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Tambayan ng mga Chicx at Tsonx => Entertainment Industry => Sports => Topic started by: Zurca on September 06, 2014, 08:52:01 AM
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You can post here news and updates for the upcoming 2014 Asian Basketball Games.
Basketball will be one of the 35 sports at the 17th Asian Games 2014 at Incheon, South Korea. The event will be held at the 7,406 seat Samsan World Gymnasium, and at the 5,158 seat Hwaseong Sports Complex.
Host nation: South Korea
Dates: 20 September–3 October
Teams: 16 (from 1 federations)
Venues: 2 (Samsan World Gymnasium and Hwaseong Sports Complex)
Participants:
China (holders)
South Korea (hosts)
Iran
Japan
Qatar
Philippines
Jordan
Chinese Taipei
Mongolia
Saudi Arabia
Kazakhstan
Hong Kong
Kuwait
Palestine
India
Maldives
Blatche thumbed down for Asian Games
MANILA, Philippines - There will be no Andray Blatche when Gilas Pilipinas guns for the gold in 2014 Incheon Asian Games later this month.
The Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) has barred Blatche from suiting up for Gilas citing the rule that requires naturalized players to establish a three-year residence in the country he's representing. Aside from the former Brooklyn Nets' center, Quincy Davis of Chinese Taipei has also been disqualified.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia, who is also the country's chief of mission to the Asian Games, said they have already appealed to have Blatche replaced by Marcus Douthit in the lineup.
"We appealed for a substitution," Garcia told Philstar.com during the send-off program for the Asian Games delegation on Friday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
"Yung kay Blatche, [halos] wala na 'yun. So ang hinihingi namin ngayon ay kung puwede siyang palitan. Kasi sa sulat nila (IAGOC) eh parang ayaw nila palitan eh," Garcia added.
Douthit, the original naturalized player of the Gilas program, has already indicated his readiness to fill in Blatche's shoes in the Asian Games.
Garcia is still optimistic that their appeal will not fall on deaf ears as the Koreans are hell-bent on using their homecourt advantage to run away with the basketball gold.
"But we are appealing and we seem to be getting some favorable reply. It's a question of forms na lang so we will know in a day or two kung puwedeng palitan si Blatche," Garcia said.
Blatche gave Gilas a huge lift in the 2014 FIBA World Cup leading the team with averages of 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds on their way to a 1-4 record that could have easily been 4-1 if not for their inexperience in closing out games in narrow losses to Croatia in overtime, Argentina and Puerto Rico.
Gilas Pilipinas lost four games by only a combined 23 points while their Asian neighbors Korea and Iran got beaten by a wide margin in their groups.
Iran also logged in a 1-4 record highlighted by a 15-point rout of Egypt but got manhandled in their four losses by a combined 67 points.
Korea lost all their games by a combined 108 points.
From PhilStar.com (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/09/06/1365950/blatche-thumbed-down-asian-games)
Post Merge: September 06, 2014, 08:54:14 AM
Castro to rehab knee before Asiad
SEVILLE – Asia’s No. 1 point guard Jayson Castro said the other day he will undergo immediate rehab on his swollen left knee and expects to be ready to play at the Asian Games in Incheon on Sept. 19-Oct. 4.
Castro sat out the Philippines’ 81-79 overtime win over Senegal at the FIBA World Cup here Thursday because the swelling in his left knee wouldn’t subside. He left for Manila with the Gilas team, except for Andray Blatche and six others, yesterday.
Blatche flew back to the US and will await word on his eligibility for the Asian Games before booking a flight to Manila. Staying in Spain for a few days are L. A. Tenorio, Marc Pingris, Jimmy Alapag, Jared Dillinger, Gabe Norwood and Japeth Aguilar. Gilas coach Chot Reyes will resume practice on Sept. 12.
Castro had surgery on his left knee to remove a bone spur and clean up tissue in Manila before leaving with Gilas for training camp in Miami last July. He only had a week of rest then plunged into hard practice. Ordinarily, doctors would prescribe at least three weeks of recovery. Castro sat out Gilas’ last two practice games in Guadalajara with Achilles heel issues and rested a week.
“I was never 100 percent,” revealed Castro, speaking in Filipino. “But I wanted to help the team. No excuses. I think our performance wasn’t bad. It was a learning experience. Playing at the FIBA World Cup is a different level of competition we’re not used to. For the FIBA Asia Championships, we prepared three months. For the World Cup, we prepared only a month. We didn’t have too much time to practice with Dray, he’s still adjusting.”
Castro said eventually, the Philippines will begin to win games consistently on the global stage. “We’re learning,” he said. “In the PBA, we can break down the defense one-on-one. At the world level, we can’t do that. In a pick-and-roll, the defense always does a hard show and our shooters have to pull back.”
Gilas guard Paul Lee, who impressed coach Chot Reyes here, said teamwork is essential at the World Cup level. “We can’t win playing one-on-one because the opponents are too big,” he said in Filipino. “In the PBA, we can get by with one pick. At the World Cup, it has to be a series of picks.”
Lee complained of pain on the soles of both feet but conditioning coach Dexter Aseron said it’s not plantar fasciitis. “Paul should be fine for the Asian Games,” noted Aseron.
As for his PBA contract, Lee said he’ll review his options once he returns home. Staying with Rain Or Shine is a possibility, he added. “I don’t really know what’s happening,” he said. “I wanted to finish the World Cup before attending to my contract but I hope it’s all done before we leave for the Asian Games.”
Aside from Castro, another Gilas player who could use a lot of rest is power forward Marc Pingris. As soon as he gets home, Pingris will get an MRI on his right leg. There is pain in his heel and Aseron said it’s coming from a strain in his calf. Pingris said he was restricted by the pain in the Senegal game and played only 7:42 minutes.
Assistant coach Josh Reyes said lack of practice time hampered Gilas’ preparation for special situations. “We basically trained for just a month,” he said. “Our focus was doing things to keep every game close so we wouldn’t be blown out and we’d have a chance to win it in the end. We never got around to practicing special plays like off an inbound or a last play for the win. We faced game-winning situations against Croatia, Argentina and Puerto Rico. Against Puerto Rico, we had three transition chances late in the game but we hesitated.”
Reyes explained that it was never the goal to match up against the opposition by playing like them. “We didn’t want to be a second rate Euroball team playing against Greece or Croatia,” he said. “We wanted to be our own team, to be a first rate Filipino team.”
In the Puerto Rico game, team manager Aboy Castro gave up his slot on the bench for consultant Tab Baldwin. And against Senegal, it was Spanish consultant Nacho Lezcano’s turn to sit. Lezcano coached the Ivory Coast at the FIBA Africa Championships last year and is familiar with Senegal’s style of play. That’s why coach Chot Reyes wanted him on the bench.
Baldwin, who lives in New Zealand, will fly to Manila to join Gilas in practice for the Asian Games. He will be joined by his wife. Baldwin, a former coach of the New Zealand and Jordan national teams, will also be team consultant for Talk ‘N’ Text in the PBA this coming season.
From PhilStar.com (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/09/06/1365940/castro-rehab-knee-asiad)
Post Merge: September 06, 2014, 05:10:09 PM
We still need Alapag in Asiad – MVP
Seville, Spain — Jimmy Alapag, the fleet-footed lights-out shooter of Gilas Pilipinas, has closed the door on suiting up for the Incheon Asian Games. But he hasn’t completely burned it down.
In fact, Alapag could find himself “unretiring” from international play faster than he could hang his jersey and actually retire.
After his spectacular performance in the FIBA Basketball World Cup where he almost by himself beat Argentina Tuesday and bailed out the national team in overtime against Senegal Thursday, Alapag has come under gentle persuasive pressure from no less than Gilas benefactor Manny V. Pangilinan to reconsider his decision to make this “my last tournament.”
“Personally, I believe we still need Jimmy there in Incheon,” said Pangilinan after the Philippines posted its first FIBA World Cup victory in 40 years. “But it will have to be the coach’s decision to try and bring him back. Maybe if there’s public clamor, Jimmy might think about it.”
The 5-foot-9 Talk ’N Text point guard, who had five 3-pointers in the second half against the Indiana Pacers’ Luis Scola and Argentina and six free throws in overtime against the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Gorgui Dieng of Senegal, had announced earlier that this will be his swan song.
“I’ve done my share for Philippine basketball and I believe it’s time others get the chance to step in and take the reins,” Alapag had said.
But at team dinner after the Senegal game, Alapag clearly was beginning to have second thoughts.
From Manila Bulletin (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/still-alapag-asiad-mvp-192321600--nba.html)
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Incheon Asian Games Bracket (Sept 20 - Oct 3 2014)
Eight teams will go head-to-head in the qualifying round, with the top two teams from each of the two groups to be distributed among the brackets in the second round.
Group A
Mongolia
Hong Kong
Kuwait
Maldives
Group B
Saudi Arabia
Kazakhstan
Palestine
India
Eight teams which secured qualification to the second round of the competition
Group C
China (defending champion)
Chinese Taipei
Group D
South Korea (silver)
Jordan
Group E
Iran (bronze)
Philippines (6th)
Group F
Japan
Qatar
The Filipinos are looking to surpass their sixth-place finish in the 2010 edition of the squad coached by Rajko Toroman.
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Blatche ineligible for Asian Games but FIBA urges reconsideration
MANILA- Philippines - Andray Blatche, the Philippine men's national team's naturalized center, was declared ineligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea which begins on September 19. However, the International Basketball Federation, or FIBA, urged for reconsideration of the decision.
The Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) disallowed Blatche to play on the basis of a rule which requires naturalized players to complete a 3-year residency in the country he represents. The 6-foot-11 Blatche was officially granted Filipino citizenship only this past June.
FIBA then addressed a letter to IAGOC asking them to review the decision and "apply FIBA's regulations on eligibility for all teams participating in the basketball tournaments at the Asian Games and re-enlist the Filipino player."
In the same letter signed by Secretary General Patrick Baumann, FIBA stressed that Blatche should be eligible to play since he already suited up for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup in Spain, and being that the Asian Games is a FIBA-sanctioned tournament, the same rules on eligibility established by the International Federation should apply to Blatche in this instance.
"The player that you have prohibited Entry plays is registered in FIBA's eligibility system as a player for the Philippines and has, in fact, just played several games this past week at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain for that country," the letter stated. "It is quite confusing to hear that he is now not allowed to compete for the same team just a few weeks later."
Chinese Taipei's Quincy Davis has also been barred from playing as a result of the decision.
The eligibility of Fil-Am players Jared Dillinger and Gabe Norwood had also been challenged before both were cleared to play.
Blatche, the 28-year old former Brooklyn Nets big man who is now a free agent, gave Gilas a major boost in the Philippines' first campaign on the world stage in nearly 40 years, averaging 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds in 5 games in the World Cup.
The Philippines failed to advance to the next round and ended their campaign with a 1-4 win-loss record which could easily have been 4-1 due to their close losses to powerhouses Croatia, Argentina and Puerto Rico.
Gilas suffered their first heartbreak after falling to Croatia in overtime. They next gave third-ranked Argentina a scare before inexperience rendered them unable to convert down the stretch. They also could have won against Puerto Rico had they not blown an early double-digit deficit. The Philippines defied all expectations and lost only by a combined 23 points, with Greece being the only clear-cut defeat.
The Philippines previously defeated South Korea in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships held in Manila to qualify for the World Cup and bag the silver medal. The win also ended a string of heartbreaking losses to Korea over the years.
Korea finished their World Cup campaign in Group D without a win and were blown out by their opponents. They lost all 5 games by a combined 108 points. Meanwhile, Asian champions Iran, who is grouped with the Philippines in the Asian Games, also failed to get past Group A in Spain with a 1-4 record and were beaten by a combined 77 points in 4 losses.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/68349-blatche-ineligible-asian-games-fiba)
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SBP hints Gilas Asian Games boycott after OCA bars Blatche
MANILA, Philippines – Will Gilas Pilipinas boycott the Incheon Asian Games?
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas vice-chairman Ricky Vargas raised the possibility on Monday, Sept. 8, after being notified by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) that naturalized center Andray Blatche was ineligible to compete in the sportsfest.
At a press conference held in the afternoon, Vargas disclosed that the SBP received an e-mail from OCA stating that it would be strictly enforcing its three-year residency rule in the case of Blatche, who was naturalized earlier this year.
Based on OCA’s Eligibility Code, a naturalized athlete needs to establish residency in his new country for three straight years before being able to compete in all OCA-sanctioned competitions, including the Asian Games.
OCA regulations are a departure from the eligibility rules of the International Olympic Committee and the International Basketball Federation.
The IOC and FIBA requirement is that naturalized players hold passports of their new country and have not seen action for the national team in any international tournament of their previous one.
A native of Syracuse, New York, the 6-foot-10 Blatche was thus able to suit up for the Gilas Pilipinas squad in the FIBA World Cup currently ongoing in Spain.
With Blatche playing superbly on both ends of the floor, the Gilas cagers narrowly lost their first four games before prevailing in their last qualifying match, 81-79, over Senegal, for their first win in 40 years on the world basketball stage.
“Sad. They (OCA) probably saw how we played with Blatche,” Vargas noted. “The games are going to be done in Incheon, South Korea. If you compare how we played in the FIBA Worlds with Blatche, we’d probably have a bigger chance of winning the gold medal.”
He outlined three options in the wake of the OCA decision: compete in the Asian Games with Marcus Douthit, the country’s other naturalized player, snub the men’s basketball tournament, or seek legal redress such as the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Douthit, who last played for the PH squad in last year’s FIBA Asia championships in Manila, however, also is doubtful for the 17th edition of the Asian Games kicking off on Sept. 19 in Incheon, South Korea.
He was not included in the provisional roster submitted by the Philippine Olympic Committee earlier to the Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee where Blatche’s replacement must come from.
The POC, SBP consultant Mauricio “Moying” Martelino – a former Asian Basketball Confederation secretary general and the predecessor of FIBA Asia – and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia – the national team chef de mission – will make a last-ditch bid for Blatche’s inclusion during the Asian Games delegation registration meeting set for Thursday and Friday in Incheon.
Asian Games participants will be screened and approved during the crucial meeting.
“What’s frustrating, before they can even leave, an e-mail like this is out already, saying they will follow the OCA rules,” Vargas said.
“We also want to tell people that support Gilas that we’re doing our best to see to it that we get the best team out there. Second, puso Pilipino. We don’t want to get trampled upon in a situation that we are getting bullied by unseen hands,” he said.
Vargas did not name names but pointed out that “maybe (these are) countries that feel that we are already strong and we have a bigger chance of winning the gold medal in the Asian Games (with Blatche).”
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/68529-sbp-gilas-asian-games-boycott-blatche)
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Wala kaya pwede gawing sanction ang fiba sa asian games organizers sa diretsang pagsuway sa rules and regulations nila?
Happiness is not an emotion.Happiness is a way of life
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wAlang Blatche and no douthit
parang interesting ang asean games
prediction......
walang medals para sa gilas :)) C:-) :sipol: :peace:
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Gilas can still win in Asian Games without Blatche says Tenorio
The point guard wore Ginebra’s new jersey but didn’t compete in the game. Instead he joined the halftime three-point shoot-out where the Kings outscored the Sakers.
After the game, all conversations with Tenorio led back to his stint with Gilas and the upcoming 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
“Nagulat rin ako sa decision nila na hindi nga daw pwedeng sumama si Andray Blatche,” Tenorio said. “Pero iba kasi yung rules ng FIBA at ng Asian Games pero I think pinaglalaban pa rin nila.”
It will be Tenorio’s first time to represent the country in the Asiad and although he is excited to wear the Gilas jersey again, he knows that the competition will be more difficult.
“Kung mahirap na yung FIBA Asia, I think mas mahirap ito,” Tenorio said. “Wala ka namang ibang pinaglalaban dito kung hindi yung medal e. Wala namang bearing sa FIBA rankings or spot sa Olympics kahit manalo ka. Pride lang talaga for the country kapag nakuha mo yung gold medal.”
As of the moment, the lineup for Gilas is still up in the air. It is still not known if Marcus Douthit would be allowed to replace Blatche if the SBP’s appeal is thumbed down. Tenorio, however, said that Gilas is still good enough to win a medal even without a naturalized player in their lineup.
"Mas malakas talaga tayo pag may Blatche or Douthit pero kaya pa rin naman nating manalo kahit wala tayong naturalized player," Tenorio said.
Even though he’s still not sure whom he’ll team up with Tenorio knows that they will have a target on their backs.
“Pinaghahandaan nila iyan, specially Korea kasi host sila. Iran rin full force yan, kung ano yung nilaro nila sa World Cup, same lineup na iyan,” he said.
“Yung Korea iba e. Lima lang ata yung pinadala nila sa World Cup,” Tenorio added, baring that Korea sent a weaker team to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup so they could prepare better for the Asian Games.
From Y Sports Philippines (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/asian-games-will-be-tougher-than-fiba-asia-championship-says-tenorio-155627614-nba.html)
Post Merge: September 11, 2014, 06:28:24 PM
OCA unmoved by FIBA endorsement of Andray Blatche, remains firm on ‘ineligible’ stance in letter
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) remained firm on their stance against the inclusion of naturalized NBA player Andray Blatche in the Philippine national men’s basketball team for the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.
In a letter addressed to FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann, who endorsed that Blatche be allowed to suit up as allowed by international federation (IF) rules, OCA director general Husain Al-Musalam stated that they would continue to adhere to the eligibility criteria stated in their own constitution.
“Article 49 of the OCA Constitution which is identical to Article 41 of Olympic Charter clearly states that an athlete, who has changed their nationality or acquired a new nationality, shall not participate in the OCA Games to represent their new country until 3 years after such change or acquisition,” Al-Musalam said in the letter.
“Also Article 50-2 (b) of the OCA Constitution, states that ‘they are nationals or citizens of the country they represent and have lived there continuously for a period of not less than 3 years.”
Blatche was only naturalized as a Filipino this past June, a few months before the Gilas Pilipinas national team’s campaign in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.
The OCA said that they have adhered to the criteria ever since the 1986 Asian Games, which coincidentally was also held in South Korea.
“We are also aware of the different IF rules concerning the eligibility for e.g. swimming require only 1 year and football requires more than 3 years but in the end we apply the Olympic Charter and the OCA Constitution.”
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is making a last-ditch appeal although vice chairman Ricky Vargas admitted to being pessimistic about it following an earlier letter sent to the SBP essentially stating the same thing.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/oca-unmoved-by-fiba-endorsement-of-andray-blatche-remains-firm-on-ineligible-stance-in-letter)
Post Merge: September 12, 2014, 08:43:45 AM
Jimmy Alapag, Marcus Douthit to play in Asian Games
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas team captain Jimmy Alapag is postponing his retirement from international play for now as he is set to suit up for the Philippines when it competes in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea later this month.
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes made the announcement via Twitter on Thursday, September 11 saying he had just met with the 36-year old Alapag. He summarized the meeting in two words: “I’m in.”
The 5-foot-9 playmaker was set to hang his Philippine jersey following a successful FIBA World Cup performance just last week where he showed the kind of leader he truly is for the Gilas squad. Alapag’s leadership and veteran experience is much needed for Gilas, which starts training again on Friday.
Naturalized big man Andray Blatche was barred from playing by the Olympic Council of Asia owing to a rule that says a naturalized player must complete a 3-year residency in the country he represents.
In another tweet, Reyes confirmed the team will still be fielding in a naturalized player in Marcus Douthit.
Just got final word from Incheon that Blatche is out. What a shame. Gotta get @DouthitMarcus in game shape, pronto! #LabanPilipinasPuso
Douthit helped the Gilas finish second in the FIBA Asia Championships in 2013 and has been competing with the Philippine team since 2010.
Blatche received his Filipino citizenship only last June though did suit up for Gilas during the World Cup.
Alapag received much praise and gratification from fans especially after Gilas’ lone World Cup win against Senegal. He has been an icon of the Philippine national team for a decade and has been a part of rebuilding it to compete on the world stage.
In the World Cup, where Gilas exceeded all expectations, he served as a spark plug for the team and was deployed by Reyes each time Gilas needed a boost. He played an average of 21 minutes in 5 games and tallied 9.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists each game.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/68847-jimmy-alapag-asian-games)
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Gilas vets Jimmy Alapag, Marcus Douthit cherish last run together for Asian Games
Philippine national men’s basketball team captain Jimmy Alapag and comebacking naturalized player Marcus Douthit admitted to having “unfinished business” to settle on the Asian basketball level as they both return to boost the country’s quest for the gold medal in the upcoming Incheon Asian Games.
Both players played key roles in Gilas Pilipinas’ stellar silver medal finish in the FIBA Asia Championships last year but Douthit was not able to finish the tournament, missing the title game with an injury.
“We have unfinished business together, considering how well things went last year. I know for a fact that things would have been different in the gold medal game against Iran if he was healthy,” Alapag told InterAksyon.com in an exclusive interview.
“I’m looking forward to battle one last time with my family, my brothers, especially Marcus.”
Douthit, the 6-foot-10 former draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers, was the predecessor of NBA player Andray Blatche on the Gilas Pilipinas national team.
He had a strong showing in the FIBA Asia tilt but incurred an injury in the semifinal against Korea, which led him to miss the championship game against powerhouse Iran.
But with Blatche declared ineligible for the Asian Games, Douthit gets a shot at redemption after sitting out some of the most crucial moments of the team’s campaign last year.
“Hopefully, I can take advantage this time. Last year was kinda heartbreaking that I cannot finish the tournament, but I’m happy I got another chance,” Douthit said.
But he knows that pinch-hitting for Blatche, who starred for the Philippines in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, will be no easy task.
“It’s difficult. Hopefully, I could come in and fill the void left by Andray.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/unfinished-business-gilas-vets-jimmy-alapag-marcus-douthit-cherish-last-run-together-for-asian-games)
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ayos naman si Douthit ah malakas na ulit Gilas may import na
Sent from my iMommy
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Despite broken finger, Japeth Aguilar still raring to go for Gilas Pilipinas in Asian Games
Unbeknown to many, Japeth Aguilar, the most athletic big man on the Philippine national men’s basketball team roster, has been playing hurt for more than a year now after suffering a broken pinky finger on his left hand in last year’s FIBA Asia Championship in Manila.
The high-flying 6-foot-9 forward disclosed this to InterAksyon.com during Gilas Pilipinas’ practice on Monday, admitting he has been gutting it out over the past year despite the injury.
“Ipinagpaliban ko muna yung operation ko sa left pinky finger ko,” Aguilar said in an exclusive interview.
“Broken siya. I just put heavy tape on it. Lahat ng training camp namin, ganito na siya.”
According to Aguilar, he still feels discomfort playing with a broken finger but it has not affected his game too much as the injury was not on his shooting hand.
“Buti sa left siya, hindi siya masyado nakakaapekto sa shooting. Problema lang kapag mag-di-dribble ako ng kaliwa. Minsan it bothers me, dahil naka-tape siya, hindi mo siya ma-be-bend.” Aguilar said.
”Kailangan ko muna pagpaliban ang operation kasi wala nang panahon.”
Despite the injury, Aguilar has not taken any time off from national team duty as he takes his commitment very seriously.
“I committed myself playing for the country kaya kailangan kong maglaro,” he added.
Para sa bayan
Known for his highlight reel dunks, Aguilar said he enjoys each one not for himself but for the effect it has on the Filipino people, who go wild every time he successfully slams one home.
“Actually, hindi lang sa sarili ko (yung pagda-dunk) para sa bansa na rin. Kasi after FIBA Asia sa Mall of Asia last year, kada nakaka-dunk ako, parang feeling ko buong Pilipinas na yung nakaka-dunk. Parang Philippines versus other countries. Andun yung pride,” Aguilar said.
“Yun naman ang karangalan ko. I’m very honored to play for the Philippines.”
He added that he would not let the broken finger or any other hurting part can keep him from representing the country – and doing what he does best.
“Kahit na bali na itong isang finger, da-dunk pa rin ako,” he said.
Aguilar is not just about the dunks, though. He’s willing to provide whatever the team needs of him, especially the things other players might not be able to do.
“Para sa akin, ginagawa ko yung role ko sa team. Madami tayong scorers, yung mga guards natin sobrang skilled and talented,” he said.
“So yung mga ibang aspects na hindi kayang gawin ng iba, yun na lang ang kino-contribute ko. Like rebound, defense, dunking.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/despite-broken-finger-japeth-aguilar-still-raring-to-go-for-gilas-pilipinas-in-asian-games)
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IMO.. tutal asian ito mas ok sa akin ang walang import... matalo man ok lang manalo mas masarap ang pakiramdam... :D
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Sidelined Jayson Castro believes Gilas captain Jimmy Alapag a suitable replacement for Asian Games: ‘Iba talaga siya’
Philippine national men’s basketball team member Jayson Castro, who was named the best point guard in last year’s FIBA Asia Championship in Manila, will miss the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea but believes longtime teammate and captain Jimmy Alapag is more than a capable replacement for him in the tournament.
Alapag, who had planned on retiring from international competition after the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, will delay those plans due to the banged-up Gilas Pilipinas national team’s various injuries.
“Nakakahiya nga kasi nag-promise siya sa amin na yung World Cup na yung huli niyang tournament. Ibinuhos na niya yata sa World Cup lahat,” Castro told InterAksyon.com in an exclusive interview.
“Hopefully, maging ganoon pa rin ilalalaro niya sa Asian Games.”
Castro is leaving behind some big shoes to fill after a terrific performance in the 2013 FIBA Asia tilt, where he edged Iran’s Mahdi Kamrani to be named to the tournament’s All-Star Five alongside Korea’s Kim Mingoo, Lin Chih-Chieh of Chinese Taipei and Iran teammates Hamed Haddadi and Oshin Sahakian.
But he is confident that the 36-year-old Alapag, his teammate not in both the national team and with Talk ‘N Text in the PBA, is the right man to take his spot on the roster.
“Despite his age, sa pagkakakilala ko kay Jimmy dahil sa work ethic niya, iba talaga siya. Sa practice, makikita mo one hour before the practice andun na siya,” he said.
Castro, who hurt his Achilles tendon during Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the World Cup and piled up on the injuries during the tournament, said it would be tough for him to sit out the Asian Games but believes it’s the right thing to do for the country.
“Doon sa Spain, yung Achilles ko, may konting maga. Then, versus Puerto Rico, banged knees, namaga siya. Marami akong iniinda even before the training camp. Within one month, puro ako injuries,” Castro said.
“Pero siyempre inisip ko rin na unfair naman kung lalaro ako (in the Asian Games) ng hindi naman 100-percent. Parang yung iba 100-percent mas deserving sila sa akin,” he added.
“One week preparation lang for Asian Games, hindi ko kaya maging 100-percent.”
But he added that despite his many injuries, the thing that hurts the most will be missing the chance to bring the country some glory in the Asiad.
“Masakit yung ma-miss yung chance na makapaglaro sa Asian Games kasi isa sa mga dreams ko yan. Tapos may chance to win the gold and represent the country,” Castro added.
“Anyway, may mga Asian Games pa naman na susunod.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/sidelined-jayson-castro-believes-gilas-captain-jimmy-alapag-a-suitable-replacement-for-asian-games-iba-talaga-siya)
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baka may gusto nito
Join Philstar.com in a viewing party of Gilas games -- drinks on us!
http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/09/18/1370101/join-philstar.com-viewing-party-gilas-games-drinks-us (http://www.philstar.com/sports/2014/09/18/1370101/join-philstar.com-viewing-party-gilas-games-drinks-us)
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Douthit's Gilas entry draws protest from other Asian teams
After naturalized player Andray Blatche was ruled ineligible to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the Incheon Asian Games, the national team is facing yet another problem as rival countries are reportedly out to stop Marcus Douthit from playing for the country.
Aside from the host country Korea, Japan, FIBA Asia champion Iran and defending champion China will protest the inclusion of Douthit in the Gilas lineup, informed sources said yesterday.
The issue is expected to be raised during the team managers’ meeting tomorrow.
The protest will center on the rule that said changes or replacements to a lineup can only be made if there is an injured player prior to the tournament.
Because the 6-foot-11 Blatche is not injured, his place in the team can’t be replaced by Douthit, the source said.
The Bulletin tried to contact Gilas Pilipinas Coach Chot Reyes, and Team Manager Aboy Castro, but they did not reply.
The Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee (IAGOC) barred Blatche from joining Gilas Pilipinas in the regional meet after failing to meet the three-year residency requirement under the rules of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) appealed Blatche’s case to OCA, but it was turned down. In a concession, OCA allowed Gilas to replace the former Brooklyn Nets center with Douthit.
But with rival countries out to fight the decision, Gilas could face the prospect of playing with just 11 players.
Reyes is already dealing with various injuries to several players, including Jayson Castro, who has been ruled out due to knee injuries, and Jared Dillinger, who was only cleared to join the practice session the other day.
“I have to be very realistic, it’s a big struggle,” said Reyes after the team’s training session last Tuesday at the Meralco Gym in Ortigas, Pasig City. “Our entire plan was – at this time – just practice and polish our game from the World Cup.”
From Manila Bulletin (https://ph.sports.yahoo.com/news/douthit-gilas-entry-draws-protest-190035877--nba.html)
Post Merge: September 18, 2014, 08:07:25 PM
MVP assures that Marcus Douthit cleared by OCA to play in Asian Games amid protest report
Marcus Douthit is cleared to play for the Asian Games.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas head Manuel V. Pangilinan reassured that the country has received authorization from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for Douthit, who was tapped to replace ineligible naturalized player Andray Blatche, to play for the Philippine national men’s basketball team in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.
Reports surfaced on Wednesday evening that rival Asian teams planned on protesting Douthit’s inclusion in the Gilas Pilipinas roster due to a rule that only allows changes to the lineup if there are injuries.
He was tapped to replace Andray Blatche, who was deemed ineligible for the Asian Games by the organizers. But the addition of Douthit, as well as Jimmy Alapag to replace Jayson Castro, was done with the blessing of the OCA.
Gilas is planning on heading into the tournament with 12-man lineup of Douthit, Alapag, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Ranidel De Ocampo, LA Tenorio, Paul Lee, June Mar Fajardo, Marc Pingris, Japeth Aguilar, Gary David and Jared Dillinger.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/mvp-assures-that-marcus-douthit-cleared-by-oca-to-play-in-asian-games-amid-protest-report)
Post Merge: September 19, 2014, 10:55:01 PM
No objections to Gilas player Douthit at Asian Games
INCHEON, South Korea – The Philippine men's national basketball squad will depart Manila this weekend for the Asian Games with a full compliment of 12 players after a protest against US-born Marcus Douthit failed to materialize Friday, September 19.
It had been rumoured that the late inclusion of Douthit, a 6-foot-11 naturalized Filipino, would face opposition from other nations at a basketball managers' technical meeting in Incheon.
Douthit was drafted in to replace NBA star Andray Blatche, another US-born naturalized player who was barred from the original squad from the basketball-mad nation because he did not meet a strict Asian Games 3-year residency rule.
That was despite Blatche leading Gilas Pilipinas, as the team is known, in the FIBA World Cup last month.
It had been rumoured that China, South Korea and Japan would object to Douthit on grounds that the rules state replacements to a line-up can only be made if there is an injured player before the tournament.
If any such protest had been upheld it would have meant that the Philippines would have had to use a depleted squad of just 11 in Incheon.
However at the meeting, attended by a Philippines delegation including chef de mission Richie Garcia and team manager Aboy Castro, no objections to the Philippines' player roster were raised meaning all 12 players can board a flight from Manila on Saturday.
"No questions were asked. Only a minor confusion on the players' jersey numbers had to be addressed," a member of the Philippine delegation who attended the meeting said in a statement.
Philippines coach Chot Reyes tweeted from Manila: "Technical meeting finished. No issues." He said no one had raised the elegibility of Douthit and so there would be a full 12-man roster.
The Philippines open their Asian Games campaign against Iran on September 25.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/69602-asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-marcus-douthit-playing)
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2014 Asian Games Basketball Roundup: Day One
Basketball action kicked off in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea yesterday, September 20 with four teams gaining significant ground in trying to qualify for the next round.
There weren’t any surprising results save for the big upset of Mongolia over fellow East Asian side Hong Kong. In the other games, Kazakhstan and Kuwait routed their foes even as rising power India continued flashing its impressive form.
Game recaps:
Mongolia over Hong Kong, 86-77
Mongolia avenged its loss to Hong Kong in the 2013 East Asian Games by turning to its two young stars, Sanchir Tungalag and Bilguun Battuvishin. Tungalag led the way with 31 points and 13 rebounds, playing all but two minutes, while Battuvishin added 27 points, 7 boards, and 3 triples. This win puts the Mongolians one step closer to the next round and might even push them to first place should they beat Kuwait and lowly Maldives in their next games. It was a sorry result for the Hong Kongers, who were hoping to build on their top ten finish in the 2013 FIBA Asia Men’s Championships. They now have to win their remaining two games to advance. They shot better from the field, but they also got outrebounded and turned the ball over 19 times. Duncan Reid led Hong Kong with 15 points, while Lo Yi Ting and Chan Siu Wing each tallied 14 markers.
Kazakhstan over Saudi Arabia, 89-59
Saudi Arabia started off well, outscoring Kazakhstan in the first frame and keeping things tight till the break, but the former Soviet territory turned on the jets in the second half and blew the game open for their first win in the tourney. Half-Australian Anatoliy Bose Kolesnikov made his debut for the Kazakh national team, scoring a team-high 18 points to go along with 13 rebounds and 2 steals. Dimo Klimov also did well, backstopping Kolesnikov with 17 markers and 8 boards. On the other end, the Saudis were paced by Marzouq and Ayman Al-Muwallad, who scored 19 and 14 points respectively. Kazakhstan grossly outrebounded Saudi Arabia, 49-29, and limited its foes to just 36% FG shooting.
Kuwait over Maldives, 116-44
Kuwait wasted no time in disposing of an undersized and overmatched Maldivian side. The Gulf nation led by 20 at the end of one and proceeded to continue the romp. They were led by Abdullah Al-Shammari’s 23 points, while Ahmad Al-Baloushi and Abdulaziz Mohmammad dropped 14 and 13 markers respectively. Kuwait outclassed Maldives on the boards, 49-24, and also shot 63% from the floor. Ibrahim Rashwaan and Mohamed Zilaal tossed in a combined 28 points for the losing squad.
India over Palestine, 89-49
Rising south Asian nation India started its Asian Games campaign with aplomb, blasting Palestine for its first win of the competition. Coach Scott Flemming’s wards shot 52% from the field, including hitting 13 treys, which made up for losing the rebounding battle, 39-44. India played great D here, forcing 26 Palestinian turnovers on account of 19 steals. Versatile 6-foot-9 small forward Amjyot Singh was all over the place here, dropping 25 points on 63% FG shooting. He also shot 2 triples and had 4 swipes. Backcourt partners Pratham Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi each scored 11 points to backstop Amjyot, while CBA veteran Sani Sakanini paced the Palestinians with 19 markers and 12 boards.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/69740-asian-games-basketball-day-one)
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mukhang tambakan ang laban dito brader, malaki tsansa ng Pinas dyan ;)
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Gilas Pilipinas set for India showdown at Asian Games
MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas will make its 2014 Asian Games debut on Tuesday, September 23 against India after the Indian squad advanced from the qualifying round with a 3-0 record. India squashed Palestine, 89-49, on opening day, before defeating Saudi Arabia, 73-67, and upsetting the favored Kazakhstan, 80-61 to advance to Group E with the Philippines and Iran.
Joginder Singh of India top-scored against Kazakhstan with 25, including 7-12 three-pointers to go with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, according to pba-online.net. The 5-foot-9 guard finally broke out after scoring 6 points against Palestine and 0 against Saudi Arabia.
The Philippine men’s national basketball team, which was given a pass into the second round as it was one of the top 8 teams from the 2010 Guangzhou Games, defeated India, 70-66, in their last meeting on July 17 in the FIBA Asia Cup.
Paul Lee led the way with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals while Marcus Douthit, who is returning to the active roster after Andray Blatche was ruled ineligible, brought in 14 points and 12 rebounds. (RELATED: LA Tenorio on Asian Games: ‘We’re targeting gold’)
Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes, who scouted the India vs Kazakhstan game, tweeted that India was not a team to overlook.
“India is fast becoming a serious team in Asia. Their rotation of 5 big men 6'10 and over is solid!,” said Reyes, the son of head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes.
'Persian Plague'
Iran, which finished 3rd at the 2010 Asian Games, will play Gilas on Thursday, September 25. The top two teams from Groups C, D, E and F will then advance to the quarterfinal stage.
Despite cracking the “Korean Curse” at the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013, the Philippines has been bedeviled by Iran and the "Persian Plague" recently, losing in the FIBA Asia final to settle for silver before sustaining a 21-point drubbing in July’s FIBA Asia Cup and being relegated to the bronze medal playoff.
Iran will face India on Wednesday, September 25. Both Gilas games against India and Iran begin at 2 pm local time.
Kazakhstan (2-1) also advanced from Group B with a superior point difference to Saudi Arabia, which also had a 2-1 record. They’ll be grouped with China and Chinese Taipei in Group C.
Kuwait (3-0) and Mongolia (2-1) advanced from Group A. Mongolia will be grouped with Jordan and South Korea in Group D while Kuwait joins Japan and Qatar in Group F.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/69839-gilas-india-showdown-asian-games)
Post Merge: September 22, 2014, 07:03:34 PM
2014 Asian Games basketball roundup: Day Two
Basketball action continued in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea yesterday with a couple of upsets. Kuwait buried Hong Kong to move up to 2-0, while the ballyhooed Indians suffered a blow to their campaign after losing to Saudi Arabia. Mongolia and Kazakhstan also got their second wins to bolster their chances of advancing.
Game recaps
Kuwait over Hong Kong, 81-65
Kuwait led most of the way here and limited Hong Kong to just 9 points in the fourth quarter to come up with their second victory in as many outings. Kuwait outrebounded Hong Kong, 43-36, and shot better from the field (45% to 36%). Ahmad Al-Baloushi and Hussein Al-Khabbaz each scored 15 points to lead the winners, while 6’8 Saleh Al-Brahim added a dozen markers and 7 boards. Hong Kong drew 16 points and 4 triples from shooter Lee Ki, but ace players Lo Yi Ting and Duncan Reid combined to shoot just 5/18 from the floor.
Kazakhstan over Palestine, 72-50
The Kazakhs pretty much toyed with Palestine in this one and easily notched win no. 2. This result means the Kazakhs have the inside track to top Group B and, quite possibly, join Iran and the Philippines in the next round. Palestine was forced into committing 16 turnovers and shooting just 34% from the field. Not surprisingly, Sani Sakanini was the lone bright spot for the losing side with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. On the other end, the victors were paced by Anatoliy Kolesnikov and Pavel Ilin, who tallied 21 and 18 markers respectively. Anton Ponomarev also did well for the Kazakhs, dropping a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Mongolia over Maldives, 112-54
Mongolia had a bit of a slow start in this one, but it managed to right the ship and proceed to blow Maldives out. The Mongolians lorded over the Maldivians on the boards, 44-37, while also forcing forty turnovers behind 26 steals. Battur Ganbold, Odbayar Batdorj, and Bilguun Battuvishin each scored 16 points for the winners, with Ganbold also accounting for 4 steals. The Maldives, meanwhile, got a combined 24 markers from Ibrahim Rashwaan and Mohamed Zilaal.
Saudi Arabia over India, 73-67
Saudi Arabia caught fire at the start and caught India in a stupor to pull off this big upset. Though they lost the rebounding battle, the Saudis compensated by forcing 17 Indian turnovers and limiting their foes to just 4/22 shooting from beyond the arc. The Saudis were also more aggressive in attacking the basket, attempting 8 more free throws than India (KSA was 18/24 and India was 11/16). Fahad Belal had 17 points to lead the Saudis to their first win, while Mohammad Al-Sager added 14 markers and 8 rebounds. Big man Mohammed Al-Marwani was a tower of strength here, dropping 12 points, 13 boards, and 2 rejections. On the other end, India was paced by the 19 points and 10 rebounds of Amritpal Singh, while Amjyot Singh and Vishesh Bhriguvanshi contributed 19 and 10 markers respectively. Saudi Arabia can formalize its entry to the next round if it beats Palestine today, while India faces the tall task of having to defeat Kazakhstan to have a chance of moving on.
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Gilas Pilipinas trumps India to kick off Asian Games campaign
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas leaned on a hot start and never relented as they hammered India, 85-76, to notch their first win in Group E action of the 2014 Asian Games on Tuesday, September 23 in Incheon, South Korea.
Gilas started the game on a 16-0 run and never looked back as they cruised to a victory over India.
The Philippines avoided a repeat of their last meeting with India during the FIBA Asia Cup in July where they squandered 16-point lead in the last 5 minutes to Philippines escape the Indians’ 14-0 run to end the contest.
Marcus Douthit and Jeff Chan both scored 14 to lead 6 Gilas players in double figures. Gary David followed with 13, while June Mar Fajardo scored 12. Ginebra teammates LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar each scored 10.
Gilas was on fire to start the Asiad with guard LA Tenorio sinking back-to-back shots from downtown and eventually racing to a 16-0 advantage to start. But the Indians, riding solid momentum after upsetting favored Kazakhstan in the preliminary round just a day earlier, managed to settle down and end the first behind only 24-16.
But 24-year old June Mar Fajardo provided quality minutes for the rest of the first half as he led Gilas with 12 markers at that point. Jeff Chan added 11 points in the first half as well as Gilas shot 6-of-13 from beyond the arc.
The Gilas full-court press continued to give India problems throughout the game as the Philippines, who also had their own momentum going for them coming off an inspiring FIBA World Cup run, answered every Indian rally with hot shooting and beautifully executed offense sparked by good ball movement.
The nationals pressed their foot on the gas pedal in the third, with Japeth Aguilar also coming alive, as Gilas led by 19-point bulges in that frame.
Like their previous match-up, India showed character and fought back until the very end. They patiently executed their offense and came to within 84-76 with 44 ticks left after a pair of triples.
Gilas shot 32-61 from the field for 52% while India shot 28-63 for 44%. Gilas hit 9-20 from three point range while India hit 12-27.
The Philippines will face Iran in a much-anticipated match-up on Thursday, September 25 in a rematch of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships Finals while India faces Iran on Wednesday. The top two teams of Group E will advance to the quarterfinals.
Philippines def. India, 85-76
Philippines 85 - Douthit 14, Chan 14, David 13, Fajardo 12, Aguilar 10, Tenorio 10, De Ocampo 4, Norwood 3, Lee 2, Dillinger 2, Alapag 1, Pingris 0.
India 76 - Amritpal 16, Amjyot 15, Bhriguvanshi 13, Joginder 13, Pratham 11, Brar 6, Pethani 2, Yadwinder 0, Grewal 0, Pari 0, Mishra 0, Sivakumar 0.
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good start for GILAS ayun mabuti may Gary David pala akala ko hindi kasali :)) :)) :))
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For me 2nd-4th place ang Gilas dito, it is either Iran or China ang magchamp dito. Siguro kung si Blatche instead of Douthit mas malaki yung chance nila vs Iran / China. Lalo na wala si Castro sa line up.
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iba yung play pag nandyan si blatche, minsan nag-iso sya, sya pa magbababa ng bola pagkarebound..
iba din play pag si douthit, mas nakakahawak ng bola mga shooters..
saka iba din ngayon mas nagimprove na si fajardo..
yung 2 games sa fiba world hawak ni castro bola sa crucial seconds, pero di nya naexecute ng maayos..
well wala ako alam masyado sa basketbol, nanonood lang ako at yun lang napansin ko... :book1: :book1: :book1:
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Gilas Pilipinas tries to finally beat Hamed Haddadi’s Iran
The Philippine national men’s basketball team hopes to finally get over the hump against tormentor Iran as it plunges back to action in the Asian Games basketball competition on Thursday in Incheon, South Korea.
Gilas Pilipinas and Iran tussle at 1 p.m. live on TV5.
Both Gilas Pilipinas and Iran are already assured of spots to the next round after their wins over India, but the Filipinos will have an extra motivation to win the game as they try to finally end the defending FIBA Asia champion’s reign over them.
One of Iran’s reasons behind its dominance is 7’2″ behemoth Hamed Haddadi, who has given headaches to the Filipino frontline on both ends of the court.
Gilas Pilipinas center Marcus Douthit has already conceded that no one in Asia could contain Haddadi.
“Haddadi is so big, you cannot really stop him. Haddadi is a scorer, nobody’s gonna stop him in Asia,” Douthit told InterAksyon.com days before the team left for Incheon.
But Douthit said that the key to winning over Iran is by putting the clamps on its other players instead of focusing too much on Haddadi.
“Only thing you can do is to stop the players around him,” Douthit said. “For the most part, we just gotta stop everyone else and let everyone else beat us. They can’t bring the ball up if Haddadi can’t get the ball so that’s the first thing that we have to be worried about.”
Apart from Haddadi, Iran also boasts of prolific wingman Samad Nikkhah Bahrami and veteran guard Mahdi Kamrani, whose abilities to drive and shoot from the outside helped them mesh with their center’s inside game.
Douthit said that he will try his best to tire Haddadi.
“At the same time, I’ve gotta be way more aggressive than I had in the past against him just to try get him tired,” Douthit said.
The improvement of June Mar Fajardo from Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Basketball World Cup stint will also help a lot in trying to stifle Haddadi, according to Douthit.
“June Mar got a lot of experience playing against tough big guys in the world and I think its gonna show against Iran,” Douthit said. “June Mar is not scared anymore, he’s not worried, he’s ready. He don’t care who’s in front of him, that’s the big thing that June Mar accomplished over the time he’s learning with Gilas.”
Armed with their valuable experience from the world stage, Douthit hopes the Filipinos could finally beat Haddadi and Iran.
“They’re the best team in Asia. We just gotta match their intensity, we just got a be more aggressive,” Douthit said. “This time I think it’s gonna be a different outcome.
“Since we’re playing against the tough teams in the past months, I think we should be OK.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-tries-to-finally-beat-hamed-haddadis-iran)
Post Merge: September 25, 2014, 11:36:54 AM
Kazakhstan stuns Chinese Taipei to book third win in four days
Kazakhstan pulled off a 74-68 victory over Chinese Taipei to win its third match in four days in the Asian Games basketball competition at Sam San World Gymnasium Tuesday in Incheon, South Korea.
Anatoliy Kolesnikov scored 18 points and nine rebounds to lead the Kazakhs, who have not rested since the qualifiers started last Saturday. In that round, they needed to win two matches before advancing to the tournament proper.
Chinese Taipei, on the other hand, had gained a bye to the preliminary round and played its first game of the competition.
Kazakhstan zoomed to a 23-14 first quarter lead which helped the squad grab a 40-30 halftime lead over Chinese Taipei.
Chinese Taipei was able to close to within six, 49-43, entering the final frame after Kazakhstan was just able to score nine points in the whole third quarter.
Both teams engaged in a high-scoring fourth quarter where they both scored 25 points apiece. But Kazakhstan was able to withstand Chinese Taipei to register its third win of the tournament in four outings.
In the qualifying rounds, Kazakhstan walloped Saudi Arabia, 89-59, and Palestine, 72-50, before dropping a 80-61 result to India to join Group C with Chinese Taipei and defending champion China.
Lu Cheng Ju scored 17 points to lead Chinese Taipei, which suffered a huge blow to its medal chances after naturalized star Quincy Davis was not allowed to play due to his failure to meet residency rules.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-kazakhstan-stuns-chinese-taipei-to-book-third-win-in-four-days)
Post Merge: September 25, 2014, 03:40:23 PM
Gilas Pilipinas falls short in valiant effort against mighty Iran
Reigning FIBA Asia Championships and FIBA Asia Cup titlists Iran came through in the clutch to once again torment the Philippine national men’s basketball team, 68-63, to top Group E in the 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament in Incheon, Korea.
Gilas Pilipinas positioned itself as a true threat to Iran in this game, coming back from an early double-digit lead to hold the lead for much of the second half before eventually falling short in the end.
Iran scored the final seven points of the contest.
Veteran Samad Nikkhah Bahrami scored 21 points to lead Iran while former NBA player Hamed Haddadi posted 20 points and 15 rebounds in the games.
Paul Lee led the Philippines with 11 points while Marcus Douthit and LA Tenorio had 10 apiece.
The Iran offense was in full swing in the first quarter. Bahrami was in top form, hitting threes and driving to the basket for with ease to score 10 points while Haddadi manned the post admirably as the FIBA Asia champs looked to stamp their class in a second straight game.
They opened the game on a 19-6 run and closed the period with a 12-point advantage, 29-17.
But Gilas Pilipinas, bidding to win its first Asian Games gold in over 50 years, was not about to let Iran steamroll through without a real, credible fight.
After giving up 29 points in the first period, the Filipinos clamped down in the second period, allowing only seven points, even holding mighty Iran scoreless for a stretch of over four minutes.
Douthit anchored the steadfast Gilas defense, stuffing both Haddadi and point guard Mehdi Kamrani in their respective forays into the paint and even stepping out to block Bahrami on an attempt in the perimeter.
Iran entered the halftime break with their lead cut down to just two, 36-34.
Bahrami had 13 points while Haddadi had 10 at the half while the balanced Philippines offense was led by Douthit’s eight and Norwood’s seven.
The third quarter featured a game of runs for both teams.
Gilas Pilipinas took the lead in the third period after Paul Lee fired off five straight points – a three-pointer and a breakaway in transition – to give the Filipinos a 39-36 lead.
Iran would counter with six straight points later in the quarter, the last two on free throws off a Marc Pingris unsportsmanlike foul, to reclaim the lead at 43-41. But the Philippines sprung right back with a 10-1 run, kicked off by back-to-back three-pointers from LA Tenorio, to take a 51-44 advantage.
Iran fired off six unanswered points, coming to as close as one point, 51-50, before Gary David knocked down a midrange jumper to make it a three-point lead heading into the final period.
The Filipinos opened the fourth on a 7-3 run with Pingris knocking down one of two attempts from the free throw line to make it 60-53 as the Filipino supporters chanted ‘Sakuragi’ from the stands.
But Haddadi scored in the post and and Kamrani erupted for six straight points, a free throw, a layup and a three-pointer, as the 8-0 run erased Gilas’ lead and put Iran up 61-60.
Lee knocked down a free throw and Norwood ran the floor with Jeff Chan to earn a trip of his own to the line and make it 63-61 for the Filipinos.
But it was the veteran Bahrami taking over in the endgame. He scored five consecutive points on a field goal and three out of four free throws to put the Asian powerhouses up, 66-63, with just 22 seconds remaining.
Haddadi hit two more free throws to seal the final margin.
Iran finished on top of the group with a 2-0 record while Gilas will also enter the quarterfinals with a 1-1 mark.
India was the third team in Group E and was eliminated at 0-2 after their loss to Iran yesterday.
The scores:
Iran (68) – Bahrami 21, Haddadi 20, Kamrani 12, Arghavan 6, Jamshidi 3, Yakhchali 3, Afagh 2, Mashayekhi 1, Zangeneh 0, Sahakian 0.
Gilas Pilipinas (63) – Lee 11, Douthit 10, Tenorio 10, Norwood 9, De Ocampo 6, Pingris 5, David 4, Chan 3, Dillinger 3, Fajardo 2, Aguilar 0, Alapag 0.
Quarterscores: 29-17, 36-34, 50-53, 68-63.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-falls-short-in-valiant-effort-against-mighty-iran)
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iba yung play pag nandyan si blatche, minsan nag-iso sya, sya pa magbababa ng bola pagkarebound..
iba din play pag si douthit, mas nakakahawak ng bola mga shooters..
saka iba din ngayon mas nagimprove na si fajardo..
yung 2 games sa fiba world hawak ni castro bola sa crucial seconds, pero di nya naexecute ng maayos..
well wala ako alam masyado sa basketbol, nanonood lang ako at yun lang napansin ko... :book1: :book1: :book1:
Sa akin parang same player pa rin si Fajardo, depende kasi sa match ups yan, okay siya vs smaller players or halos ka size nya dahil nasanay sya sa PBA na ino overpower nya ung smaller defenders. Kung napanood mo yung recent game kanina vs Iran, nagkakalat at nagstruggle si Fajardo at bumalik sya sa old ways nya na fouling at travelling spree nya. Excited nga yung mga sports analyst sa match up nila e kaso di talaga uubra kay Haddadi who is taller and longer than him. Nakalimutan nila na Douthit vs Haddadi talaga yung totoong match-up.
Yung kay Castro naman kasi na scout na sya ng maayos, alam ng mga coaches kagaya ng coach ng Argentina na sya go to guy sa crucial seconds. Kaya biglang binaligtad ni Chot Reyes na "wala" daw go-to guy ang Gilas nung nabantayan si Castro at di naging effective sa WC, pero yun talaga yung role ni Castro sa team since sya nga yung "best" PG of asia.
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di ko inabutan kanina 4th quarter ko na napanood...
well para sa akin boss mas nagimprove si Fajardo now, kasi nung fiba asia kahit sinong ka-match up nya wala syang gawang matino, 4 consecutive fouls tapos di makatira, ngayon medyo may pasensya na sya.. maganda depensa ni Douthit kanina kaya di masyado makalayo Iran, sayang nga lang yung mga last possessions, kung si Blatche sana tumira nung tres baka OT pa... >:D >:D >:D
yung kay castro siguro kasama na din dun yung di sya nabababad sa laro kaya di nya makuha rhythm nya.
hoping for the GOLD pa rin ako..
bilog ang bola, wala ng Chinese Taipei.. :-X :-X :-X
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Tama ka rin naman mas may pasensya na si Fajardo, pero so far yung ina-advertise nila na improvement ay di ko talaga makita. Makikita natin yan lalo vs China kung sakali makaharap nila na mas malalaki sa Iran.
Yun din difference ni Blatche at ni Douthit. More on defensive anchor si Douthit, at better post up player. Si Blatche obviously an iso player at medyo all around player. Mas nag-aattract ng defense actually si Blatche kaysa kay Douthit.
Actually babad nga si Castro e, at kahit malas pinapasok sya. Diba nga favorite line up ni Chot:
5-Blatche 4-De Ocampo/Pingris 3-Norwood 2-Castro 1-Alapag. 3 TNT players yan. Si Jeff Chan yung wala sa Rhythm kasi paiba iba yung playing time nya. Yung wala rin sa Rhythm sila Japeth at Gary David dahil nakalimutan sila sa bench.
Kaya naman nila manalo yun nga lang questionable yung end game plays ni Chot, pati yung pag shuffle nya ng players.
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Gilas Pilipinas begins quarterfinal campaign against unbeaten Qatar
Still licking its wounds from a painful defeat to Iran, the Philippine national men’s basketball team plunges right into quarterfinal action barely a day after the close decision against reigning FIBA Asia Championship titlist in the 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament in Incheon, Korea.
The Gilas Pilipinas national team will try to bounce back against a dangerous Qatar squad that topped Group F in the preliminary round to open their respective quarterfinal campaigns.
Gametime is at 5:30 p.m. live on TV5.
Much like in its campaign in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, the Philippines nearly came away with a win against the highly-touted opposition only to falter in the end as they fell to Asia powerhouse Iran in Group E, 68-63, in a rematch of the title game in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships in Manila.
The team will be hoping to better in another FIBA Asia rematch, this time against Qatar, which is unbeaten in the tournament so far after defeating Kuwait and Japan in its two games.
Qatar’s Khalid Suliman Abdi is averaging 18.5 points in the tournament while Erfan Ali Saeed has been solid with 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
The two teams played each other in the FIBA Asia in Manila, where the Filipinos came out on top, 80-70. Qatar, which played then with naturalized player Jarvis Hayes, will not have the services of the former NBA player here, instead tapping Boney Harold Watson.
Gilas, which is bidding for the country’s first Asian Games gold medal in over 50 years, will need to develop a killer’s instinct – something they did not show in their loss to Iran – if they hope to accomplish their goal.
“Kailangan may killer’s instinct ka talaga. Kasi yung mga kalaban wala silang pakialam sa iyo, wala silang pakialam sa team natin,” forward Ranidel De Ocampo told InterAksyon.com before the team left for Korea.
“Wala rin tayong dapat pakialam sa kanila. Basta kami, lalabanan namin kayo. Yun ang mentality ng mga kalaban doon.”
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-begins-quarterfinal-campaign-against-unbeaten-qatar)
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ano nangyari???? ??? ??? ??? :o :o :o
Gilas suffers shock loss to Qatar at Asian Games
Gilas Pilipinas suffers a shocking loss to Qatar in their Asian Games quarterfinal match with 2 games still to play. Gilas Pilipinas suffered a shock defeat to Qatar, 77-68, in the first game of the Asian Games men's basketball quarterfinals on Friday, September 26 in Incheon, South Korea. Gilas will now have to defeat South Korea and Kazakhstan on Saturday and Sunday to have a shot at advancing to the semifinals from Group H.
Jimmy Alapag, who came alive in the second half with four three pointers, topscored for Gilas with 15 points while Marcus Douthit was the only other Gilas player in double figures with 10 to go with 5 rebounds. Marc Pingris had 9 points and 8 rebounds but turned the ball over 5 times.
Mohd Mohamed led Qatar with 19 points - including 3-3 from three point range - to go with 8 rebounds while Boney Watson scored 15.
Gilas led 39-36 at the half before Qatar exploded for a 15-0 run to begin the third.
Qatar, which is so far unbeaten at 3-0 in the Asian Games, shot 56% from the field and 10-23 from three point range for 43%. Gilas, which was coming off a disappointing loss to Iran the day before, shot just 39% from the field and 39% from three point range. Gilas turned the ball over 2 times more, 18-16, but won the rebound battle 32-27.
In other Asian Games basketball action, South Korea defeated Kazakhstan 77-60 in Group H while China blew out Mongolia 108-67 in Group G.
Game Highlights:
-Jimmy Alapag with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists (5/6 from 3)
-Paul Lee with 9 points
-Marcus Douthit with 10 points and 5 rebounds
-Marc Pingris with 9 points and 8 rebounds
-Jeff Chan with 7 points
-LA Tenorio with 5 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals
-Gilas Pilipinas with 16 turnovers
Game Scores:
Philippines 68 – Alapag 15, Douthit 10, Lee 9, Pingris 9, Chan 7, Tenorio 5, David 4, Dillinger 3, de Ocampo 2, Fajardo 2, Norwood 2, Aguilar 0.
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Oo nga eh, now must win na yung laban si Korea and Kazakhstan. Sayang.
Gilas Pilipinas suffers huge third quarter drought as red-hot Qatar remains unbeaten
The Philippine national men’s basketball team struggled bigtime in the second half as Qatar came away with a 77-68 victory in the round-robin quarterfinals of Asian Games basketball competition Friday in Incheon, South Korea.
Holding a 39-36 halftime lead, Gilas Pilipinas suffered a huge drought in the third period, going scoreless for more than seven minutes which Qatar took advantage as it launched a 15-0 run to grab a commanding 51-39 lead.
Team captain Jimmy Alapag kept Gilas Pilipinas afloat, burying his signature triples as the Filipinos went to as close as four points in the fourth quarter.
But big baskets from small but quick naturalized guard Boney Watson and big man Mohd Mohamed bailed out the Qataris as they extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament to three games.
Alapag finished with 15 points on five of six triples, while Douthit added 10 markers to lead Gilas Pilipinas.
Gilas Pilipinas had a slow start to the game, failing to execute its fluid offense as it went without a field goal for more than three minutes into the first period. Douthit then scored six straight points, while Marc Pingris finally made two free throws after missing three of his first four to give the Filipinos their first lead, 12-9, after an 8-0 run.
Gilas Pilipinas scored the first period’s last four points to end the quarter with a 19-all tie before Paul Lee fired two straight three-pointers to fuel a 12-0 run that gave them a 27-19 lead at the 7:10 mark of the second period.
But Watson carried Qatar, injecting energy with his drives and converting a triple to prevent Gilas Pilipinas from pulling away, 34-32.
Jeff Chan then buried a triple before converting a tough leaning jumper as Gilas Pilipinas grabbed a 39-36 halftime lead.
Qatar scorched hot from downtown to start the third period, as Watson buried one trey and Mohamed showing his range by firing three straight triples for a 15-0 run ignited by five triples that gave them back the lead, 51-39.
With nothing going well for Gilas Pilipinas, coach Chot Reyes decided to field a small lineup, with neither centers Douthit nor June Mar Fajardo on the floor.
Alapag then subbed in with over two minutes left in the third period to lead the small ball Gilas Pilipinas. He made his presence felt right away after firing three straight triples for a 9-2 run that kept the Filipinos within five, 56-51, entering the final frame.
Gilas Pilipinas kept on fighting, with Pingris sinking two free throws to trim Qatar’s lead to four, 63-59.
But Watson made two straight layups, then Mohamed also converted underneath to bail out Qatar, 74-65, with just over one minute remaining which was too much too overcome for Gilas Pilipinas.
Mohamed led all scorers with 19 points while Watson made 15 markers to spearhead Qatar.
Gilas Pilipinas tries to bounce back on Saturday in a must-win game against rival South Korea.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-suffers-huge-third-quarter-drought-as-red-hot-qatar-remains-unbeaten)
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Philippines in a must win situation against SoKor... Gilas must duplicate their win during their last outing. And so with SoKor to prove that they can win against Philippines. We will be seeing again a classic match. Hopefully our boys won't succumb to pressure. PUSO!
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kupow :( :( :( Fajardo 2 Aguilar 0.... anyare sa mga players na to... puro puso.... atay naman gamitin sa sunod
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Gilas coach Chot Reyes ‘worried’ about his players’ ‘desire’ to win following loss to Qatar
Philippine national men’s basketball team coach Chot Reyes said Gilas Pilipinas players might have already lost their edge after suffering a disappointing loss to Qatar in the round-robin quarterfinals of the Asian Games basketball competition in Incheon, South Korea.
“I’m worried about my team,” Reyes said after the loss according to Sports5′s Patricia Hizon. “We had a bunch of players who weren’t ready.”
Reyes particularly called out center Marcus Douthit, who played a relatively lethargic game against the Qataris.
“I’m gonna ask Marcus if he doesn’t wanna play we’ll go all Filipino. If he wants to go home he can go home,” Reyes said. “I don’t think it was an issue of fatigue. I think it was more of an issue of desire.”
Douthit finished with 10 points and five rebounds, but was outplayed by his Qatar counterpart Mohd Mohamed, who scored 19 points and eight rebounds.
Mohamed scorched from downtown in the third period, firing three straight triples and forcing Douthit to defend the perimeter during a 15-0 third quarter rally that eventually downed Gilas Pilipinas.
“That’s the problem we have if we play against a shooting big man. Marcus is an inside player, same with (June Mar) Fajardo. Can’t defend big man shooters,” Reyes said.
During that stretch, Reyes fielded in a smaller lineup taking out Douthit who returned in the fourth quarter. Team captain Jimmy Alapag almost sparked a comeback for the Filipinos before Qatar made crucial baskets down the end.
“It doesn’t matter where or who we play, if we’re not there, that’s what’s really gonna affect the game,” Reyes said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/gilas-coach-chot-reyes-worried-about-his-players-desire-to-win-following-loss-to-qatar)
Post Merge: September 26, 2014, 09:38:37 PM
Chot Reyes rips into Marcus Douthit, accuses naturalized player of 'quitting' on Gilas in loss to Qatar
HWASEONG, South Korea - Gilas Pilipinas' quest for an Asian Games gold medal is in tatters.
Worse, the team looks as if it is falling apart.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes launched a stunning tirade against Marcus Douthit after a disappointing 68-77 loss to Qatar on Friday, ripping into the naturalized player not only for his performance but also for his actions inside the dugout at halftime.
"We're all disappointed in Marcus," the national coach said after Gilas' bid for the country's first Asiad gold medal since 1962 was left hanging in the balance by a hot-shooting Qatar side.
Douthit scored six early points for Gilas but faded in the end, hesitating on his jumpers and getting beat off the dribble by Qatar big man Erfan Ali Saeed in two crucial possessions in the fourth quarter.
“They were all the men of Marcus. When we switched, he defended No. 11 (Erfan Ali Saeed) and he started burning,” said Reyes.
Reyes was so unhappy with Douthit's play that he made his feelings known after the game, accusing the 6-10 center of 'quitting' on the team during the crucial Group H match.
“Our big guy, Douthit, just quit,” said Reyes. “Our big guy, the man we rely in the middle, just quit on our team. That’s very un-Filipino. I’m very disappointment with that development.”
There had been palpable tension between Reyes and Douthit ever since the Gilas coach named NBA veteran Andray Blatche to his lineup for both the Fiba World Cup in Spain and the Asian Games.
Douthit, who led Gilas to a runner-up finish in last year's Fiba-Asia championships in Manila, only got the Asiad call-up when Blatche was ruled ineligible owing to the three-year residency rule for naturalized players.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/marcus-douthit-chot-reyes-gilas-pilipinas-fiba-asian-games-incheon-south-korea-basketball-2014)
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ganun naman pala.. try na lang mag all filipino... manalo o matalo mas ok IMO...
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Sana in-encourage nalang ni Coach Chot si Douthit. Loob kasi ang laro ni Douthit at sa labas yata uminit yung ka-matchup niya. For me, instead of blaming a player, dapat encourage them at baka maka-epekto pa yan sa buong team and just get ready sa next match. Wala ng sisihan, move on and win the next 2 games.
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si chot ang mahanang dimiskarte palaging
mali ang desisyon
akalain mo si chot pa ang nanisi :brucelee1: :brucelee1: :brucelee1: :brucelee1:
siya weakest link ng team :book1: :book1: :book1: :book1: :book1:
wala kasing kasama sa loob yan si Douthit
pwede naman siyang mag twin tower nandiyan si aguilar o fajardo
kawawa naman si douthit kalaban niya lahat ng mga big man ng qatar
sa loob ng court masyadong pinipilit ang small line up ng PInas
kahit nandiyan si Slaughter sa team i-bebench din yata ito :)) :)) :)) :))
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South Korea routs Kazakhstan ahead of match vs Gilas Pilipinas
Host South Korea walloped Kazakhstan, 77-60, in Group H of the round-robin quarterfinals of the Asian Games Basketball competition Friday in Incheon.
The South Koreans notched the victory ahead of its match versus Gilas Pilipinas on Saturday.
The hosts jumped the gun right from the start, using a 20-5 first quarter run to take the fighting out of Kazakhstan early.
Oh Sekeun scored 16 points and six rebounds, while Kim Taesul added 12 markers for South Korea.
Dmitriy Gavrilov led Kazakshtan with 19 points and eight boards.
With South Korea’s win, Gilas Pilipinas needs to win its remaining matches and hope that the hosts and Qatar, who beat the Filipinos on Friday, drop games to have a shot at the semifinals.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-south-korea-routs-kazakhstan-ahead-of-match-vs-gilas-pilipinas)
Post Merge: September 27, 2014, 11:05:08 AM
Medyo off-topic.
Marcus Douthit deserves better than this
MANILA, Philippines - The loss that Gilas Pilipinas suffered against unheralded Qatar in their Asian Games quarterfinal match on Friday can best be described as humbling. Less than 24 hours after their disappointing defeat to Iran, the team that has bedeviled the Philippines in four straight meetings, Gilas was expected to correct their path and gain much needed confidence in a winnable game.
Qatar, which is rated 16 spots below Gilas in the FIBA rankings at 47, had won their two previous games in the tournament. But this was the same team which Gilas defeated by ten points at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship despite losing naturalized center Marcus Douthit to injury late in the game. How could we lose?
But after 40 minutes of game time had elapsed, it was Qatar which exalted in celebration, boasting the better side of a 77-68 score.
Yet as sad as that outcome was, what transpired moments later in the press room was even more disheartening.
Gilas coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes, the only 5-time Philippine Basketball Association Coach of the Year, placed the blame squarely on Douthit, burying him in the most egregious of manners that could possibly be conceived.
“He quit on us,” Reyes said bluntly. “I don't think it was an issue of fatigue. I think it was more of an issue of desire.” Quitting is the antithesis of “puso,” the rallying cry which has become synonymous with the underdog squad.
Reyes upped the ante, suggesting that his displeasure was shared by the entire team. “All of us are disappointed at Marcus.”
Reyes says that Douthit’s body language coming out for the second half was “very bad,” and that he was last to leave the locker room because he was watching a music video.
Now, I’m no basketball coach. Aside from playing a bit of junior varsity ball in my sophomore year of high school and watching my father Jaime Songalia coach in the Filipino league in Jersey City, N.J., my experience with basketball has been as a fan and reporter.
But there’s a saying in sports, one that is supposed to unite a group of non-blood related people into a brotherhood with the solitary goal of achieving victory: “You win as a team, and you lose as a team.”
The Qatar game was far from Douthit’s brightest performance. In 24 minutes, the 6-foot-10 Syracuse, N.Y. native scored 10 points on 4-8 shooting while grabbing just 5 rebounds.
He was constantly beaten to the rim by Qatar’s quicker players and had trouble getting open for inlet passes.
A stronger performance might’ve been the difference between a comfortable 1-0 cushion in the round robin quarters and facing the do-or-die situation we find ourselves in against South Korea and Kazakhstan on Saturday and Sunday.
But it doesn’t erase the three years of goodwill that Douthit has built up since assuming Filipino citizenship in 2011 to join the national team of a country which he shares no ethnic connection with.
Since joining the Philippine team before the FIBA Asia Championship, Gilas has steadily marched up the rankings to the number 31 spot which they currently occupy.
Through it all, Douthit has been the portrait of a team player. Despite playing through injuries to help Gilas finish second in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship and earn its first trip to the World Cup in 36 years, he was replaced by NBA veteran Andray Blatche as the team’s naturalized player.
“Anything that makes the program better, I'm all for it,” said Douthit, who averaged 21.9 PPG and 12.2 RPG when Gilas placed fourth at 2011 FIBA Asia and 11.9 and 9.4 at the 2013 edition.
Gilas backup center June Mar Fajardo has credited Douthit with helping develop his game, which bodes well for the future of the country's basketball program. When the 34-year-old Douthit retires, he'll likely continue with the national team as a big man skills coach.
The most hurtful statement that Reyes made after the game would create a divide between a team and a player that will be very difficult to mend.
“I'm gonna ask Marcus if he doesn't wanna play, we'll go all-Filipino.”
The implication there is that Douthit, who despite earning the nickname “Kuya Marcus” for his bayanihan spirit, and who can recite the Philippine national anthem Lupang Hinirang better than many Filipino-Americans, isn’t a Filipino.
While Douthit may not have an ounce of Filipino blood in him, he still plays for the flag that every Filipino holds dear to him. He has left his family and culture behind to stand side by side with his new brothers to fight against hope to bring the nation’s favorite sport to respectable levels.
Douthit deserves better than to be criticized publicly and invited to go home for one bad game. He can’t be Kuya Marcus when we win, and not a true Filipino when we lose.
The attitude reflected by those statements isn’t too far from how many view the interchangeable imports which bolster the PBA rosters for two conferences a season. An import can score 40 points one night, have an off-game the next and be sent home before his jetlag wears off.
Expectations of foreign-born ringers are rooted in the performances of players like Billy Ray Bates, known as the “Black Superman” for his amazing athletic feats with the Crispa and Ginebra teams of the 80s, and Tony Harris, the Swift import who lit up an Iloilo City gymnasium for 105 points in 1992.
The double-standard was clear after Thursday’s loss to Iran. After the game, it wasn’t Jeff Chan, who shot just 1-5 from three-point range, or Fajardo, who turned the ball over 5 times in 14 minutes, who were targeted for criticism.
It was Douthit, who found himself wide open after a screen-and-roll with Chan and missed a game-tying three pointer with less than 10 seconds remaining.
“Douthit shouldn't have shot that three, he should have waiting for better shot,” Reyes was quoted as saying after Douthit registered 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks.
A day after the Qatar defeat, the Philippine team will have to face Korea, a team which held a “Curse” over the Philippines for decades before being cracked last year. Then the following day Gilas will have to play Kazakhstan, whom they blew out by 30 last year, in back-to-back games Gilas will have to win to have a chance to advance to the semis.
Unless the team patches matters up quickly, Douthit and his teammates will enter the court with the fabric of their bond in question. “You dance with the one who brought you here,” as another popular axiom goes, and Douthit is the only naturalized player Gilas has in Incheon.
The team must stand as a united front with its players, just as it does with its coaches. Every member of an organization must show trust and faith in its players and Coach Reyes, regardless of what outside detractors say.
Whether Gilas Pilipinas lives up to their lofty expectations at the Asian Games, or whether the nation once again has its threshold for heartbreak tested, remember these words which came from the mouth of Marcus Eugene Douthit.
“I'll never have Filipino blood, but as far as becoming a Filipino, I'll always have it in my heart."
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/70313-marcus-douthit-deserves-better)
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masisi o manisi is part of a team player.. this is a international game.. losing is no room, accept the fact there is some missing part from both player and coach...the way they played >:(
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I don't think criticizing a player publicly is a good move by Coach Chot, pwede naman siguro after game magkaroon sila ng serious talk about kung ano ba talaga ang problema. Gilas has been successful because of desire, motivation and fighting spirit. Kung mababa ang morale ng team mababa din ang chance natin manalo.
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Hindi pala naglalaro si Douthit, pero lamang ang Gilas 68-54 3rd quarter.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
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Gilas lose to Korea, 97-95. Another disappointment, bawi nalang next time.
Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk
Post Merge: September 27, 2014, 05:56:25 PM
Gilas Pilipinas suffers Korea heartbreak again for second straight quarterfinal loss
The Philippine national men’s basketball team saw their dwindling semifinal hopes continue to fade after falling to host South Korea, 97-95, to drop a second straight game in the single round robin quarterfinal round of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.
True to his word, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes started the game with June Mar Fajardo in the place of naturalized player Marcus Douthit, whose “desire” the coach questioned after the team’s loss to Qatar on Friday, and kept Douthit on the bench all game long.
The Filipinos gave the Koreans a good fight, leading by as much as 16 points in the third quarter before against faltering in the final minutes of the game.
The Philippines is now at 0-2 in the Group H quarterfinal group. Only two teams will advance to the semifinals and both South Korea and Qatar are better positioned to go through with wins over Gilas.
Gilas captain Jimmy Alapag, playing in his final run with the national team, led the way with 25 big points while fellow point guard LA Tenorio finished with 20.
Sharpshooter Jeff Chan had 16 points while Fajardo filled in admirably at the center position with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Korean-American player Moon Tae-jong was unstoppable in this one, though, scoring 38 big points to lead the hosts to the victory.
Korea took advantage of Douthit’s absence early, scoring the first five points of the game.
But the Filipinos got their bearings together and mounted a 17-2 blast led by Chan and Tenorio, who each scored five points in the run as Gilas went up 17-7 near the halfway point of the first.
Things changed, though, when the hosts brought in Moon from off the bench.
Moon, who was born Jarod Stevenson but earned dual citizenship in 2011, got going almost straight off the bat, scoring eight consecutive points, including a three-pointer, in a 10-0 run for Korea late in the first.
He continued his stellar play in the second, connecting on a rare four-point play in a 15-3 run for the South Koreans that erased the Filipinos’ lead and put the hosts ahead, 33-28.
Korea’s Cho Sung-min capped the run with a three from the corner that sparked an impressive long range shooting display for both squads.
Gilas Pilipinas gladly obliged Korea in a shootout with Alapag hitting three, Chan two and De Ocampo one of his own in a span of about three and a half minutes.
De Ocampo got things rolling with a long range bomb but Cho answered him with his second three in just a little over a minute. But Alapag knocked down two more from beyond the arc in a 10-0 run for Gilas.
Moon tried to get in on the action with a try of his own but Chan responded on the other end and Alapag chipped in with one of his patented ‘Jimmy range’ three-pointers from a few steps behind the line.
Chan would add another to restore the Philippines’ lead to double figures, 51-41, late in the second.
Gilas entered the break with a 51-44 lead after a stellar 11-of-19 (58%) shooting performance from beyond the arc. Korea shot 60% from three but only had about half of the Philippines attempts at 6-for-10.
Alapag led the Filipinos with 15 points – all of them on three-pointers – while Chan had 13.
Korea was led by the red-hot Moon, who scored 21 points on 5-for-6 shooting, including 3-for-4 from three and a perfect 8-for-8 from the line.
The Philippines did not seem to cool down despite the long halftime break with five different players finding the bottom of the net in a 14-5 run to open the third.
Gilas Pilipinas pushed their lead to its highest of 16 points, 65-49, after free throws from Gabe Norwood.
But the Asian Games hosts dominated the back half of the third period, wiping out Gilas Pilipinas’ lead with a 22-7 blast to close the quarter with Cho and Kim Taesul combining to score eight of Korea’s last 10 points to cut their deficit down to just one, 72-71.
In the fourth, the Filipinos tried to put some distance with Fajardo and Tenorio scoring six consecutive points as Gilas took a 78-71 lead.
But Moon was back to his old tricks in the fourth as he notched all 10 points in a 10-2 blast for Korea that swung the lead back their way, 84-82.
Moon tipped in a miss from a teammate for his first points of the quarter and would later hit back-to-back three-pointers barely 10 seconds apart.
He would later foray into the paint and hit a floater to give Korea its first taste of the lead in the fourth before Cho posted up the much-smaller Alapag to make it 86-82 with just 4:24 remaining.
But Alapag, ever the heart of this Gilas team, took it right back at the Koreans, finishing on a drive to the basket before De Ocampo did his part, scoring on a post-up play to tie the game at 86-apiece.
After Moon again got inside and hit a short jumper, Alapag again took the fight to their foes, driving into the paint and getting a difficult twisting finish amidst the taller defenders down low.
Tenorio gave the Filipinos the lead, 89-88, after a split from the line.
But in a familiar scene for Gilas Pilipinas in these Asian Games, the South Koreans scored five straight points – all of them from Yang Heejong – to make it a four-point deficit with just 31.9 seconds remaining.
De Ocampo missed a three-point attempt and Moon hit two more free throws to seal the contest.
Tenorio, though, brought the game close near the end after sinking three free throws and a halfcourt heave at the buzzer.
The scores:
South Korea (97) – Moon 38, Cho 17, Kim TS 16, Yang HJ 10, Oh 10, Kim JK 6, Kim JS 0, Kim SH 0, Lee 0, Yang DG 0, Park 0.
Gilas Pilipinas (95) – Alapag 25, Tenorio 20, Chan 16, Fajardo 12, De Ocampo 11, Norwood 5, Pingris 4, Aguilar 2, Lee 0, Dillinger 0, David 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22, 44-51, 71-72, 97-95.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-suffers-korea-heartbreak-again-for-second-straight-quarterfinal-loss)
Gilas coach Chot Reyes says sorry to Filipinos, takes responsibility for disappointing Asiad stint
Philippine national men’s basketball team coach Chot Reyes apologized to Filipinos for what has turned to become a disappointing campaign in the Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
“The entire responsibility falls on my shoulders. I want to apologize to our people,” Reyes told reporters in the post-game conference after Gilas Pilipinas’ 97-95 loss to South Korea, according to Sports5′s Patricia Hizon.
Looking to bounce back from its shock loss to Qatar last Friday, Gilas Pilipinas outdueled the South Koreans for the first three periods after building a 16-point lead, 68-52.
But Moon Taejong carried the Koreans, finishing 38 points to lead a comeback by the hosts. Down by one, 89-88, with 59 ticks left, Yang Heejong then scored five straight points to break the Filipinos’ hearts.
“I’m very proud of my boys. They came out and fought hard. We fought up to the very end,” Reyes said.
The losses doomed the chances of advancing to the medal round for Gilas Pilipinas, which was hoping to end its 50-year gold medal drought in the Asiad.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/gilas-coach-chot-reyes-says-sorry-to-filipinos-takes-responsibility-for-disappointing-asiad-stint)
Gilas coach Chot Reyes cites ‘disciplinary reasons’ for Marcus Douthit benching against Korea
The Philippine national men’s basketball team has benched naturalized player Marcus Douthit indefinitely for disciplinary reasons, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes revealed in a press conference after the team’s loss to Asian Games hosts South Korea in the quarterfinal round.
Douthit, Gilas Pilipinas’ leading scorer and rebounder with averages of 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in the Asian Games basketball tournament, was not used in the team’s 97-95 loss to Korea.
“We decided to bench Marcus for disciplinary reasons,” Reyes said in the postgame press conference.
The coach added that the there is no timeline for how long the disciplinary action would take place and it’s unsure whether Douthit will return for the Philippines last quarterfinal round assignment against Kazakhstan.
“For tomorrow, we’ll talk again. It’s indefinite.”
Reyes called out Douthit after the team’s loss to Qatar, questioning the center’s “desire” in the game.
“I’m gonna ask Marcus if he doesn’t wanna play, we’ll go All-Filipino. If he wants to go home, he can go home,” Reyes said on Friday.
Instead, Reyes gave backup center June Mar Fajardo a personal-best 28 minutes against Korea after averaging just 11.3 minutes in the first three games.
Fajardo made the most of the opportunity, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a strong performance.
“June Mar played really well. I’m very proud of his game. We get more games like that from Fajardo, we’ll be okay,” Reyes said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/gilas-coach-chot-reyes-cites-disciplinary-reasons-for-marcus-douthit-benching-against-korea)
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watched gilas game earlier
just ruin my day :)) :)) :)) :)) :)) :))
asar :bye:
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Philippines row rumbles as fans defend Douthit
INCHEON, South Korea – The Philippines lost a basketball thriller, 97-95, Saturday, September 27, to leave their Asian Games medal hopes hanging by a thread, but the big talking point was the benching of naturalized center Marcus Douthit.
Gilas Pilipinas fought tooth and nail to include Douthit in their squad as a replacement for another import, Andray Blatche, who was ruled ineligible before the Asiad.
Fans were baffled to see 6-foot-11 Douthit sitting alone on the bench, in full kit, for the entire match at the Samsan World Gymnasium in Incheon.
Head coach Chot Reyes said it was "for disciplinary reasons."
Douthit cut a forlorn figure, rising only to join team talks at every timeout and then returning to keep the bench warm as the Philippines lost a heartbreaker after leading by 16 points at one stage.
Reyes had not hidden his fury with Douthit Friday after his lackluster display in the shock defeat against Qatar.
"We're all disappointed at Marcus," Reyes told reporters.
"Our big guy, the man we rely on in the middle, just quit on our team. That's very un-Filipino. I'm very disappointed with that.
"I don't think it was an issue of fatigue. I think it was more of an issue of desire. I'm going to ask Marcus if he doesn't want to play we'll go all-Filipino.
"If he wants to go home he can go home," a furious Reyes added.
"I don't know what happened. Towards the end of the first half, he was at the dugout watching a music video.
"He was the last to leave the dugout. He had a very bad body language. And Qatar pounced on him," Reyes added.
The coach confirmed after Saturday's defeat that Douthit had been left out as a punishment and that it was for one game only "but we will have to talk about that tonight."
Reyes is well known for his confrontational coaching style, believing harsh criticism can motivate players.
In the basketball-mad Philippines, many fans believe Reyes went too far at a crucial time of the tournament and leapt to Douthit's defense.
"Unacceptable behavior from Chot Reyes blaming Douthit," tweeted one fan Max Tan. Another, Francis Bilog said: "I feel for Douthit...yeah he may have been moving slow in this game, but calling him out and throwing him under the bus is unnecessary."
"Marcus deserves better than this," wrote Ryan Songalia of popular news website Rappler.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/gilas-pilipinas/70366-asian-games-ph-fans-douthit)
Post Merge: September 27, 2014, 08:54:20 PM
Thanks to Kazakhstan win over Qatar, Gilas still has shot at spot in Asian Games semifinals
INCHEON, South Korea — Thanks to Kazakhstan, Gilas Pilipinas still has a chance to make the semifinals of the 17th Asian Games. Now the Filipinos need to beat the Kazakhs to make it to the semis through the backdoor.
A quest for the gold medal that looked doomed after the Philippines dropped a sorry 95-97 defeat to host Korea on Saturday was revived after the unfancied Kazakhs dealt Qatar a 65-57 loss later in the day at the Hwaseong Sports Complex.
Qatar was the same team that dealt Gilas 68-77 setback a day earlier.
But with the Qataris falling to Kazakhstan, Gilas now has a chance to make it to the crossover semifinals by forging a three-way tie for second place at the end of Group H play in the quarterfinals.
To do that, the Filipinos must beat Kazakhstan by more than 10 points in their 2:30 p.m. match on Sunday and hope that Qatar loses to Korea. Such a scenario will have the three teams ending up with similar 1-3 records, thereby putting the quotient system in play.
Kazakhstan, however, will become the No. 2 seed with a win over Gilas or a loss in single digits and a Korea win over Qatar. Qatar can reach the semis either with a win over Korea or a Kazakhstan loss to Gilas.
Dmitriy Gavrilov finished with 22 points to lead Kazakhs to victory against the Qataris, who play the undefeated Koreans on Sunday at 7:45 p.m. (6:45 p.m. Manila time) at the Hwaseong Sports Complex.
From SPIN.ph (http://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/news/thanks-to-kazakhstan-win-over-qatar-gilas-still-has-shot-at-spot-in-asian-games-semifinals)
Post Merge: September 27, 2014, 09:02:04 PM
How Gilas Pilipinas can advance to the Asian Games semifinals
With one playing date remaining in the quarterfinal round of the 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament, the Philippine national men’s basketball team still has a chance to advance to the knockout semifinals.
Gilas Pilipinas is set to take on Kazakhstan at 2:15 p.m. while host South Korea takes on Qatar in the 4:45 p.m. contest.
Korea, with two wins, already has the inside track on one of the two semifinal berths in Group H although not even they’re assured of a spot just yet. See what the possible scenarios are the Filipinos on the final day of quarterfinal action.
SCENARIO 1: Gilas Pilipinas wins by 11 or more points; South Korea beats Qatar
Team W L Note Result
1 Korea 3 0 Semifinals
2 Philippines 1 2 >1.0075 Semifinals
3 Qatar 1 2 1.0075 Eliminated
4 Kazakhstan 1 2 <1.0075 Eliminated
Result: Philippines advances
This is really the only scenario where the Philippines can advance into the semifinals. They will need a three-way tie to occur between the bottom three teams and find a way to sneak in due to a better quotient.
With Qatar holding a +1 or 1.0075 quotient in games against Gilas and Kazakhstan, the Filipinos will need to win by at least 11 points to make up for their nine-point loss last Friday.
It’s not impossible as Kazakhstan had earlier lost to India, a team the Philippines defeated in the premilinary round, by 19 points.
(Note: Under FIBA rules, the quotient is determined by points scored divided by points allowed. A 10-point win would give Gilas a tie with Qatar at +1 but could still give the Philippines a better quotient depending on how high the score turns out. A 67-57 win would technically give Qatar the edge while a 65-55 win would be in Gilas’ favor.)
SCENARIO 1A: Gilas Pilipinas wins by less 11 points; South Korea beats Qatar
Team W L Note Result
1 Korea 3 0 Semifinals
Qatar 1 2 1.0075
Kazakhstan 1 2
Philippines 1 2 <1.0075 Eliminated
Result: Philippines eliminated
Even if Gilas defeats Kazakhstan, falling short of the magic number of 11 could see them eliminated in the final eight.
Winning by more nine will see them finish third in the group and winning by eight or less means they close Group H in dead last. Not that it will matter, they will be knocked out either way.
Depending on how large the margin is, Qatar and Kazakhstan both have chances to move on in this scenario.
SCENARIO 2: Gilas Pilipinas wins; Qatar beats South Korea
Team W L Note Result
1 Qatar 2 1 Winner over other Semifinals
2 Korea 2 1 Semifinals
3 Philippines 1 2 Winner over other Eliminated
4 Kazakhstan 1 2 Eliminated
Result: Philippines eliminated
A Philippine win over Kazakhstan, no matter what margin, is moot if South Korea can’t get past Qatar in the second game.
A second quarterfinal victory by Qatar would automatically put them out of reach for the Filipinos.
SCENARIO 3: Gilas Pilipinas loses to Kazakhstan
Team W L Note Result
Korea 3 0 (or 2-1)
Kazakhstan 2 1
Qatar 2 1 (or 1-2)
4 Philippines 0 3 Eliminated
Result: Philippines eliminated
This could actually be several different scenarios, with a three-way tie at 2-1 still possible, giving any of the three teams a shot at advancing depending on what the winning margins are on the final playing day.
That doesn’t include Gilas Pilipinas, though, as a loss against Kazakhstan would mean outright elimination from the tournament.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/scenario-watch-how-gilas-pilipinas-can-advance-to-the-asian-games-semifinals)
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Malungkot at eliminated na tayo sa medal round.tsk
Happiness is not an emotion.Happiness is a way of life
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palagi na lang :))
same old story
same old ending :peace:
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Gilas Pilipinas knocked out in quarterfinal round despite win over Kazakhstan
The Philippine national men’s basketball team picked up a victory over Kazakhstan, 67-65, but still wound up eliminated from the competition in the quarterfinal round of the 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament in Incheon, Korea.
With Gilas Pilipinas needing to win by at least 11 points for a chance to advance to the semis, the Filipinos bowed out after finishing the quarterfinal round with a lower quotient than Kazakhstan and Qatar, even in the best case scenario of a three-way tie.
Naturalized player Marcus Douthit, back after sitting out the game against Korea, scored 18 point and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the way.
Gilas nearly pulled it off, leading by 14 points, 65-51, with 4:53 remaining in the game.
But Kazakhstan was able to bring the game closer and the Filipinos attempted to extend the game to an overtime by fouling the Kazakhs but it was not to be.
The Filipinos struggled early offensively early in the game, especially from the outside.
After sizzling from long range against Korea, Gilas went 0-for-7 from three-point distance to start the game as teams trudged through a low-scoring first quarter that saw the Philippines lead, 14-8, at the end.
Douthit scored eight of the Philippines 14 points in the quarter.
In the second, Gary David tried to keep the Filipinos ahead, scoring all four of the team’s points as Kazakhstan came back to as close as three points, 18-15, in the first five minutes of the period.
But Gilas Pilipinas finally found its rhythm at that point. LA Tenorio gave the Philippines its first three-point field goal and Jimmy Alapag finished on a layup in transition for five unanswered points.
After Kazakhstan’s Pavel Ilin split from the charity stripe, Gabe Norwood found the bottom of the net for another trey and Japeth Aguilar gave the Gilas supporters in the crowd something to cheer for as he slammed home a putback off a miss from a teammate.
Kazakhstan coach Vitaly Strebkov was then whistled for a technical foul for complaining after a loose ball scramble. Tenorio calmly sank both free throws and Aguilar struck again on a jump hook to cap a 14-1 run that gave the Philippines a 16-point advantage, 32-16.
Gilas entered the half leading 35-21 behind a terrific performance from Douthit, who had eight points, nine rebounds and three blocks at the half.
Douthit established himself in the post early in the third and the Philippines, behind a three from David and a three-point play from Alapag, pushed their lead to as high as 18, 50-32.
But Kazkhstan finished strong, outscoring Gilas 7-2 to close the period behind by just 13, 52-39.
In the fourth, Dmitriy Gavrilov, who struggled with foul trouble in the first half, finally got going, knocking down a three and basket in the post and Timur Sultanov split from the free throw line as they got to as close as eight points, 59-51.
But Gilas responded with six unanswered points – three from Ranidel De Ocampo, a free throw from Tenorio and Douthit in the post – to make it 14, 65-51.
Kazakhstan then unleashed a 9-2 run that cut the Philippine lead down to seven points, 67-60.
Gilas, needing to win by 11 for a chance to advance to the semis, tried to make the margin by shooting three-pointers and fouling Kazakhstan as the lead whittled down to just two, 67-65.
With 11.4 seconds remaining Douthit even attempted to score in Kazakhstan’s baskets to try to send the game into overtime for a chance at five extra minutes to get the 11-point lead.
But the referees would not count the shot and Kazakhstan’s Anatoly Kolesnikov intentionally missed his two free throws so they could end the game with a two-point loss and a lead in the quotient in case of a three-way tie.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-knocked-out-in-quarterfinal-round-despite-win-over-kazakhstan)
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panalo na talo tapos yung natalo sila ang panalo hehe
Sent from my iMommy
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Tumaas kasi yung expectation natin since supposedly dapat dala nila yung experience nila from the recent Fiba World, pero iba rin yung line up nila ngayon kaya ganun talaga. No Jason Castro at no Blatche.
Wrong decisions on part of Chot Reyes, kung pinalaro lang nya talaga si Douthit vs Korea, edi mas higher ang chance manalo kasi walang legit big man yung Korea na kayang tapatan si Douthit, but of course I'm happy nanalo rin ang Korea for personal reasons hehe.
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China eliminated from Asian Games basketball contention after Iran loss
INCHEON - Seven-time winners China sensationally exited the Asian Games basketball on Sunday, September 28 before the medals battle starts, after being defeated by Iran.
China failed to qualify as one of the top two in their quarter-final pool after losing 75-67 to gold medal favorites in their final game. China's fate was sealed when Japan beat Mongolia 96-70 in the later Group G game.
The basketball-mad Philippines were also dumped out, despite on Sunday beating Kazakhstan who claimed a surprise semi-final slot after South Korea toppled Qatar 65-58 in the final Group H match on Sunday.
The last time China failed to win an Asian Games medal was in 1970 and they have competed in nine consecutive finals since 1978, winning seven of them.
The damage was done on Saturday when a talented but young and inexperienced Chinese team squandered a nine-point half-time lead to be upset by Japan, 79-72.
"We didn't expect that Japan could beat China," Iran's captain Samad Nikkah Bahrami told AFP after a powerful display which saw him lead his team with 14 points, seven assists and three rebounds.
"China are a very good team. I'm telling you, I just played against them. They have a lot of good big guys who can shoot the ball very well."
China's head coach Gong Luming was optimistic that his young side would learn from their run to the quarter-finals in the tournament.
"I know that our players have to improve their shooting. National and international competitions are vastly different," he said.
"They will become better players for this experience."
China's giant 7-foot-1 Zhou Qi registered game highs with 17 points and 11 rebounds, but Iran were up 11-9 after five minutes and they never relinquished the lead.
"They lost this competition because they lost Saturday night," Nikkah Bahrami added.
"They knew they were going to have a hard time against us. They shouldn't have taken it easy against Japan, I think."
Iran's Slovakian coach Mehmed Becirovic echoed his captain's words. "Yes it is a surprise, China and the Philippines," he said.
"I expect it now to be Iran against South Korea in the final and that will be very tough against them with home support."
The Philippines, after defeats to Qatar and South Korea, needed to beat Kazakhstan by 11 points to go through in second spot in the pool. They won but only by two, 67-65.
"We won the game, but really we lost," said a dejected head coach Chot Reyes. Gilas Pilipinas has not won a medal at the Asian Games since a bronze in 1998.
Wednesday's surprise semi-final line up will see Japan play South Korea and Iran play Kazakhstan.
The women's semi-final line-up, also on Wednesday, will follow the form book. South Korea will play Japan and China take on Taiwan.
From Rappler (http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/70456-china-eliminated-asian-games-basketball-iran)
Post Merge: September 29, 2014, 06:57:22 PM
Gilas Pilipinas drops classification round match to old Asian powerhouse China
The Philippine national men’s basketball fell to Asian powerhouse China, 78-71, to slip down the 5th to 8th place classification round of the 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament on Monday in Incheon, Korea.
Gilas Pilipinas came back from 19 points down to come to within four in the final period but could not stop a late 8-0 run for China that sealed the contest.
With the loss the Philippines can not finish higher than seventh place, one spot lower than finish in the previous Asian Games in 2010.
Naturalized player Marcus Douthit scored 24 points and grabbed six rebounds while Ranidel De Ocampo, the only other Philippine player in double figures, added 14.
Gilas played the game without Jimmy Alapag and Marc Pingris, who are both suffering from injuries.
China had five players, led by Liu Xiaoyu with 16, in double digit scoring.
The Filipinos kept things close in the first quarter behind six points from Douthit and contributions from all over the roster with seven different players scoring. They still trailed, though, 21-17, after the first 10 minutes.
In the second, China looked like it would break away from the Philippines after a 10-2 run to open the quarter, capped by a three-pointer from Zhao Tailong that made it 31-19 for China.
But Douthit asserted himself in the post and the Filipinos got back to within eight, 42-34, at the half.
Douthit had 16 points and four rebounds at the half.
But China dominated the early goings of the third period with Zhao scoring 10 points, including eight straight China points, in an 18-5 run.
That rally gave the Chinese their biggest lead of the game at 19, 60-41.
But Ranidel De Ocampo had other ideas, scoring in the post and following it up with Gilas’ first three-pointer of the game after going 0-for-5 from long range before that.
De Ocampo would add two more free throws alongside baskets from Douthit and Jared Dillinger as the Philippines closed out the period down by just eight points, 65-53.
Dillinger, who ended the third with a three-point play, also opened the fourth with a basket and Japeth Aguilar scored on a putback right after.
Douthit dunked the ball to put Gilas within just six, 65-59, after the Filipinos scored six unanswered points to start the final period.
But China had a swift response with Zhou Qi scoring and Liu Xiaoyu knocking down a three to restore the lead to a more comfortable 11-point margin, 70-59.
Gilas, though, got some opportunities to run the break and Aguilar and Douthit both finished on easy looks to inch back into the game, 70-63. LA Tenorio added a three-pointer to get to as close as four, 70-66, with 4:43 left to play.
Li Xiaoxu split from the free throw line and, after a charging call on Douthit, Liu added two more free throws to make it 73-66.
Gilas could not buy a basket on the other end and Liu connected on a three-pointer, 76-66, to all but put it away. Zhao slammed the ball home to as an exclamation mark, 78-66, to the China rally.
Tenorio and De Ocampo combined to score the last five points of the game but it wasn’t enough.
The scores:
China (78) – Liu 16, Zhao 14, Zhai 13, Li 13, Guo 10, Zhou Q. 6, Zhou P. 3, Wang 3, Sun 0, Ding 0.
Gilas Pilipinas (71) – Douthit 24, De Ocampo 14, Tenorio 7, Dillinger 7, David 6, Norwood 4, Aguilar 4, Chan 3, Lee 2, Fajardo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-17, 42-34, 65-53, 78-71.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-drops-classification-round-match-to-old-asian-powerhouse-china)
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talo na naman.. mukha nasobrahan sa puso :( :( :(... kailan ba PBA ???
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Oo nga pagod na yata ang mga players. From FIBA World Cup (Aug 30) to Asian Games wala ng masyado pahinga ang players, samahan mo pa ng injuries, expectations, pressure at low morale from the losses. Bawi nalang next year. Malapit na din ang PBA tol spidey, sa Oct. 19 na.
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 10:04:57 AM
Gilas Pilipinas hopes to end Asiad stint with win over Mongolia
The Philippine national men’s basketball team tries to end its campaign on a high note as it takes on Mongolia in the battle for seventh place of the Asian Games basketball competition in Incheon, South Korea.
Gilas Pilipinas suffered a 78-71 loss to China in the classification round on Monday, relegating the Filipinos to a finish lower than their performance in the Asian Games in 2010 where they settled for sixth.
With Jimmy Alapag and Marc Pingris nursing injuries, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes said beating Mongolia, known as a minnow in Asian basketball, won’t be a walk in the park.
“They’re tough, resilient and that’s a problem for us especially if we don’t have a full lineup,” Reyes said according to Sports5′s Patricia Hizon.
Coming off a memorable FIBA World Cup campaign, the Filipinos were hoping to end the country’s 50-year gold medal drought in the Asian Games.
But disaster struck during the quarterfinals, when Gilas Pilipinas yielded a shock 77-68 result to Qatar last Friday. Reyes then accused center Marcus Douthit of “quitting” on the team, leading to the benching of the naturalized Filipino in their crucial game against rival South Korea.
But after leading by 16 points, Gilas Pilipinas crumbled down the end as the hosts escaped with a 97-95 last Saturday, dooming the Filipinos’ hopes of advancing to the medal round.
But Gilas Pilipinas saw some ray of hope after Kazakhstan beat Qatar on the same day. The result meant that the Filipinos could still advance to the semifinals via quotient should they force a triple tie for second place in their group.
Needing an 11-point win to have a shot of advancing, Gilas Pilipinas built an 18-point lead against Kazakhstan last Sunday before faltering again to settle for a 67-65 win, a result which was not enough for the Filipinos to continue their campaign.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/gilas-pilipinas-hopes-to-end-asiad-stint-with-win-over-mongolia)
Post Merge: October 01, 2014, 05:05:22 PM
Gilas Pilipinas clinches seventh place with rout of Mongolia
The Philippine national men’s basketball team closed out their disappointing campaign in the 2014 Asian Games basketball tournament with an 84-68 victory over Mongolia to salvage 7th place on Wednesday in Incheon, Korea.
Despite falling short of expectations in the Asiad, Gilas Pilipinas will go out on a high note after picking up a lopsided victory in their final assignment.
Ranidel De Ocampo starred for the Philippines in the game, scoring 25 big points in the contest.
Gabe Norwood, LA Tenorio and June Mar Fajardo added 11 points each for Gilas Pilipinas.
The Filipinos got off to a rocky start, falling behind 11-2 at the start of the game. They tried to battle back at that point but could only get as close as three, 21-18, at the end of the first.
In the second, it was touch and go until the end, where Gilas fired off eight straight points to close first half leading, 38-30.
Mongolia made a strong push in the third, coming to as close three points, 52-49, before the Philippines held them off again with five unanswered points to bring the lead back up to eight, which they held until the end of the quarter.
It was all Gilas in the fourth, though, as they turned it into a rout in the final minutes.
The Philippines outscored Mongolia, 21-13, in the fourth quarter.
The scores:
Gilas Pilipinas (84) – De Ocampo 25, Norwood 11, Fajardo 11, Tenorio 11, Chan 8, David 8, Aguilar 7, Dillinger 3, Douthit 0, Lee 0, Alapag 0.
Mongolia (68) – Battuvshin 18, Tungalag 15, Shinen 11, Otgonbaatar 11, Ganbold 6, Davaasambuu 4, Oyuntsetseg 3, Munkhbayar 0, Munkhtur 0, Tserendagva 0.
Quarterscores: 18-21, 38-30, 63-55, 84-68.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-gilas-pilipinas-clinches-seventh-place-with-rout-of-mongolia)
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Iran, South Korea forge duel for basketball gold
INCHEON – The South Korea men’s team thrilled a large home crowd with an improved second-half defensive display Wednesday to reach the Asian Games basketball final by beating Japan 71-63.
But there was nearly a huge upset in the other semifinal when unbeaten favorites Iran were almost humbled by unfancied Kazakhstan, but edged home 80-78.
Japan led most of the first half against the Koreans with Naoto Tsuji rattling home three of his game-high five three-pointers as he dished out an early shooting lesson at the Samsan World Gymnasium in Incheon.
“We knew they liked those mid-range jump shots and we tried to take those away, but the other guys got loose for a lot of threes,” Korea’s “T.J.” Moon Tae-Jong told AFP.
“It was a little frustrating in the first half. We knew they were good shooters but we didn’t expect them to make that many threes in the beginning.”
Towards the end of the second period Japan’s shooting radar went awry and South Korea levelled at 34-34 by the break.
It was a different story in the second half as the Koreans found their range and tightened up defensively to jump out to a 43-34 lead on the back of good rebounding from the 6ft 9in (2.06m) Lee Jong-Hyun.
They were never behind again and held on comfortably to reach Friday’s gold medal match against the favorites Iran.
“At halftime the coach told us to focus more on the shooters and still play good defense on the big guys,” added Moon.
“In the second half I think we played a little bit better than them on defense and we got the win.
“This is what we’ve been working for for four months. So hopefully we can get the gold.”
Captain Samad Nikkhah Barami scored 27 points as Iran barely scraped home against surprise semi-finalists Kazakhstan at the Gwaseong Gymnasium.
Kazakhstan roared back from 48-42 down at half-time to level at 64-64 by the end of the third period.
The Kazakhs continued in the same vein for much of the fourth and led 77-68 with a few minutes remaining but Nikkhah Bahrami inspired a 9-0 scoring to turn it around at 78-77 and they just held on till the buzzer.
“I know the Iran team quite well, they play a European style, so I think the final will be a tough game for us,” South Korea coach Yoo Jae-Hak said.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-iran-south-korea-forge-duel-for-basketball-gold)
Post Merge: October 03, 2014, 09:00:12 PM
Host South Korea wins basketball gold with win over Iran in final
2014 Asian Games host South Korea clinched the gold medal on their own home soil after outlasting mighty Iran, 79-77, to sweep the men’s basketball tournament in Incheon, Korea.
Korea’s Moon Taejong scored a team-high 19 points and knocked down three free throws in the final minute to help the hosts come from behind and overthrow the reigning 2013 FIBA Asia champions.
Kim Jongkyu finished with 17 while Cho Sungmin added 16 as Korea completed their dream run, winning all seven of their games en route to the title.
They had to withstand a terrific performance from Iran captain Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, who led all scorers with 30 points in the game.
The Koreans started the game strong, outscoring the Iranians 25-16 in the first period.
But Iran bounced back in a big way in the second period, scoring eight straight points to come to within one, 25-24. They briefly took the lead before Korea mounted another offensive assault, scoring 10 unanswered points to return to the driver’s seat and lead, 42-36, at the half.
But the Iranians would once again reclaim the lead, going up, 61-58, at the end of the third period.
Iran would lead by five points, 75-70, with under three minutes remaining.
But Korea, playing in front of their home fans, charged right back. An and one basket for Korea tied the game at 75-all with the ensuing free throw giving the lead back to the hosts, 76-75.
Moon then earned a trip to the line and made both to make it 78-75 with just 16.9 seconds remaining.
Bahrami, who shot 10-for-18 from two-point range in the game, closed the margin with his final basket of the game, brining Iran to within one, 78-77.
But Moon hit one-for-two from the line and Iran could not buy a basket in the final seconds as Korea picked up the gold.
It was Korea’s fourth gold medal in Asian Games history, also winning it all in 1970, 1982 and 2002. Asian powerhouse Iran, which has been dominant in the region of late but was playing in its first ever Asian Games final, was denied of a potential first ever gold in the tournament.
From InterAksyon (http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/asian-games-host-south-korea-wins-basketball-gold-with-win-over-iran-in-final)