July 19, 2011; Thrilla in Manila 2!

On the 23rd and 24th of July, the Araneta Coliseum will be jam-packed by Filipino basketball junkies as MVP Sports Foundation, with its executive director Chot Reyes, brings 8 of the best basketball players in the world to the motherland to play against the best that our country has to offer.

This enticing event is a post-birthday treat by the foundation's namesake, businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan to all Filipinos who love the sport, along with its players.

Never in my lifetime that I ever thought of this ever coming into reality. The quality of these players aren't a question. 2 MVP's (one concurrent), and 3 Rookie of the Year awards between these players are an understatement.

Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Derek Fisher, Tyreke Evans, James Harden, and Derrick Williams round up the Smart All-Stars. They cannot use the NBA name in any way due to the impending lockout that the league is facing.

Williams is the least known of these players, for him being the second overall draft pick in this year's Draft, by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

They will face the PBA All-Stars on the 23rd at 7PM and the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas National Team on the 24th at 1PM.

The PBA All-Stars consist of James Yap and Marc Pingris of the B-Meg Llamados, Mark Caguioa and JC Intal of the Brgy. Ginebra Kings, Arwind Santos, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Alex Cabagnot of the Petron Blaze Boosters, Ryan Reyes, Jason Castro and Larry Fonacier of the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, LA Tenorio and Sonny Thoss of the Alaska Aces, Sol Mercado of the Meralco Bolts, Gary David of the Powerade Tigers, Gabe Norwood of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Danny Seigle of the Air21 Express.

Gilas will be reinforced by Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo, Kelly Williams and Asi Taulava, to complete a 16-man roster.

Tickets to the said weekend are SOLD OUT as of Sunday, July 17th. People who cannot catch the action live inside the Big Dome could settle on the TV broadcast provided by AKTV on IBC 13. The Saturday game will be shown LIVE, while the Sunday game will be shown on a delayed telecast at 5PM.

Scalpers are on the loose, selling tickets (Lower Box) to as high as P12,000. So guys, you've been warned, buy at your own risk.

Side events like the classic 3-point shootout will be showcased alongside the main games.

Will our teams draw even close to the Smart All-Stars? We'll all see this weekend! This will also serve as a "tune-up" for our National Team as they'll compete in the upcoming FIBA-Asia Championship in Wuhan, China.

So there you have it! You guys have just been fed!

God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out! The Wizard was here...:)

Comments, questions and suggestions are highly appreciated! :)

July 14, 2011; State U over the hump

The Balara-based squad finally came of with a W to kick off their campaign in this year's UAAP Season 74 Men's Basketball Tournament after they trounce the UE Red Warriors, 69-61 this afternoon at the Araneta Coliseum.

This marks their first win since August 22, 2009, where they beat the De La Salle Green Archers via the tune of 83-78.

Returning point guard Mike Gamboa was awarded the Best Player honors. The former high school MVP scored the game-high 19 points, along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

The Maroons took advantage of the Warriors' youth and its new head coach Jerry Codinera. Paul Zamar tried to rally his team in the 4th quarter, but he wasn't able to have enough support from his young teammates.

The Red Warriors are now in the rebuilding process after losing the likes of Kenneth Acibar and Paul Lee during the off-season after they've finish their tour of duty as a UAAP player.

Meanwhile, in the first game, the UST Growling Tigers escaped a 73-72 overtime thriller against the revamped NU Bulldogs.

Point guard Jeric Fortuna led the way for the Tigers with the game-high 23 points, 19 coming from the second half and 6 from the extra session.

The debut of the highly-touted Bobby Parks, Jr. wasn't that big, scoring just 16 points on 5/20 from the field, along with 9 boards.

This coming Saturday at 11AM, the Adamson Soaring Falcons will try to take their first win against the FEU Tamaraws. The main game at 3PM will feature the age-long rivalry between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the De La Salle Green Archers.

So there you have it! You guys have just been fed!

God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out! The Wizard was here...:)

Comments, questions and suggestions are highly appreciated! :)