One random basketblog entry

I’m an avid reader of Mau Brooks’ R2MVP list at NBA.com and while reading his response to the readers’ comments, fan mails and hate mails alike, I’ve been fascinated with two topics that was brought up by a fan and a non fan, it is whether Chris Paul should really be ahead of Deron Williams in the MVP rankings and if Jose Calderon is really more valuable than Chris Bosh in Toronto.

Before I begin, I must say I’m a big fan of both, so it’s really hard to compare the two. But to say that Deron Williams should be ahead of Chris Paul in the rankings is really stupid. I think Chris Paul’s play is really miles ahead of Deron’s, the stability he brings in his team is one of a kind and only seen in point guards that has been really successful in the league. Not that Deron Williams doesn’t bring stability to the Jazz but Chris Paul is really on a different level. Check the stats, Chris Paul is averaging 20.8 ppg, 10.8 apg and 4 rpg compared to Deron Williams who isn’t really far behind with 19.2 ppg, 9.7 aog and 2.9 rpg. That alone speaks for itself, plus, add to it that CP3’s team has been winning despite having an average at it’s best type of line up, with David West, Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson as his best offensive weapon.. while D-Will has a good to win in the playoffs type of line up with Carlos Boozer, Andre Kirilenko and Memeth Okur. So I’m sorry Deron Williams fans, but CP3 wins the debate on who’s better here. Read more

Malone To Deliver in the PBA?

Believe it or not, Red Bull is negotiating to hire NBA great and former Utah Jazz star as one of its imports in the PBA Fiesta Cup next month.

Known as “The Mailman” for his ability to deliver for his team, Malone has been retired for several years and is turning 45 on July 27.

This move is apparently not a publicity stunt because Tony Chua, Red Bull’s representative said yesterday that negotiations are currently underway to lure Malone who retired as one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players.

Malone, whose teamup with guard John Stockton is one of the most enduring two-man partnership in NBA history, helped the Jazz to reach the NBA Finals twice and losing on both occasions to the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan.

“We actually have three options but Karl Malone is our priority,” Chua told the Bulletin. “We’re still awaiting his decision. I think it will be good not only for our team but also for the league.” Full Story>>>

Ball Hog: Sports Trivias, Kareem Blogs, Embarrassment Level 99, Francism Record, Viva La Liga and more…

1. Philippine Sports Trivias

Philippine Weather Makes Basketball Popular. Basketball is considered the number one spectators’ event in the country simply because it is usually held under a roof (at the Araneta Coliseum for example). Baseball and football could not gain popularity because Filipino spectators are not willing to seat under the scorching sun or heavy rains.

RP Had the Biggest Lead in a Basketball Game. The Philippine team registered what could be the world’s biggest lead in an amateur basketball game when it clobbered Brunei Darussalam, 160-19, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on July 2, 2000. The 141-point lead could be the biggest for any amateur basketball team since basketball was introduced in the Philippines by the Americans. During the game, the Philippine national team limited the Brunei squad to only 19 points. It later won the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Young Men’s Tournament crown against Malaysia. Read more

Francis Arnaiz, At Home

Video from densprincipe.

Francis wants to return to the Philippines for good, and wonders—with a tinge of regret—what would have happened if he had not left in the first place.

“I could have pursued a career in coaching or anything that has to do with basketball,” said Francis who works for the state of California issuing license to teachers.

“But it’s not too late, I’m still open to anything.”

He said he has kept himself in shape by jogging daily, and is in fact looking forward to his one-on-one bout with Bernie Fabiosa.

Francis was also looking forward to a reunion with former teammate Sonny Jaworski.

Article here.

Weekend Basketball Bitstuff 2 - NBA Trades & PBA Finals

MITCH MOVE

Last season, Bill Simmons tagged NBA as NO BALLS ASSOCIATION for the lack exciting trades. Fast forward to now, Bill is happy, he is so happy he made a 10,000 word article about the big NBA trades that happened recently. The link here. Adding my Philippine 1 cent here… Of course… The trade made by The Logo back in 1996, geting KOBE for Divac is one the keys in building a 3-peat Lakers team, But hey, Jerry West’s understudy Mitch move in acquiring Pau Gasol stacks up compared to West’s KOBE trade. Here’s why… With no major injuries to core players, the Lakers team can compete for championships for the next 7 years. Seven years coz I’m looking at Kobe playing at 36 years old (Jordan’s age during his last run championship run with the Bulls), still able to consistently do 25-5-5 games and Bynum just entering his peak years while Odom and Pau are still onboard.

THE SUNS & MAVS

Wow, Mavs and Suns fans should blame the Grizzlies for sending Paul to the Lakers, now their teams just made panic trades. If the Dallas or Suns fail to win their rings in 2008, look what they got… Dallas has 35 year old PG who can’t shoot and pulling 20+ million a year (the Kidd deal also costs Cuban to pay 11M just this year, equal to half a billion pesos) while the Suns has mid 30s core next year. And you know what, if Suns and Dallas can’t do it this year, minor miracle they need for them to win it next year. Mind you, Spurs is not on a decline, Houston seems are finding out what kind of team they should be, Portland and Hornets are on the upside and the Lakers can only improve. Read more

Sydman’s Side Defect: The Real (E)State

I still live.

Thanks to our shitty cable operator, I completely missed out of the NBA All-Star Game. I remember when BTV used to broadcast the games in the mornings and with replays in the evening and at midnight…

THANKS A LOT SKY!

Anyway, here is a topic that I could write about.

Drafted seventh in the 1993 Draft, Boyet Fernandez’ PBA stint had its ups and downs. In his rookie year he was part of the league’s walking wounded. His knee brace has been a constant in his career. And yeah, he was a greatest of all trade baits moving to the RFM Franchise (team that drafted him), Sta. Lucia, and RFM Franchise (again), Alaska, Purefoods, before returning to the Realtors. Read more

Summary: 2008 NBA All-Star Video Collection

2008 NBA All-Star Rookie - Sophomore Game

The Rookie-Sophomore NBA All-Star Game Weekend lobs and alley-hoops is getting old. After a while, you kinda sense there is nothing great about this stuff anymore. Daniel Boobie Gibson won the Best Player of the game by firing a record 11 three point shots finishing with 33 points. Final score, Rookies 109 - Sophomres 136. Funny note, in the interview, Boobie says he can;t believe he made it to the SOphomore team that quick. Ah eh Boobie, players really make the sophomore team that quick, on your second year. I’ll share you one thing Mr. Boobie, players for Rookies Team even got it a little quicker, a year quicker. Top ten plays here.

Read more

Ryan Reyes Ready For RP 5

SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin M. Henson
The Philippine Star

If invited, Sta. Lucia Realty rookie guard Ryan Reyes said yesterday he’s ready to play for the national team but at the moment, the only thing on his mind is winning the PBA All-Filipino championship.

Reyes, 24, was Sta. Lucia’s first round and third overall pick in last year’s draft. Only Joe DeVance and Samigue Eman were chosen ahead. The Realtors bypassed J. C. Intal, Doug Kramer, Ken Bono and J. R. Quinahan to tap the 6-2, 190-pound guard who honed his cage skills at the fabled Artesia High School in Los Angeles.

Artesia is known for its quality basketball program under coach Wayne Merino and has produced the likes of Jason Kapono, Ed O’Bannon, Charles O’Bannon and Avondre Jones. In a preview of the 1999-2000 season, Slam Magazine writer Bill Doherty said Artesia was “the best team in the West and the unscientific pick to be the finest team in the land.” The previous campaign, Artesia posted a 33-3 record with Kapono, now playing for Toronto in the NBA, and Reyes in the lineup. Read more

Weekend Basketball Bitstuff

I’ll e having this article/column perhaps during weekends before I have my customary weekend rest. Before I head for a 36 hour vacation, I’ll be giving this. To the thoughts…

KOBE’S FINGER

Kobe’s finger is injured. He pulled out of the 3-point shooting derby (replaced by Dirk Nowitzki). He wants to sit out the All-Star Game but league says no-no. Reason, he played their last game before the break and he intends to play the first game after. I say, c’mon Kobe, play the game and shoot and dribble the game 100% left-handed. Read more

Ball Hog: Fil-Am Prospect, PBA Finals, Onchie’s Record, Shaq’s Code, Howard Dunk Practice, Sacramento Girls and More

Purefoods - Sta. Lucia Finals

The probable and the improable just happened. It’s the SLR versus Purefoods in the 2008 Philippine Cup. The first ever appearance for the Realtors in an All-Filipino finals. I’ll be rooting for SLR, a team I placed dead last when I projected the end scenario for this conference. BTW, that entry is buried in this site. I am pretty sure at least 2 dudes are digging it up now. The SLR will battle the Purefoods, who kinda own the All Filipino Cup, well, at least traditionally (11 time finalist).

Mail & More Claims Jervy Cruz

Mail and More insisted it has the rights to University of Santo Tomas star Jervy Cruz and has asked the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) to declare null and void the slotman’s agreement with Hapee Toothpaste. Mail and More made Cruz the second overall draft pick last year behind Filipino-American Gabe Norwood. Read more

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