk. If JaVale improve his game with the Nuggets, he is a great addition for the team. The re-acquisition of Wilson Chandler will give more options in the offensive end.

Next: NBA Trade Deadline Analysis (Blazers-Nets-Rockets) and (Pacers-Raptors)

Tweet

NBA Trade Deadline Analysis (Warriors-Buck-Spurs)

Let's take a look with the trades that happened and the immediate effect or impact of that trades based on the games of the new players with their new teams.

First the Warriors - Bucks - Spurs Trade.

- Warriors received Center Andrew Bogut, Guard T.J. Ford, Forward Richard Jefferson and a Protected 2012 First-Round Pick

- Bucks acquired Guard Monta Ellis, Center Kwame Brown and Center Ekpe Udoh

- Spurs got Guard/Forward Stephen Jackson

It came out very surprising especially with Warriors fans because Monta Ellis was the face of the franchise for years but now the organization let him go.

It is not quite a hard decision for the Bucks to give up their priced center because Bogut was bothered by injuries in the past seasons and having Ekpe Udoh in their line up now, they are securing a solid man in the middle in their future.

Spurs and Captain Jack in now back in each other arms. After a solid run and a championship of Spurs in 2003 with Jackson, they let him go but now they acquired him back.

If we will look in the Team Standings of each team;

- Spurs 33-14 (W-L) 2nd in the Western Conference

- Bucks 22-26 (W-L) 9th in the Eastern Conference

- Warriors 20-26 (W-L) 13th in the Western Conference

When we look at it after the new faces played for their new teams. Spurs brought back the good old days and plan for another run in this season. With the addition of Captain Jack they form a formidable forward spot, with the young talents of Danny Green and the newly signed Boris Diaw they will have a complete rotation to back up their veteran players.

Bucks got a solid acquisition with Ellis and Udoh. Milwaukee now form a solid back-court combination with Jennings and Ellis and a future front-court players with Gooden and Udoh. This Bucks team will eventually get their rhythm and play with a high chemistry as a team and as soon as it happen they are a team to recognize. Their are just two games away from the 8th spot that qualified for the playoffs.

The loser of this trade is definitely the Warriors, I don't think so that Jefferson will make a difference for the team, plus Bogut is not healthy to play again and Ford is retiring. Yes, it is true that they will have a big and effective front court with Lee and Bogut, but the question is, when will it happen?

Next: NBA Trade Deadline Analysis (Wizards-Clippers-Nuggets)

Tweet

Two straight for the BOLTS

PBA on Tour: Meralco Bolts go head-to-head with B-Meg Llamados

Momentum Swing

After losing their first game with Talk 'N Text and losing Mac Cardona with injury, Meralco Bolts rode the bull and went to the opposite direction. They won their last two assignments including B-Meg and they played it pretty strong especially in the end.

Their match up with the Llamados was exciting from tip off up to the final buzzer.

Chico Lanete was on fire in their game. He scored a team high 24 points with 9 assists and 3 steals, almost a double-double performance for the veteran guard. The front line combination of Mark Isip and Asi Taulava had success in the paint while Mark Borboran, a late but very significant addition in the line-up of Bolts was one of the finishers of this game.

Tweet

Full charged Texters stop Elasto Painters; Barako's Rookie Night

PBA's double header last Friday, October 14 went exciting because of the explosion of unexpected players. 

HE "Carey" US

The ever hardworking Harvey Carey lift TNT to its 2nd straight win of the Conference and dropped Rain or Shine to 2 and 1 and gave their first lost. 

It was the 28 points and 14 rebounds of Carey that carried TNT to another win, with the help from Ryan Reyes and "The Blur" Jayson Castro. The small runs of Talk 'N Text kept them ahead in most part of the game. Castro also had a double-double performance with 18 points and 10 assists, he anchored the Tropang Texters while their primary leader Jimmy Alapag still out with injury. Reyes, Fonacier and Dilinger added a combined 43 points to boost the lead of TNT and never looked back.

Tweet

PBA: Bolts and B-Meg 1st Win!

Gabi Espinas and the rest of the
Bolts defend the basket
(Image by the PBA/Nuki Sabio)

BOLTS 1st ELECTRIFYING WIN

In the first game of PBA double header yesterday Merlaco Bolts clinched their first win of the conference after an 18-point lost against the Tropang Texters.

Though they were undermanned, Cardona suffer from a severe sprained ankle in their first game, Sol Mercado suited up yesterday but Coach Gregorio decided to seat him down, Reynel Hugnatan and Chris Ross also nursing injuries, but they were able to grabbed their first win against the slowly clicking Shopinas.com Clickers, 79-72.

It was Asi Taulava's effort that led his team to a win. The ageless wonder Taulava scored a crucial fall away basket when the team needed it the most. He got help from his teammates Macapagal, Espinas and Isip who scored 41 combined points.

Tweet

Domino effect of NBA lockout

MOST AFFECTED

With NBA cancelling their first 2 weeks of the season and this will cost a lot for certain players not to mentioned all the fans that already have their seats, employees and businesses around the cities

The small-market cities of NBA will suffer more like Salt Lake City of Utah Jazz and the Oklahoma of Kevin Durant, compare to those who have medium to big markets. NBA owners will lose an average of $1 million every cancelled game while the players will lose about $350 million per month and here are the most affected players for this season's lockout.

Tweet

Lee-thal Rain or Shine; New Alaska?

"Lee-thal Weapon" Paul Lee
drive to the basket
(Image by the PBA/Nuki Sabio)

Riding the Momentum

From their last win against the Ginebra Kings, Rain or Shine carried their winning momentum against their next opponent, Powerade Tigers who were also coming from a win against the new Shopinas Clickers.

Before the game started, Marcio Lassiter said that, he will shut down "The Lee-thal Weapon" Paul Lee. Can he do that?

In the first quarter the Elasto Painters still started the game with out Paul Lee. It was a slow start for both teams, Gabe Norwood made a nice up and under to score their first points of the game. Quinahan also made a strong start and they made a short spurt to have a 12-6 lead but Gary David made a 3-point shot to stop the run of the Rain or Shine. Unfortunately for the Powerade Tigers, the stopper of Paul Lee, Marcio Lassiter was stopped with 2 early fouls in the first quarter. Despite Lassiter was slowed down with fouls, the Tigers made their own run and had a 4 point lead, 17-13. Lee entered the game in the 3-minute mark of the quarter and suddenly the complexion of the game changed and he scored 6 points as soon as he stepped on the hardcourt. That tied the game and ended the quarter at 21 a piece.

Tweet

Helterbrand retiring?

Jayjay Helterbrand
(Image by the PBA)

NO MORE "FAST"?

Will it be the break up of the long time back court tandem of The Fast and the Furious?

There are speculations that Jayjay Helterbrand will retire after this conference.

Ginerba is already using their young back courts like, Rob Labagala, John Wilson and maybe next time, Jimbo Aquino.

Tweet

Blaze Boosters in solo lead; TNT crushed Meralco Bolts

Alex Cabagnot spins away
from Wynne Arboleda
(Image by the PBA)

2 and 0

Friday game day for the PBA. In the first game of a double header, Petron Blaze Boosters met the returning Barako Bull Energy. It was the highly anticipated return of the "Thriller" Willie Miller but the Blazing Petron denied his explosion to sealed their second win of the Conference.

Barako Bull made the first point, both team exchanged baskets in the early part of the first quarter but after that Petron created an early 5-0 run and gave them a 5-point lead 11-6. Barakos retaliate with Salvador, he scored 6 quality points to kept them in step with the Blaze Boosters. While Miller struggled in the start of the game, he made his first 2 points in the 4:30 mark of the first quarter but that points brought the lead of Petron down to 2 points, 14-12. It was a tight and physical first 12 minutes of the game and it ended with a low scoring ball game, 20-26 in favor of Boosters.

Tweet

Tony Parker will play for $2,000?

Tony Parker
Image by the NBA

PLAY FOR US "TP"!

During the NBA lockout, San Antonio Spurs' premier guard Tony Parker will play for a ball club in France. It's not as surprising as it looks because we all know that there are players going overseas to compensate their absence in the hard wood.

What surprising though is All -Star and 2007 Finals MVP Tony Parker will play for just $2,000 per month!? Yes! you read it right, it is just $2,000! Oh! My apology, my numbers were wrong, let me correct it, it is merely $1,995 per month. Even more surprising, right?! Parker told to an interview that he will play almost for free.

ASVEL a team in southeast of France will be the team of Tony Parker which he had a 20% stake. (Now, we understand why.) Parker is the Vice President of the ball club and he wants to help the team to advance in the league and he said that if he will play for the whole season, they'll go for the title.

This is a sort of a "love of the game" situation for Parker, because compare to the $12.5 million that he will make this year with Spurs he will still play for just, $1,995, well it is his team anyway. He wants to help his team, who could blame him?

Nevertheless, Parker is a basketball player and he will do what he wants to do and that is play the game he loved, Basketball.

Tweet

Kobe out or stay?

Where is Kobe going?

An Italian team is still working to get the Lakers prime time player Kobe Bryant. The Virtus Bologna is making a double time effort to get Kobe play for their team. A 10-game deal worth about a little over $3 million during the NBA lockout. Agent Rob Pelinka and Bologna President Claudio Sabatini may have reach an agreement but they are paying so much attention to the smallest details of the deal for the benefit of both sides.

Tweet

PBA Opening Game decided in the last second

JUST 1 POINT!

In the first game of the Season Brgy. Ginebra Kings met the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and it was a certified thriller! Unfortunately for Ginebra fans, Elasto Painters won the game by just 1 point, 93-94.

In the first quarter of the game, it was no surprise that Co-Head Coach Siot Tanquincen and Jong Uichico started the game with a 3-guard line up but NO Mark Caguioa in the starting five. It was quite obvious that Gin Kings lacked big men in their line up and it was exposed in their game. Nevertheless, Ginebra started the game with a blast, an 11-2 run in the early minutes of the first quarter and established their biggest lead of the game at 7 points.

Tweet

PBA OPENER: A Thriller! with Hall Famers

Image by the Philippine Basketball Association

The opening ceremony of our PBA is simply impressive.

PBA presented a new theme "San ka? PBA Kampihan na!". The new season of PBA seemed to be more promising and exciting because of the new combinations of players in different teams and the addition of a new team.

Everything went smoothly in the opening of the PBA yesterday, October 2 (Sunday).

The highlight of the ceremony was the parade of the Players and their Muses plus the Induction of 2011 Hall Fame Class led by the "Black Superman" Billy Ray Bates and  "Captain Lionheart" Alvin Patrimonio.

Tweet

UAAP Four-Peat History: Four Teams with Four-Peat

Only Four Teams have 'Four-Peat'

in UAAP History

UE Red Warriors
Image by the UAAP Sports

University of the East (U.E.) Red Warriors

Championship run
(1969-70, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1974-75)

This was led by the legendary coach Baby Dalupan and 'The Living Legend' Robert Jaworski

This Four-Peat run of UE was made before the teams of UAAP was cut to 8 teams, it was in 1987 when the 8-team format started. In fact UE Red Warriors had the most number of consecutive championship with 7 straight titles and also the most number of Finals appearance with 16 straight season from 1957 to 1972.

Red Warriors and UST have the same number of UAAP men's basketball championships with 18, the second most wins in UAAP history behind the 19 titles of FEU.

Tweet

Ateneo's Four-Peat

Image by the UAAP Sports

Not just 1, not just 2, and not just 3...

It's Four-Peat for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

For four straight years Ateneo Blue Eagles reign as the UAAP Champion. They finished the series in front of 18,817 fans with a sweep, 2-0 against the raging FEU Tamaraws. Blue Eagles ended Game 2 with a blow again, 82-69. It's true that for the Blue Eagles it's really a ONE BIG FIGHT!

Coach Bert Flores made a surprise in the start of Game 2 by putting Bringas and Knuttle in the starting five. It was a fiery and aggressive start for the Tams. Ramos scored the first 7 points of the Tamaraws, they attacked the basket and got fouled, they made 8 of 8 in the free throw line but the Blue Eagles never backed down to the challenge of the Tams. Blue Eagles fought the same aggressiveness level that Tams showed in the start and they forced the Tams to enter in the penalty as early as 5:37 in the first quarter. Eagles maximized the opportunity by scoring 7 of 10 in the line, and they made a short scoring spurt in the last seconds of the first quarter and end the first 10 minutes with a 5 point lead, 23-18.

Tweet

New town for the Nets

WELCOME TO BROOKLYN

While the lock-out is still hurting the NBA, there are few things that can be done while everyone is busy resolving the issue. Nets welcome their new town, their new name and their new uniform with their part owner Jay-Z.

Brooklyn Nets Logo
Image by the NBA

It's official! New Jersey Nets no more and welcome to your new Brooklyn Nets. The new arena of the Brooklyn Nets will be open by a concert of their part owner Jay-Z, and speaking of Jay-Z, he will also be the designer of their new uniform. They plan that it should look like more of an urban design to complement Brooklyn, that should look good.

BUT we will just see it if there is an NBA season this year.

Tweet

PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Brgy. Ginebra Kings)

A complete Line-Up of your favorite PBA team for this incoming 2011-12 season.

                                Analysis.

                       Overview.

                                                and Predictions

Of your favorite team/s will be discuss. How will they maximize their talent? Who will be the strongest and the weakest team? Who will be favored to win the first conference? More questions will be ask but we will give you the answers with every team in the league.

If everything is ready. Let's start with the crowd favorite.

Barangay Ginebra Kings

Co-Head Coach: Joseph Uichico
                         Siot Tanquingcen

#      Players
1      Mike Cortez
2      Billy Mamaril

Image by the PBA

4      Jimbo Aquino
5      Robert Labagala
6      JC Intal
9      Nino Canaleta
13    Jay-jay Helterbrand
18    Yancy de Ocampo
20     Reil Cervantes
23     Rico Villanueva
24     John Wilson
27     Willy Wilson
47     Mark Caguioa
71     Ronald Tubid
RESERVED/INJURED LIST
30     Eric Menk

They still have the solid line-up with Mark "The Spark" Caguioa, Helterbrand, Tubid and Villanueva. They also have the young talents that can be ready for the re-building of the team, namely, Jimbo Aquino, John Wilson and JC Intal.

But Gin Kings really in-need of Big Men, especially now that Eric Menk is out and they lost Rudy Hatfield. They need to pick up an additional big guy that can fight position inside the paint.

Tweet