Showing posts with label Chris Lutz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Lutz. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
FIBA-Asia: Lutz and Lassiter confident they can join Gilas for 2nd round
Sunday, September 18, 2011 | 
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While time slowly runs out for Smart Gilas-Pilipinas, the two Fil-Ams are still confident they’ll be able to join the team as the second round of the 26th FIBA-Asia Championship For Men unwraps Monday in Wuhan, China.
“Obviously, it’s really upsetting," said Lutz, 26, and picked third overall by San Miguel in the last PBA Rookie Draft. “We put a lot of work on this team. And the basic reason why we’re brought in is to help the team, help to come here to this exact tournament and help out in any way possible."
Both got the shock of their lives when FIBA-Asia officials declared them ineligible to play an hour before the Nationals’ opening day game against United Arab Emirates.
A technicality in their Filipino citizenship documentation prevented them from suiting up for the team, although Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan already assured Lutz and Lassiter over dinner Saturday that the federation is doing everything it can to get the two of them to play.
The business tycoon said the matter had already been elevated to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), which Pangilinan hopes would come out with a decision in time for the team’s game against Jordan Monday.
“I can’t wait to have my chance on the court," added Lassiter, who signed up with Powerade as the Draft’s no. 4 overall selection. “Frustrating? Yes, of course. We worked hard for this, we trained for a year. To have this, something thrown to your face, it hurts."
But like the true warriors that they are, both wingmen expressed readiness to suit up for Smart Gilas once finally given the go-signal to play.
“We’re just patiently waiting and see what happens," said Lassiter, out of Cal State Fullerton. “I have no control over it. I just hope things can get resolved so that we can play."
“It’s not really in our hands," acknowledged Lutz, a product of Marshall University. “We can’t do too much it. We’re hoping before the end of the tournament maybe things will change."
source: OMG -GMA News
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Saturday, September 17, 2011
MVP confident Lassiter, Lutz will play for Gilas in FIBA-Asia second round
Saturday, September 17, 2011 |
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Samahang
Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan is
optimistic on Smart-Gilas Pilipinas' chances going into the second round
of the 26th FIBA-Asia Championship For Men after meeting FIBA-Asia officials in Wuhan, China.
Pangilinan met with FIBA-Asia deputy secretary general Hagop Khijirian to discuss the status of Filipino-American guards Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.
He said that he is confident Lassiter and Lutz will be given the chance to play in the second round after documents proving their Filipino citizenship were sent to the office of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in Switzerland Saturday.
SBP sent the documents after getting the re-affirmation from Department of Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert Del Rosario.
Pangilinan said he is hoping the issue would be resolved quickly so both Lassiter and Lutz can finally be allowed to play. "The boys look okay. But we need them (Lassiter and Lutz) in the second round."
FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann said once the papers are properly processed they will come out with a decision right away.
Khijirian added that FIBA-Asia will abide by FIBA's final decision. — JVP, GMA News
FIBA Asia Second Round - Philippine Game Schedule
September 19: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Jordan[C2]
September 20: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Japan[C1]
September 21: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Syria[C3]
Pangilinan met with FIBA-Asia deputy secretary general Hagop Khijirian to discuss the status of Filipino-American guards Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.
He said that he is confident Lassiter and Lutz will be given the chance to play in the second round after documents proving their Filipino citizenship were sent to the office of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in Switzerland Saturday.
SBP sent the documents after getting the re-affirmation from Department of Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert Del Rosario.
Pangilinan said he is hoping the issue would be resolved quickly so both Lassiter and Lutz can finally be allowed to play. "The boys look okay. But we need them (Lassiter and Lutz) in the second round."
FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann said once the papers are properly processed they will come out with a decision right away.
Khijirian added that FIBA-Asia will abide by FIBA's final decision. — JVP, GMA News
FIBA Asia Second Round - Philippine Game Schedule
September 19: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Jordan[C2]
September 20: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Japan[C1]
September 21: (6:00pm) Philippines[D2] vs. Syria[C3]
source: JVP, GMA News
SBP working on Lutz, Lassiter eligibility
Saturday, September 17, 2011 |
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The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has sent to FIBA additional documents to prove the eligibility of the two SMART Gilas Pilipinas national team stalwarts, who have been barred from competing in the Olympic qualifier tournament in Wuhan, China because of issues raised about their citizenship.
SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza told InterAKTV that the basketball governing body is now reviewing the papers.
“We are awaiting the ruling,” wrote Atienza in a text message. “Rest assured that our president Manny V. Pangilinan and the entire staff of the SBP sent sufficient and substantial documents to FIBA to argue the case of Lassiter and Lutz.”
Prior to the Philippine team’s game against China on Friday evening, Pangilinan met with FIBA Asia deputy secretary-general Hagop Khajirian to discuss the status of the two wingmen. But neither Lutz nor Lassiter were allowed to play in the team’s matches against China and Bahrain. The duo also missed the SMART-Gilas opener against United Arab Emirates.
Chot Reyes, a member of the SMART-Gilas coaching staff, meanwhile said that they are aiming for the return of the two players later in the competition.
“We’re still trying our best to have the two to play, if not for the first round, at least sa second round,” he wrote on his Twitter account.
Thanks PBA for the Image
source: Reynaldo Belen, InterAKTV
Thursday, September 15, 2011
SBP appeals case of Lassiter, Lutz
Thursday, September 15, 2011 |
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SBP executive director Sonny Barrios has reportedly written FIBA a letter as soon as news came out that a protest filed by Lebanon seeking to disallow Lassiter and Lutz was upheld, forcing the Rajko Toroman-mentored Nationals to play with the two guards against United Arab Emirates last night.
"Apparently, some people from Lebanon are telling FIBA Asia officials to tell Gilas to show papers of Marcio (Lassiter) and Chris (Lutz) that they became Filipinos at age of 16," said a source privy to the SBP and the Smart Gilas but requested anonymity because he was not given authority to speak.
"They're invoking the wrong rules because that applies only to naturalized players, not to Fil-Ams," the same source added.
Smart Gilas was actually telling FIBA Asia officials that same argument, but the former was told to get approval from the FIBA administration office in Geneva, Switzerland.
"The SBP has already emailed a letter to FIBA Worlds, our fate is now in the hands of FIBA," said the source.
SBP has actually submitted the papers of Lassiter and Lutz as early as last month and they should be allowed to play since they've followed the same rules the country complied to in the past.
Lassiter and Lutz had actually played as Filipinos like in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, the 2010 Stankovic Cup in Lebanon, the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia a few months back and several FIBA-Asia Champions Cups making the Lebanon protest baseless and a clear case of harassment.
"We did that to Fil-Ams before like Eric Menk and he was allowed to play. It’s obvious that Lebanon is just dragging us down," said the source.
source: Joey Villar -Philstar.com
SMART-Gilas takes out frustration with 40-point beatdown of UAE
Thursday, September 15, 2011 |
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UAE jumped to a quick 5-0 start in the opening minutes of the game and naturalized center Marcus Douthit was hit with an early unsportsmanlike foul when he was involved in a small scuffle with UAE big man Ali Alhattawi.
But the the Filipinos, behind Douthit and Kelly Williams, dominated the paint in the second quarter, both offensively and defensively to swing the tide decisively in their favor. Douthit scored nine points in the second after a scoreless first quarter as SMART-Gilas entered halftime with a solid 41-22 lead.
Team Pilipinas opened the second half with a 9-0 run to extend the lead to 50-22 and all but put the game away. They outscored UAE 28-13 in the quarter and entered the final period with a near-insurmountable 34 point lead.
SMART-Gilas put up a balanced effort with six players scoring nine points or more. Mac Baracael, a late addition to the final roster, led the team with 15 points. Veteran Asi Taulava put up 13 points and 11 rebounds, and old reliables Douthit and Jayvee Casio pitched in 13 and 11 points, respectively.
It was a good result for a day that started with heavy news for the national squad. The eligibility questions raised against Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz were yet to be resolved and neither was available to play in the game.
Casio was also questionable for the game, as he skipped the final stretch of tune-up games for SMART-Gilas held in the Philippines, but his play erased many doubts about his fitness for the tournament.
Williams had eight rebounds and three blocks in a strong effort to control the paint. SMART-Gilas newcomers Ranidel De Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag had steady performances for the team, with De Ocampo scoring seven and Alapag putting up six points and four assists.
The fourth quarter was a mere formality as the Philippines put up leads of as high as 41.
Hussein Ahmed topscored for UAE with 12 points and Alhattawi added 11 for the losing squad.
SMART-Gilas takes on China on Friday in another Group D match, before wrapping up the preliminary round against Bahrain on Saturday.
source: Mikkel Bolante -InterAKTV
Smart Gilas 5 destroys UAE in Fiba Asia
Thursday, September 15, 2011 |
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The Nationals hardly missed Fil-Am
wingmen Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz in demolishing the United Arab
Emirates, 92-52, Thursday night in their debut in the Fiba Asian
championship at the cavernous Wuhan Gymnasium.
Forced by organizers to bench Lassiter
and Lutz due to eligibility concerns, Smart Gilas went scoreless for
three minutes before Mac Baracael broke the ice with a jumper that woke
up the Filipinos.
Mark Barroca came up with seven points as
he joined hands with Marcus Douthit, Asi Taulava and Kelly Williams in
stretching a 17-12 lead to 41-22 at the half.
“It was a fun game especially coming in
we were a little bit distracted. It’s a tough situation, but being
players we have to set those problems aside,” said Taulava.
Without starters Lassiter and Lutz, Smart
Gilas was forced to lean on a smaller backcourt combo of Chris Tiu,
Jimmy Alapag, JV Casio and Barroca.
“We have to do something tomorrow if
these two guys don’t play. We could have put Dylan (Ababou) and Larry
Fonacier in the lineup had we known this would happen,” said Philippine
five coach Rajko Toroman.
Smart Gilas takes on host China today in a matchup Toroman described as problematic and challenging for the Filipinos.
“We can’t match up with them (Chinese) if our two guys don’t play but nobody knows what will happen,” said Toroman.
Fiba Asia officials had invoked a Fiba
internal rule during a meeting Wednesday that requires Lutz and Lassiter
to submit proof that both players acquired the Filipino citizenship
before reaching the age of 16.
“If Marcio and Lutz can help us, it will be great. If not, we need to do something and adjust to the situation,” he added.
In other games, defending champion Iran
opened its title-retention bid with a 49-37 win over Chinese Taipei;
Jordan whipped Syria, 71-58, and South Korea dumped Malaysia, 89-42.
The scores:
PHILIPPINES 92—Baracael 15, Taulava 13, Douthit 13, Casio 11, Barroca 9, Tiu 9, de Ocampo 7, Alapag 6, Williams 5, Aguilar 4.
UAE 52—Ahmed 12, Alhattawi 11, Ahmad 10, Alzaabi 7, Salem 6, Al Braiki 3, Abdalla 3, Alsari 0, Banihammad 0.
Quarters: 17-12; 41-22; 69-35; 92-52.
source: June Navarro -Philippine Daily Inquirer
‘Lassiter, Lutz may still play’ — ex-FIBA Asia secretary-general
Thursday, September 15, 2011 |
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“They’re not disqualified to play,” said Martelino, who once served as secretary-general of FIBA Asia. “They’re only not allowed to play until after they’ve submitted documents to prove that they’re Filipino.”
The contention over the eligibility of Lassiter and Lutz came as a surprise to the team and to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the country’s national basketball federation.
“I think the confusion lies on the Article 321 of FIBA, which refers to players who were naturalized as in the case of Marcus Douthit,” said Martelino. “But Lassiter and Lutz are natural-born Filipinos and we will present this stand to FIBA Asia.”
“We will meet with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios [on Friday] and send to FIBA Asia our position,” he added. SMART-Gilas hopes to have the two players available when they face Asian powerhouse China in the second day of competition.
source: Reynaldo Belen -InterAKTV
FIBA Asia bars Lassiter, Lutz from suiting up for SMART-Gilas
Thursday, September 15, 2011 |
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Filipino-American swingmen Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz have been disallowed from competing after concerns were raised by FIBA Asia deputy secretary-general Hagop Khajirian about their eligibility.
Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes, a member of the SMART-Gilas coaching staff, confirmed the news on his Twitter account.
“FIBA Commissioner just told me now that Lutz and Lassiter are ineligible,” wrote Reyes. “Only an advise from FIBA in Switzerland can make them [eligible to] play now.”
Khajirian, a Lebanese native, brought the matter up during the managers’ meeting prior to the tournament on Wednesday night.
Curiously, Lassiter and Lutz were in the lineup for the Philippine team in a number of FIBA Asia-sanctioned tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship earlier this year. The pair also saw action for SMART-Gilas in the 2010 Asian Games.
source: InterAKTV
Sunday, August 28, 2011
CASIO, LEE HEADLINE TOP ROOKIE PICKS
Sunday, August 28, 2011 |
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the Robinson's Place-Manila, hoping the herady point guard can help lift the team out of its recent doldrums.
Rain or Shine chose Paul Lee at No. 2, marking the first time since the draft was instituted in 1985 that the first two picks overall were guards, while at least five teams engaged in some frenetic dealings.
Still taking the lion's share of the focus is Powerade and its picks, which included Casio's Gilas teammate, Marcio Lassiter, still available at No. 4.
With his backcourt now reinforced by the ace playmaker of the La Salle and Smart Gilas teams and Lassiter providing another threat at ther wings, Perasol believes his team will be able to compete, at least in the two import-flavored conferences in the coming season.
"We have strengthened our backcourt and wingmen, so it is only in the frontline that we could be considered weak," said Perasol.
"Pero titingin pa rin kami sa free agency para mapunuan iyung frontline namin. Failing that, look forward na lang kami sa conferences na me import," added Perasol, while also pointing out his guards and wingmen can compensate for some kinks in their armor.
"Getting Lassiter at No. 4 was a bonus for us," said Perasol. "He can play backup or alongside Gary (David) and JV can play with either or both of them."
Casio, at 5-foot-9 the smallest man ever to be picked at No. 1 overall and the first La Salle alumnus to go at No. 1 since Mike Cortez in 2003, just wants to live up to all the expectations.
"I just have to focus on the games, see what I can deliver," said Casio, set to turn 25 years old on Thursday. "It's still all about teamwork and I just have to try and do my part in the point guard position, which is to stabilize the offense."
There is time to savor the reality of heading the list of 24 picked players out of the 36 applicants.
"Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na naging No. 1. It's always been my dream to play in the PBA," he said.
The same surreal feeling is shared by Lee, the former UE Red Warrior, part of the original Gilas team formed before the stint came into conflict with his school work.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said he could have gone with either Casio or Lee, but is content with having the 6-foot combo guard just the same.
"I feel he is one of the pieces lacking in our bid to compete in the highest level," said Guiao. "He has been an experienced player in the amateurs and I think he has little work left before fully adjusting to the PBA style of play."
Lee admitted to having liked Guiao's style of down-to-earth coaching. "Gusto ko si coach Yeng and excited na akong maka-trabaho siya," he said.
The six other Gilas members also went fast and all in the first round, with Petron making Chris Lutz the No. 3 overall pick, Shopinas.com (formerly known as Barako Bull) getting Mark Barroca at No. 5, Alaska choosing Marnel Baracael at No. 6, Meralco getting Jason Ballesteros, and Barako Bull, formerly Air21, taking Dylan Ababou.
Also crashing the Top 10 were Allein Maliksi, chosen at No. 8 by Barako, and Reil Cervantes, tabbed at No. 9 by Ginebra.
The dealings actually began long before the affair witnessed by a sizable number of fans who cheered whenever their favorites' names are called.
Meralco, Powerade and Talk N Text sealed a three-way trade and so did Barako and Petron and Meralco and Alaska, with each team hoping said deals will be beneficial for all the concerned parties.
Meralco acquired the rights to the Tropang Texters' No. 7 pick and swingman Mark Yee and the Tigers' Mark Macapagal.
Talk N Text received guard Shawn Weinstein and forward Bam Gamalinda from the Bolts while Powerade acquired Ogie Menor and Chris Timberlake from Meralco and TNT's No. 21 pick overall.
Dondon Hontiveros, meanwhile, is headed back to Petron along with Carlo Sharma after the Boosters gave up Sunday Salvacion and Mick Pennisi to the Energy. The two teams also included their first round picks.
Alaska did not have a first round pick but used three of its four second round choices on Eric Salamat, Julius Pasculado and Ariel Mepana from 13th to 15th, respectively, before trading its No. 17 pick to Meralco for a 2014 second round pick. Ther Bolts promptly used it on Gilbert Bulawan.
Also taken in the second round are Magi Sison (Shopinas), John Paul Raymundo (TNT), Brian Ilad (B-MEG), james Martinez (Ginebra), Kenneth Acibar and PJ Sorongan (Barako Bull). Using the rights it acquired from TNT, Powerade tabbed John Marc Agustin.
For the first time in the last six years and as agreed on during last Tuesday's PBA board meeting, the drafting went beyond the second round and Shopinas and Petron took advantage by respectively taking Marc Cagoco and Felimon Fernandez in the third round.
The Boosters effectively concluded the proceedings by taking Gerald Lapus in the fourth round.
The undrafted applicants automatically became rookie free agents while those teams who picked have five working days to present tender offers to their respective choices. (NC)
source: PBA
Gilas training delayed anew
Sunday, August 28, 2011 |
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Head coach Rajko Toroman said while Ranidel de Ocampo of Talk N’ Text will join tomorrow’s scheduled practice, his PBA teammates, Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams, are still vacationing.
Alapag and Williams were given a little time to rest following a grueling PBA Governors Cup campaign that ended in a bitter Game 7 loss to Petron Blaze in the finals.
“Ranidel will join us on Aug. 29 and the others later,” said Toroman referring to Alapag, the reigning PBA season MVP, and Williams.
Alapag, Williams and de Ocampo were supposed to join Smart Gilas earlier than scheduled if not for their commitments with the Tropang Texters.
Without them, the Nationals were forced to drop their participation in a four-team pocket tournament in Doha, Qatar where they would have been pitted against the host country, Lebanon and Syria.
But Smart Gilas convinced Jordan and Qatar to fly to the country for a pair of tune-up games each from Sept. 8-11 before the team travels to the Wuhan joust slated Sept. 15-25.
The tournament serves as a qualifier to the 2012 London Olympics.
The Jordan and Qatar exhibition games will allow Smart Gilas mainstays time to blend well with the Talk N’ Text players and vice versa.
Smart Gilas is also still missing JV Casio, scheduled to rejoin the team on Wednesday after resting his swollen left knee. This leaves Smart Gilas with just eight players practicing, including team captain Chris Tiu, also hobbled by a sprained left ankle.
Casio, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, Mark Barroca, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros will also have other things in mind when they join today’s PBA rookie draft at the Robinson’s Place Manila.
Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros has also decided to quit the team, citing fatigue as his reason.
Tiu, the only Smart Gilas mainstay who stayed away from the PBA draft, however, said he remains optimistic they could overcome these problems.
“Despite some distractions and various concerns simultaneously affecting the team, we are positive that we can achieve our goal for the FIBA-Asia Championship this September through coach Rajko’s leadership,” said Tiu, who will stick it out with Smart Gilas for another two years.
source: Joey Villar -Philstar
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Seven Nationals, Paul Lee head PBA Rookie Camp
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 |
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MANILA—Smart Gilas-Pilipinas mainstays
led a total of 36 aspirants who took part in the PBA Rookie Camp that
started Tuesday at Club 650 gym in Libis, Quezon City.
Crack point guard JV Casio and fellow
Nationals Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Jason Ballesteros, Mark Barroca,
Dylan Ababou and Mac Baracael are expected to figure prominently in the
tests of physical strength and playing ability designed to gauge their
readiness to join the pro ranks.
Also expected to figure prominently in the pecking order is former University of the East star Paul Lee.
The three-day rookie camp officially
kicked off the 37th year of Asia’s pioneering league, culminating with
the 2011 Annual Draft this Sunday at Robinsons Place in Manila.
Tuesday, aspirants were measured
according to their height, weight and wing span, and then required to
undergo endurance test—bench press, a 50-meter sprint, pull-ups,
push-ups, sit-ups and vertical leap.
The activities, which started from 11
a.m. and ended at 4 p.m., culminated with the shooting drills, where
players were made to shoot the flare, around the world, curl break jump
and elbow mid post.
The next sessions today and tomorrow will
be devoted entirely on scrimmages. The rookie applicants will be
divided into two scrimmage teams at the Ynares Center in Pasig from 3
p.m. to 5 p.m.
Powerade holds the right to select the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft.
source: Roy Luarca
-Philippine Daily Inquirer
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Gilas determined to keep stars
Saturday, August 20, 2011 |
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Smart is reportedly trying to woo Chris Tiu, JV Casio, as well as
Fil-Americans Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz to stay with the team even
as the four are reportedly being tempted with the promise of a
lucrative and rewarding PBA career.
In fact three of them have already submitted their applications
for the PBA Rookie Draft slated Aug. 28 at the Robinson’s Place in
Ermita, Manila.
The only remaining holdout is Tiu whose application is still being awaited at deadline Thursday.
But Gilas reportedly will not be giving up rights to the four players without a fight.
Casio submitted his application Thursday, the last day for submission of applications.
On the other hand, the papers of Lassiter and Lutz were forwarded at the PBA Commissioner’s Office last month.
But even if the applications are already with the PBA, the
players can still pull out of the draft by informing the office of the
PBA commissioner that they are withdrawing two days before draft day, or
by skipping the rookie camp.
Powerade, which owns the No. 1 pick in the Draft, announced it will pick Tiu if he decides to join the Draft.
The source said that Smart-Gilas management, though, will
continue to negotiate with the four players to stay in the national team
even though they have submitted their applications.
“They can apply, but Smart-Gilas will continue to talk to them,”
said the source who asked not to be named. “If they decide to stay with
the national team and continue with the program, they can easily pull
out from the Draft.”
“If not, at least their names are already on the list of
applicants. We all understand that playing in the PBA is also a dream
for these players,” added the source.
The same source said that the Smart-Gilas management decided to
just pursue four, thus giving the ‘green light’ to other national team
members to go with their Draft plans.
The other players who have submitted the Draft requirements were Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros.
As for naturalized 6-foot-10 center Marcus Douthit, his
performance will be evaluated after team’s campaign in the FIBA-Asia
Championship in Wuhan, China on Sept. 15, the qualifying tournament for
the 2012 London Olympics.
source: Waylon Galvez -MB
Friday, August 19, 2011
Injuries hound Gilas top players
Friday, August 19, 2011 |
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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine participation in the FIBA-Asia
Championship next month has taken an element of desperation as four
stars of the Smart-Gilas basketball team continue to nurse injuries
stemming from their recent Jones Cup campaign while Dondon Hontiveros
has dropped out of the team.
The team is also in the midst of a possible drastic makeover as
several major players have submitted their names to join the PBA draft
later this month although the team got a break when Chris Tiu decided to
stay with Gilas.
Toroman said the PBA draft, which is perhaps deep in the minds of
the players, is not much of his concern. Rather he is thinking about
the players’ health or their ability to return to practice as soon as
possible.
Toroman is also concern about the man who will fill in the void left by Hontiveros.
“He (Hontiveros) said he’s already tired and that he might not be
able contribute in the FIBA-Asia that’s why he dropped out,” Toroman
said.
Sources said Talk ‘N Text’s Ryan Reyes and Larry Fonacier are the
possible replacement for Hontiveros as their visa documents are being
processed to enable them to join in tournament in Doha.
The national team resumed its training last Thursday with only eight players in attendance.
Absent were guards JV Casio and Chris Tiu, forward Chris Lutz and
naturalized center Marcus Douthit who are all recovering from injuries.
Casio’s left knee is still swollen, which sidelined him during
the last three games of Smart-Gilas in the recent Jones Cup in Taipei.
Tiu sprained his right ankle, Lutz has a swollen left elbow and Douthit
has a strained right knee, all acquired from the Jones Cup series.
Toroman’s biggest concern, however, is Casio, who he said will
play a big part in the national team’s campaign in the FIBA-Asia
Championship in Wuhan, China on Sept. 15, the qualifier for the 2012
London Olympics.
“He’ll be out for two weeks, and after that we still don’t know
if he’ll be available in Wuhan,” Toroman said yesterday. “It’s terrible
to have these injuries at this time with less than a month before
tournament.”
“We already know their plans of joining the draft, so that’s not a
problem. Our main concern at the moment is the injuries of our key
players. Hopefully they’ll be fine in time for FIBA-Asia,” Toroman
added.
The team will leave for Doha either Tuesday or Wednesday for the
four-nation invitational tournament against Qatar, Lebanon and Syria,
and Casio has been ruled out from the competition.
Casio is among the Gilas players who submitted applications for
the PBA Rookie Draft set Aug. 28 at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita
Manila.
source: Waylon Galvez -MB
Casio, Lassiter, Lutz and other Smart Gilas stars joining PBA draft
Friday, August 19, 2011 |
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MANILA—Smart Gilas Pilipinas will have to rebuild around naturalized
center Marcus Douthit and Chris Tiu if national players who beat
Thursday’s PBA draft deadline get picked by teams in the pro league.
Philippine five mainstays JV Casio and Dylan Ababou beat the 5 p.m.
deadline for pro applicants and will join 34 other aspirants for the PBA
rookie lottery set Aug. 28 at the Robinson’s Ermita Mall.
Filipinos raised abroad Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz, the national
squad’s best wing defenders, also filed their applications to turn pro
along with forward Mac Baracael, pivotman Jason Ballesteros and starting
point guard Mark Barroca.
Tiu, the Smart Gilas captain, was not in the draft roster released by
the PBA Commissioner’s Office, which gave applicants until Aug. 26 to
decide if they will back out from the freshman exercise.
The 34-man list of applicants is the fewest in the last 12 years.
Tiu expressed interest to continue donning the national colors
after the Smart Gilas program was extended for two more years or until
the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship where three continental seats for the
Fiba worlds are at stake the following year.
“After much prayer and consultation with family and friends, I have
decided not to take part in the PBA draft this year,” said Tiu, who
helped Ateneo capture the first of its three consecutive UAAP crowns
back in 2008.
“My dream has always been to represent our flag and country by
competing in various international tournaments. Should management wish
to invite me, it would be my privilege to continue on with the Gilas
national team program,” Tiu added.
A reliable source said Tiu would be offered a contract extension by Smart Gilas along with Lassiter, Lutz and Casio.
“I’m just waiting for them (Smart Gilas officials) to talk to us.
Right now, there are no offers yet,” said Casio, the steadiest shooter
in the team.
The former La Salle guard could be the No. 1 pick, which Powerade owns.
Smart Gilas operations head Butch Antonio said the Samahang Basketbol
ng Pilipinas gave its blessings for the players to enter the draft with
high hopes the national team could still borrow them from the PBA in
future tournaments.
“With our good relations with the PBA, we could probably ask them to
lend these players in the future,” said Antonio. “It’s a childhood dream
for these guys to be in the PBA.”
Assuming the applicants from Smart Gilas pursue their PBA dreams,
Antonio said they would elevate some of the players from the collegiate
ranks to fill the void.
Sources said a couple of players from the PBA D-League would be
tapped along with seven-footer Greg Slaughter and Kiefer Ravena of
Ateneo, FEU’s Aldrech Ramos and Ray Parks of NU to rebuild the team with
holdovers Tiu and the 6-foot-10 Douthit.
As for Japeth Aguilar, who has a live contract with Talk N Text, the
6-foot-9 leaper said he would stay with the Philippine team should Smart
Gilas retain the services of head coach Rajko Toroman.
Antonio said the contracts of most Smart Gilas players will end next
month after the Fiba Asia Championship in Wuhan, China on Sept. 15 to
25, which offers a lone continental ticket to the 2012 London Olympics.
Other PBA hopefuls who joined the draft were former UE stalwart Paul
Lee, Ateneo’s Eric Salamat, FEU’s Reil Cervantes, Mark Cagoco of JRU,
UST’s Allein Maliksi, Adamson’s John Mark Agustin, Cebu’s Mark Ababon
and Ariel Mepana, UE’s James Martinez and Kenneth Acibar, and Magi Sison
of UP.
source: June Navarro
-Philippine Daily Inquirer
Friday, August 12, 2011
Gilas beat Japan, clinch semis berth in Jones Cup
Friday, August 12, 2011 |
Posted by
zilljanmark
Posted by
zilljanmark
Smart Gilas-Pilipinas rallied past Japan, 94-78, to book a semifinal
seat in the 33rd William Jones Cup basketball tournament at the end of
preliminary play Friday at the Hsinjhuang Stadium in New Taipei City,
Taiwan.
The Nationals finished the eliminations with a 5-2 card to take the second seeding going into Saturday's Final Four round, where they will face No. 3 team and two-time defending champion Iran. They stunned the Iranians in the opener, 73-59.
The last time the country ruled the annual cage meet was in 1998 behind coach Tim Cone and his high-profile RP Centennial team.
South Korea took the top ranking to arrange a duel with No. 4 seed and host Chinese-Taipei.
A loss by Gilas to Japan would have allowed Jordan to advance by virtue of the winner-over-the other rule in case of a tie. The Jordanians won over the Nationals, 76-72, early in the eliminations.
But Dondon Hontiveros would never allow the Japanese to pull an upset. His two three-pointers in the fourth quarter sparked a huge 16-2 run that turned a 65-68 deficit into an 81-70 lead with four minutes and eight seconds left in the game.
Marcus Douthit was again at the forefront of Gilas' offense with 32 points while also grabbing 18 rebounds. He teamed up with Hontiveros and fellow big man Japeth Aguilar in that Gilas scoring run.
"They played great. We didn't play bad (in the first half), they (Japane) just played good. I told the players we have to put a lot of energy because it's not easy to stop them from shooting," Gilas coach Rajko Toroman said.
Japan's outside gunners had a field day in the first half, nailing seven three-pointers with Keijuro Matsui shooting 5-of-5.
Matsui made his final three-pointer in the first half with a minute left in the second period to give Japan a 47-42 lead. The Japanese took a 49-44 advantage at the break.
"I’m very satisfied with our performance. This Japan team is young, they know how to play, very disciplined, quick and they have great shooters," Toroman added.
Matsui typified Japan's sizzling outside shooting as he fired a perfect 8-of-8 from the same spot, while missing just one of his two free throws for a team-high 27 points.
The Nationals finished the eliminations with a 5-2 card to take the second seeding going into Saturday's Final Four round, where they will face No. 3 team and two-time defending champion Iran. They stunned the Iranians in the opener, 73-59.
The last time the country ruled the annual cage meet was in 1998 behind coach Tim Cone and his high-profile RP Centennial team.South Korea took the top ranking to arrange a duel with No. 4 seed and host Chinese-Taipei.
A loss by Gilas to Japan would have allowed Jordan to advance by virtue of the winner-over-the other rule in case of a tie. The Jordanians won over the Nationals, 76-72, early in the eliminations.
But Dondon Hontiveros would never allow the Japanese to pull an upset. His two three-pointers in the fourth quarter sparked a huge 16-2 run that turned a 65-68 deficit into an 81-70 lead with four minutes and eight seconds left in the game.
Marcus Douthit was again at the forefront of Gilas' offense with 32 points while also grabbing 18 rebounds. He teamed up with Hontiveros and fellow big man Japeth Aguilar in that Gilas scoring run.
"They played great. We didn't play bad (in the first half), they (Japane) just played good. I told the players we have to put a lot of energy because it's not easy to stop them from shooting," Gilas coach Rajko Toroman said.
Japan's outside gunners had a field day in the first half, nailing seven three-pointers with Keijuro Matsui shooting 5-of-5.
Matsui made his final three-pointer in the first half with a minute left in the second period to give Japan a 47-42 lead. The Japanese took a 49-44 advantage at the break.
"I’m very satisfied with our performance. This Japan team is young, they know how to play, very disciplined, quick and they have great shooters," Toroman added.
Matsui typified Japan's sizzling outside shooting as he fired a perfect 8-of-8 from the same spot, while missing just one of his two free throws for a team-high 27 points.
Scores:
Smart-Gilas Pilipinas 94 — Douthit 32, Hontiveros 14, Tiu 11, Lassiter 11, Lutz 9, Barroca 8, Aguilar 7, Taulava 2, Casio 0, Baracael 0, Ballesteros 0, Ababou 0.
Japan 78 — Matsui 27, Nishimura 11, Okada 9, Hinkley 8, Ota 7, Shonaka 5, Togashi 5, Ito 4, Arao 2, Kamata 0, Noguchi 0, Sakai 0.
Quarter scores: 24-20; 49-44; 65-68; 94-78.
Smart-Gilas Pilipinas 94 — Douthit 32, Hontiveros 14, Tiu 11, Lassiter 11, Lutz 9, Barroca 8, Aguilar 7, Taulava 2, Casio 0, Baracael 0, Ballesteros 0, Ababou 0.
Japan 78 — Matsui 27, Nishimura 11, Okada 9, Hinkley 8, Ota 7, Shonaka 5, Togashi 5, Ito 4, Arao 2, Kamata 0, Noguchi 0, Sakai 0.
Quarter scores: 24-20; 49-44; 65-68; 94-78.
source: JVP, GMA News
Monday, August 8, 2011
Gilas cagers torn between playing for Philippines and PBA
Monday, August 08, 2011 |
Posted by
zilljanmark
Posted by
zilljanmark
NEW TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan—Fight for stardom in the Philippine Basketball Association or continue serving the national flag.
The majority of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas
players are torn between two golden opportunities that could shape
their careers after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas committed to
extend the national team program all the way to the Asian qualifying of
the 2014 FIBA World Championship.
The majority of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas
players are torn between two golden opportunities that could shape
their careers after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas committed to
extend the national team program all the way to the Asian qualifying of
the 2014 FIBA World Championship.
And they have to make a decision quick since the PBA Rookie Draft is fast approaching.
“I don’t know. Honestly, I’m still thinking about it,” said Marcio Lassiter, considered the Nationals’ best wing defender.
“Same here. Right now I just want to play
hard for the (national) team and decide when I come back,” said Chris
Lutz, a United States-trained player with Filipino roots like Lassiter.
Lassiter and Lutz, who both came from a
US NCAA Division I school before finding a niche in coach Rajko
Toroman’s rotation, were the early birds when the pro league opened the
application for the freshman lottery.
Both, however, could still opt out of the draft, scheduled Aug. 28, if they want to.
They face the same dilemma as the other
Smart Gilas players following the announcement of SBP president Manny V.
Pangilinan that team sponsors have agreed to extend the program for two
more years.
Players were also told to make a choice
between the PBA and the national team during the sendoff dinner hosted
by Pangilinan last week prior to the team’s departure for the William
Jones Cup tournament here.
Aside from Lutz and Lassiter, team
captain Chris Tiu, JV Casio and Mac Baracael have also remained
undecided while Mark Barroca, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros seem
inclined to join pros.
“I haven’t really decided,” said Tiu.
“Some of the other guys are also thinking of either staying or applying
(for the draft). But given the chance to serve for flag and country, I
would gladly do it.”
Forward Japeth Aguilar, the top pick in
the draft two years ago, could also rejoin the Talk ‘N Text Tropang
Texters in the PBA or stay with the Nationals, who are sure to keep
naturalized center Marcus Douthit even after the Fiba Asia Championship
next month.
Smart Gilas’ three-year program will
reach its climax in the Asian championship on Sept. 15 to 25 in Wuhan,
China, where the lone continental slot to the London Olympics is at
stake.
The extension will give the country longer preparation for the 2013 Fiba Asia event.
source: June Navarro -Philippine Daily Inquirer
source: June Navarro -Philippine Daily Inquirer
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Gilas hope 'military basketball' could help them achieve Olympic dream
Thursday, August 04, 2011 |
Posted by
zilljanmark
Posted by
zilljanmark
Pilipinas-Smart Gilas will go beyond reliance on individual talent when they go up against powerhouse Asian teams in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championship for men in Wuhan, China on September 15 to 25.
The FIBA-Asia Championship is a qualifying tournament for the 2012 London Olympics.
Clearly lacking in size compared to their powerhouse Asian opponents, Pilipinas-Smart Gilas will
compensate with teamwork and tactics-focused regimented training that Serbian coach Rajko Toroman has applied to develop the team.
"We play military basketball and I like that. We are inside of the border and you have to move just inside of the border," said Toroman, who introduced a new system in the hopes of steering the Philippines back to the Olympics, in a report aired at Unang Balita.
"Don't go out of the border, you have enough space to show your individual skills inside the border. But don't create your own system. This team, Gilas, original Gilas, I think is the best tactical team in all Asia."
Gilas pointguard JV Casio believes tactical focus is what the team needs. "We can't really do this individually. We must not rely on individual skills."
Casio said Toroman and the Gilas coaching staff instilled a disciplined system that doesn't rely solely on individual skills. "They (coaching staff) showed that we should be at the right position. For us it is military basketball but I think this is what Philippine basketball needs."
Asi Taulava, on secondment from the Meralco Bolts to beef up Gilas' frontline, said teamwork will help the Philippines achieve of clinching an Olympic berth, which has eluded the country for almost four decades now.
The last time the Philippines qualified in the quadrennial Games was during the 1972 Munich Olympics where the country finished 13th out of 16 teams.
"It's going to be a whole different ball game, because now we all help one another for one purpose. It's not one guy is bigger than the other guy, it is like three guys working to achieve one goal. What we want to do is put ourselves in a position where we can medal and make everybody proud of us," Taulava said.
The FIBA-Asia Championship is a qualifying tournament for the 2012 London Olympics.
Clearly lacking in size compared to their powerhouse Asian opponents, Pilipinas-Smart Gilas will
compensate with teamwork and tactics-focused regimented training that Serbian coach Rajko Toroman has applied to develop the team.
"We play military basketball and I like that. We are inside of the border and you have to move just inside of the border," said Toroman, who introduced a new system in the hopes of steering the Philippines back to the Olympics, in a report aired at Unang Balita.
"Don't go out of the border, you have enough space to show your individual skills inside the border. But don't create your own system. This team, Gilas, original Gilas, I think is the best tactical team in all Asia."
Gilas pointguard JV Casio believes tactical focus is what the team needs. "We can't really do this individually. We must not rely on individual skills."
Casio said Toroman and the Gilas coaching staff instilled a disciplined system that doesn't rely solely on individual skills. "They (coaching staff) showed that we should be at the right position. For us it is military basketball but I think this is what Philippine basketball needs."
Asi Taulava, on secondment from the Meralco Bolts to beef up Gilas' frontline, said teamwork will help the Philippines achieve of clinching an Olympic berth, which has eluded the country for almost four decades now.
The last time the Philippines qualified in the quadrennial Games was during the 1972 Munich Olympics where the country finished 13th out of 16 teams.
"It's going to be a whole different ball game, because now we all help one another for one purpose. It's not one guy is bigger than the other guy, it is like three guys working to achieve one goal. What we want to do is put ourselves in a position where we can medal and make everybody proud of us," Taulava said.
source: JVP -GMA News
Friday, July 29, 2011
LASSITER, LUTZ JOIN 2011 PBA ROOKIE DRAFT; DEADLINE FOR FIL-FORS MOVED
Friday, July 29, 2011 |
Posted by
zilljanmark
Posted by
zilljanmark
Pilipinas Smart-Gilas stalwarts Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz lead the first 10 applicants to the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft even as the PBA Commissioner’s Office has set August 18, 2011 as the deadline for both homegrown and Fil-foreign players to submit their application and other requirements. Lassiter and Lutz are key players on the Rajko Toroman-mentored national squad which will compete in the FIBA-Asia men’s championship in Wuhan, China this September where the winner secures a spot in the 2012 London Olympics. These two players are expected to go high in the Draft. Contesting the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft lottery to be held during the Governors’ Cup Finals are the Powerade Tigers and Air21 Express. So far, 10 players have applied for the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft which will be held on August 28 at Robinson’s Place Manila. The other rookie hopefuls are Nino Nabong, Christopher Pestano, Raymond Montaniel, Marc Cagoco, Alvyn Cabonce, Christopher Concepcion, Felimon Fernandez and Marvin Graebel. The move to have a common deadline gives Fil-foreign applicants, who had to apply by July 29 in the original timetable, three weeks more to complete their requirements. For this year’s Rookie Draft, however, only Fil-foreign players who have played for the Philippine men’s basketball team and are over the PBA D-League age limit of 26 years old will be allowed to join. The papers of all the applicants will still have to go through an evaluation process before the Commissioner’s Office comes out with the final list of candidates who will then have to attend the Rookie Camp on August 23 to 26.
source: pba.ph
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