Philippine Basketball:

Chot Reyes yields post to Yeng Guiao

September 11, 2018 – Manila Time

Philippine Basketball News 2018: Coach Chot Reyes has stepped aside from the Gilas Pilpinas program and yielded the national mentor post to Yeng Guiao.

Notes:

➤ Chot stated via his Instagram account, “I came out of retirement to coach Gilas because MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) asked me back in October 2016. Amid my growing responsibilities in [TV5] and other big projects, I accepted, because I have complete trust in MVP’s judgment and more importantly because it was an opportunity to serve the country,”

➤ He added, “We have long worked for full support from all of Philippine basketball’s major stakeholders – from Coach Rajko Toroman’s time to my stint in 2013 to 2014, then Coach Tab Baldwin, until my current tenure. Now that the PBA has opened its doors fully to the SBP and the national team, it is time for me to step aside and contribute in a different capacity, focusing on the 2023 program.”

Reyes steered the Philippine basketball team in the following years and events:

YearBasketball EventRecord
2005FIBA Asia Champions Cup5th
2005William Jones Cup3rd
2005Brunei Sultan Cup1st
2007William Jones Cup3rd
2012William Jones Cup1st
2013FIBA Asia Championship2nd
2014FIBA Asia Cup3rd
2014FIBA World Cup21st
2014Asian Games7th
2017SEABA Cup1st
2017FIBA Asia Cup4th
2018FIBA World Asian Qualifiers4-2

➤ Reyes was recently suspended as coach of Gilas Pilipinas following the regrettable brawl between the Philippines and Australia. 10 Filipinos and 3 Aussies players were suspended as punishment by the FIBA governing body. Additionally, Reyes got suspended for one game, for supposedly inciting violence on court.

➤ Guiao was then named as temporary replacement coach pending Reyes’ ban. Consequently, Yeng’s coaching performance during the 2018 Asian Games increased the public clamor for him to permanently hold the national coach post. Guiao barely had a week of preparation, but led the ROS-Pilipinas team to a respectable 5th place finish.

➤ Yeng is now in the thick of preparing the Team Pilipinas basketball team as they battle a dangerous Iran national team tomorrow Thursday (September 13), for the continuation of the FIBA World Asian qualifiers.

➤ “Together with all the players and coaches who have sacrificed and put their careers on the line for flag and country, we wish coach Yeng and the current team great success, as they continue the World Cup journey. We are with you. Once Gilas, always Gilas,” Reyes reiterated.

➤ Chot’s stint as coach of the national team produced the best performance of the Philippine basketball team in three decades or so in the FIBA Asia Championships, FIBA Asia Cup, Jones Cup and the FIBA Worlds. The lone exception was the regrettable 7th place finish in the 2014 Asian Games.

Posted September 12, 2018 - Manila Time

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Philippine Basketball:

FIBA greenlights Slaughter

September 8, 2018 – Manila

Philippine Basketball News 2018: FIBA has officially recognized the eligibility of Filipino Greg Slaughter to play as a natural player for the Philippine basketball team. This development also allows Slaughter to play for the national team in the upcoming 2019 FIBA World Cup fourth qualifying window without restrictions against Iran and Qatar.

Notes:

➤ FIBA accepted the eligibility of the 7-foot Barangay Ginebra center despite presenting a Philippine passport shortly after the age of 16. The restriction is limited to the acquisition of passport before the age of 16 (article 3-21.a), showing FIBA’s leniency and consideration for the Fil-American.

➤ “We have taken note of the fact that the player is claiming to have acquired the legal nationality of Philippines before the age of 16 but has failed to present the respective passport with a date of issue before his sixteenth birthday,” FIBA stated through secretary general Patrick Baumann.

➤ Contributing factors to the decision of FIBA included the fact that Slaughter has resided in the Philippines since 2007 at age 19 and that he had studied locally while playing hoops for the last 11 years.

➤ SBP President Al Panlilio stated “We are happy to announce to the entire basketball loving Filipinos that SBP’s push to FIBA to prove that Greg Slaughter is a pure Filipino has been recognized.”

➤ “The SBP is elated with this development in our desire to come up with the best basketball roster for our flag and country,” he also added.

➤ Coach Yeng Guiao will now only be limited to choose between star guard Stanley Pringle and bullish forward Christian Standhardinger for a slot to play as a naturalized player in the upcoming qualifiers.

➤ Pilipinas Basketball will be pitted against Iran for the FIBA Qualifiers on Thursday September 13.

Posted on September 8, 2018 - Manila

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Asian Games 2018:

ROS Pilipinas flattens Syria, 109-55

August 31, 2018 – GBK Hall

Asian Games News 2018: ROS Pilipinas flattened Syria, 109-55 and copped 5th place in the 2018 Asian Games basketball this Friday at the GBK Hall in Jakarta. Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jordan Clarkson stamped his class by chalking-up 29 points, 6 dimes and 4 boards, while Fil-German Christian Standhardinger chimed-in 27 buckets.

Notes:

➤ The Philippines led by as much as 26 points at the half, 60-34.

James Yap suited-up once more and ended-up with 9 markers. Yap did not play in the battle against Japan and South Korea due to an apparent ankle injury.

Clarkson is set to go back to the NBA to begin training for the upcoming season with the post-Lebron era Cavaliers.

ROS Pilipinas failed to get to the medal rounds after the heart-breaking loss to nemesis South Korea in the Asiad quarterfinals.

➤ The fifth place finish of the Philippine basketball team is an upgrade from 2014 (Incheon) when they placed 7th. RP Five fared better at 4th place in 2002 (Busan) and last bagged a bronze medal courtesy of the PBA Centennial team in 1998 (Bangkok).

Game Scores:
Quarters: 38-16, 60-34, 91-44, 109-55.

ros pilipinas: 109

Clarkson 29, Standhardinger 27, Taulava 11, Pringle 10, Yap 9, Belga 6, Erram 5, Tiu 5, Ahanmisi 3, Norwood 2, Lee Dalistan 2, Almazan 0.

syria nt: 55

Aljabi 23, Bakar 9, Saddir 6, Al Ghamian 6, Alhamwi 6, Kasaballi 2, Al Osh 2, Idelbi 0, Khouri 0.

Posted on September 1, 2018 - GBK Hall Jakarta

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Asian Games 2018:

ROS Pilipinas blasts Japan 8, 113-80

August 28, 2018 – GBK Hall

Asian Games News 2018: ROS Pilipinas blasted Japan 8, 113-80, to register their first victory together with Jordan Clarkson this Tuesday at GBK Hall in the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang Jakarta Indonesia. Fil-German Christian Stanhardinger starred for Pilipinas Basketball with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while NBA’s Clarkson added 22 markers, 6 rebounds and 9 assists.

Notes:

Paul Lee Dalistan also anchored the Philippines backcourt with his 17 buckets, while Stanley Pringle chimed-in 9 points and 7 assists.

➤ The Philippine basketball team shot 12 of 25 (48%) from the three point line, while Japan made 11 of 31 (35%) treys. The Pinoys also outrebounded their East Asian neighbors 38 against 25 boards.

➤ The depleted Japan national team fielded only 8 players after losing 4 of its’ stars due to suspension. Taichi Nakamura led Akatsuki five with 16 markers and 11 dimes, while Naoya Kumagae added 15 points.

➤ Rain or Shine Pilipinas will next face Syria this coming Friday at 6:30 PM in the classification battle for 5th place. RP Five is now 2-2 in the Asian Games.

Posted August 29, 2018 - GBK Hall Jakarta Indonesia

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Asian Games 2018:

South Korea eliminates fiery ROS Pilipinas, 92-81

August 27, 2018 – GBK Hall

Asian Games 2018: South Korea eliminated Rain or Shine Pilipinas, 92-81 at the GBK Hall in the 2018 Asian Games this Monday in Jakarta. Ricardo Ratliffe led the furious Korean run with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists, while Heo Ilyoung and Kim Suhnyung both contributed 17 markers apiece.

Notes:

➤ The game was close up until halfway of the fourth canto, when the Koreans assaulted with their three point bombs.

➤ Costly turnovers and defensive lapses snatched the game away from the mighty Filipino squad, as ROS Pilipinas squandered possession after possession by giving-up 13 turnovers. They were also outrebounded by the Koreans who hauled 45 boards compared to Philippines’ 40.

➤ The choice of players of coach Yeng Guiao also costed the Philippines ultimately, as Beau Belga proved ineffective against the beefier Ratliffe. The Pinoys were at a hefty disadvantage given players like Junemar Fajardo or Greg Slaughter could have shored up the Filipino frontline.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jordan Clarkson made 25 buckets and 8 caroms for the losing Filipinos, but was severely limited at the half when he scored only 4 points. Christian Stanhardinger meanwhile accounted for 16 points and 9 rebounds.

➤ Pinoy guards Stanley Pringle and Paul Lee Dalistan also dropped 14 and 11 markers each.

➤ Despite Pilipinas Basketball bowing out of competition and not winning a medal, they still presented a respectable performance given they only had a few days of practice and preparation.

➤ Korea made effective use of clogging the driving lanes and double team defense to nullify the penetration drive of Clarkson. The SoKors also stole the ball 9 times.

➤ At the half, the Philippines shot better from the three point line where the Koreans are dreaded. The Filipinos made 7 of 17 (41%) treys versus Korea’s 5 of 16 (31%). Lee, Pringle, Chris Tiu and Gabe Norwood all shot treys before the half ended.

➤ The Philippines is now effectively out of the medal rounds and will be relegated to the classification rounds.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 22-18, 42-44, 64-65, 92-81.

south korea: 92

Ratliffe 30, Heo I. 17, Kim S. 17, Lee S. 11, Jeon 9, Heo u. 6, Lee J. 1, Park C. 0, Choi 0.

ros pilipinas: 81

Clarkson 25, Stanhardinger 16, Pringle 14, Lee Dalistan 11, Almazan 7, Norwood 3, Tiu 3, Belga 3, Erram 0, Taulava 0.

Posted on August 27, 2018 - GBK Hall Jakarta Indonesia

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Asian Games 2018:

China narrowly escapes Gilas Pilipinas, 82-80

August 21, 2018 – GBK Hall Palembang

Asian Games News 2018: China narrowly escaped Gilas Pilipinas, 82-80, to conclude their Group D battle in the Palembang Asian Games 2018 this Tuesday in Jakarta Indonesia. Zhou Qi led China with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks, while Wang Zhelin added 13 buckets and 7 boards.

Notes:

Jordan Clarkson led the mighty Filipino offensive but fell short due to cramps in the waning seconds. He finished with 28 monstrous markers, 8 caroms and 4 assists. Clarkson also made 5 of 13 three point shots.

Christian Stanhardinger also contributed 18 points and 8 caroms, while Stanley Pringle made 14 buckets and 4 rebounds.

China out-rebounded the Philippines, 35 boards against 31. However, the Pinoys shot better from the rainbow country making 11 of 34 (32%) three point bombs, against the Great Wall’s 7 of 29 (24%) treys.

The Philippine basketball team will next face South Korea in the upcoming Quarterfinal round.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 20-12, 36-31, 59-57, 82-80.

china: 82

Zhou 25, Wang 13, Abudurexiti 12, Zhao 11, Ding 7, Sun 6, Liu 5, Fang 2, Dong 1.

gilas pilipinas: 80

Clarkson 28, Stanhardinger 18, Pringle 14, Dalistan Lee 10, Erram 6, Almazan 2, Belga 2, Taulava 0, Yap 0, Norwood 0, Ahanmisi 0.

Posted on August 21, 2018 - GBK Hall Palembang Jakarta Indonesia

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Asian Games 2018:

Gilas Pilipinas wallops Kazakhstan, 96-59

August 16, 2018 – Jakarta

Pilipinas Basketball News 2018: Gilas Pilipinas walloped Kazakhstan, 96-59, to begin it’s campaign in the Asian Games 2018 this Thursday at GBK Hall in Jakarta. Stanley Pringle led the merciless Filipino assault with his 18 points and 4 rebounds, while Christian Stanhardinger added 15 markers and 5 boards.

Notes:

James Yap also added 13 buckets and 6 caroms, while Paul Lee Dalistan made 10 points.

Anton Bykov led the losing Kazakhstan with 13 points and 5 rebounds.

➤ The Philippine basketball team stole the ball 16 times and caused 22 turnovers to the former Soviet Union country. RP Five also shot better with 23 of 39 (59%) fieldgoal clip versus 13 of 32 (41%) of the Central Asian nation, and shot the threes at 12 of 39 (31%) to Kazakhstan’s 5 of 28 (18%).

Jordan Clarkson just arrived in time to watch the Filipino game courtside, but did not suit-up as he just barely arrived in Indonesia by plane.

Gilas Pilipinas next campaign will be opposite a powerhouse China squad led by Guo Ailun, Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang this Tuesday August 21.

Posted August 16, 2018 - Jakarta, Indonesia

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Pilipinas Basketball:

NBA changes mind, allows Clarkson stint to Asiad

August 14, 2018 – Manila

Pilipinas Basketball News 2018: The National Basketball Association finally heeded the massive call for reconsideration of its earlier decision to bar Filipino American Jordan Clarkson from playing for the Philippine basketball team. In a surprise twist, Clarkson is now officially part of the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas line-up, and will fly as early as Thursday for the battle against Kazakhstan.

Notes:

Clarkson will also be tasked as the flag-bearer for the Philippines delegation during the opening of the Asian Games this coming Saturday.

Don Trollano, who’s been in and out of the Filipino line-up will again be replaced by Clarkson this after the surprise announcement by the American professional basketball league.

The Philippines Asian Games chef de mission Richard Gomez and Coach Yeng Guiao both confirmed the developments to Rappler and Inquirer.

Gomez also intimated to Rappler that they made multiple appeals to the NBA to change their decision on Clarkson.

Gilas Pilipinas will now play with a core of Rain or Shine players and select PBA cagers along with Cleveland Cavalier’s Clarkson.

Posted August 15, 2018 - Manila Time

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Pilipinas Basketball:

NBA stops Clarkson Asiad stint, accused of partiality

August 13, 2018 – Manila

Pilipinas Basketball News 2018: The NBA – National Basketball Association officially stopped Fil-Am star Jordan Clarkson‘s Asiad stint, but was accused of partiality as it allowed China’s Zhou Qi. The Philippine basketball team will now brave the Asian Games sans Clarkson, a legitimate NBA star.

Notes:

➤ The NBA officially declared that Cleveland Cavaliers Clarkson will not be allowed to play in the Asian games citing their agreement with FIBA.

➤ “The NBA’s agreement with FIBA stipulates that NBA players can participate in the Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Continental Cup competitions, and associated qualifying tournament. Because the Asian Games are not one of those competitions, NBA players are unable to participate. In accordance with the NBA’s agreement with FIBA, Jordan is welcome to represent the Philippines in the agreed-upon competitions,” stated NBA spokesman Tim Frank.

➤ However, this decision was criticized heavily as the NBA clearly showed double standard as it allowed China’s Qi to play for China in the Asiad, despite Qi being part of the Houston Rockets roster.

➤ POC Secretary General Patrick Gregorio couldn’t hide his dismay over the NBA’s position, “I am at a loss for words. All I can say is ‘NBA, YOU BROKE OUR HEARTS’. You broke the hearts of 100 million Filipinos, We will never forget this.”

➤ “We were one clearance away… from a dear friend of the Filipino people, The NBA. Or so we thought,” added Gregorio.

➤ SBP President Al Panlilio also expressed his disappointment after learning that the NBA allowed Zhou Qi to play, “Of course, very disappointed. I hope rule applies to all consistently.”

➤ Additionally, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go was quoted “While we respect their authority over their players, I cannot help but express my dismay over how one seemingly inconsistent rule allowed them to disregard a plea of a whole nation, Sana po walang double-standard at sana man lang, may puso ang NBA sa kanilang ginawang desisyon, lalong-lao na kung ang nakasalalay ay ang basketball hopes and dreams ng isang buong bansa.”

Coach Yeng Guiao may now opt to continue going to the Asiad with only 11 players as Clarkson was part of the original 12-man line-up. It will be up to Olympic Council of Asia if they will allow Don Trollano as a replacement.

➤ The Filipinos fielded a new squad after it lost majority of it’s players due to the recent FIBA suspension.

➤ The 2018 Asiad line-up consists of Chris Tiu, Raymund Almazan, Maverick Ahinmisi, Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, James Yap, Paul Lee, Stanley Pringle, Christian Stanhardinger, Asi Taulava and Poy Erram.

➤ RP Five will battle Kazakhstan this Sunday, August 16 to begin its Asiad campaign.

Posted August 13, 2018 - Manila

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Pilipinas Basketball:

SBP opts to rejoin Asiad 2018 amid public clamor

August 5, 2018 – Manila

Pilipinas Basketball News 2018: SBP or Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas opted to rejoin the Asian Games 2018 Basketball amid public clamor. Initially deciding to forego the quadrennial event due to multiple factors such as regrouping after the FIBA suspension, player availability and miscommunication on PBA teams lending of players, SBP had a change of heart and decided to send a national team instead.

Notes:

➤ As initially agreed upon, the nucleus of the team will have core players from PBA team Rain or Shine with the addition of some choice cagers from Coach Yeng Guiao.

Gilas Pilipinas will have ROS players such as Maverick Ahinmisi, Raymund Almazan, Chris Tiu, Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood and James Yap.

➤ Other PBA players requested by Guiao include San Miguel’s Christian Stanhardinger, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle, TNT’s Don Trollano, NLEX’s Asi Taulava and BlackWater’s Poy Erram.

➤ Also for consideration were Gilas Cadet players Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.

➤ Only Ahinmisi, Erram, Trollano and Pringle are players who had not represented the national team as a Pro player. Pringle, however, was part of the recent FIBA 3 on 3 tournament.

➤ It will be a second national tour of duty for Chris Tiu who was a member of Rajko Toroman’s Smart Gilas in his amateur days. James Yap, meanwhile, will have another crack at an international cage tournament as he was also a member of Guiao’s 2009 FIBA Asia squad.
Guiao will also be hard-pressed to better his 2009 FIBA Asia coaching stint after then Pilipinas Basketball team ended-up with a dismal 8th place in Tianjin.

Posted August 6, 2018 - Manila

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

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