CEBU CITY, Philippines - It was hard enough that Wladimir Klitschko's 9-year reign as heavyweight champion had just ended, but Tyson Fury was determined to add (ear) injury to injury.

The 27-year-old British giant was riding the high of becoming the undefeated heavyweight champion when he recalled a promise he had made pre-fight to sing in the ring. Initially he promised to sing a duet with Rod Stewart, who performed before the main event began in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Instead, he chose to serenade his wife Paris with an Acappella rendition of "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith.

Fury (25-0, 18 knockouts) botched the lyrics on a few occasions (it's hear you breathing, not see), and the spectacle seemed to put the Ukrainian legend Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs) in an even more uncomfortable position. 

(READ: Tyson Fury shocks Wladimir Klitschko to win heavyweight title)

Heavyweight boxing had become largely uneventful and socially irrelevant during Klitschko's reign, which began shortly after his knockout losses to Corrie Sanders and Lamon Brewster when he knocked out Chris Byrd in 2006 before unifying against Sultan Ibragimov and David Haye.

Even if the fight was less than entertaining, fans will never forget Fury's post-fight sonnet. Even if they tried really, really hard. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Kevin Ferrer's hands caught fire, ex-UST head coach Pido Jarencio was in attendance, and the UST Growling Tigers lived to fight another day by defeating the FEU Tamaraws, 62-56, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 78 Finals Saturday, November 28.

Ferrer jolted the Tigers offensively with 6 booming triples for 24 points in the third quarter alone, as UST took the lead and finished the game strong.

Relive the thrilling UAAP Finals action through these photos!

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – LeBron James hit a running baby hook shot late in the fourth quarter to lead his Cleveland Cavaliers past the lowly Brooklyn Nets, 90-88, on Saturday, November 28 (Sunday, November 29 in Manila).

James finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists while going 10-of-22 from the floor.

The Cavs were actually up 88-85 with 15 seconds left when Nets guard Joe Johnson drew a foul on Cavs guard JR Smith while attempting a 3-pointer.

Johnson, known as a clutch player in the NBA, calmly hit all 3 free throws to tie the game, paving the way for James to deliver the game-winner with 1 second left on the clock.

Watch it here:

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Brooklyn guard Jarrett Jack then missed a heave from 63 feet out, sealing the win for Cleveland, who improved to 13-4 and an unbeaten 9-0 at home.

The Nets fell to 3-13. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Dealing with problems, learning to adjust and simply finding your identity can be quite hard when you're in your 20s. That's why it's always nice to know that there are a number of young professionals who, as young as they are, are driven with passion in their respective fields and are putting a lot of effort in creating positive impact on other people's lives as well.

1. Bryan Mclelland
"I always felt that I am here to try and create some sort of impact and lasting change," said Bryan Mclelland, founder of Bambike Evolution Cycles. Bryan holds Bambike Eco Tours in Intramuros where they take people around on bamboo bikes to some of the country's historic sites. "I decided I would create a company that could accomplish the things that I felt the Filipinos needed, building a product that is relevant and eco-friendly, and helping develop the new green economy," he said.

2. Charo Soriano
"Querencia is a place where you feel safe and you feel a sense of belongingness. Everytime I step on the court, I really feel that it's where I'm supposed to be at that time. It's my querencia," shared professional volleyball player Charo Soriano. She used to play for the Ateneo Lady Eagles back in college, and has now moved on to professional volleyball and paying it forward. "I'm a part of Beach Volleyball Republic. We're a group of girls and our vision is to promote and grow the sport," she said. Together with other volleyball players, Charo goes around provinces teaching kids how to play beach volleyball and provides them with the equipment needed to sustain the sport.

3. Jessica Milner
"It's the biggest part of my life. It's just the thing that keeps me happy the most. I don't just love music, I'm in love with it," said Jessica Milner when asked about her job. Jessica is an up and coming professional DJ who's about to make her spot in the field. "I've been a music lover for as long as I can remember. Everytime I'm behind the decks, there a sense of peace," she said. Jessica also teaches in her school called Beat Project Manila. "My youngest student is 13 years old. She just gets excited everytime we have a class. It's a great feeling to mentor someone," she shared.

4. Graham Caygill
Graham Caygill is a half Filipino, half British professional football player. He started playing when he was four years old and never stopped since. "As soon as I get to the pitch, I just explode. It's the best feeling. It's pure happiness and you just lose yourself sometimes," he said. Graham quit his job when he was 18 years old and created a travel business in England. "Travel is one of the best things. You learn about people. It's amazing and it just opens your eyes," he said.

After meeting each other for the first time, these four, passionate and driven individuals will be joining Gameplan host Julian Rodriguez on a road trip around the city to make new friends and find new experiences. – Rappler.com

BERLIN, Germany - Britain's Tyson Fury has vowed to be "the most charismatic champion since Muhammad Ali" after delivering on his promise to dethrone Wladimir Klitschko and become the new world heavyweight champion.

"I always said what I would do and I delivered. I didn't have this confidence for nothing," beamed Fury, 27, after his unanimous points win ended Klitschko's run of 19 consecutive defenses.

Fury was awarded the fight in Duesseldorf 115-112, 115-112 and 116-111 by the judges on Saturday as Klitschko's reign as world champion was ended after 9 years, 6 months.

Fury takes Klitschko's World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) belts as the Ukrainian suffered his first defeat since 2004.

"I knew all along I could win the fight," said Fury, whose corner exploded into celebration once the verdict was announced.

"I saw in his eyes that he was going to lose this fight."

The new champion celebrated his victory by singing Aerosmith's "Don't Want to Miss a Thing" in the ring, which he dedicated to his wife, Paris.

"In the name of Jesus Christ Amen ... We invaded Dusseldorf tonight," said the deeply religious Fury.

"I felt a lot more love from them (his fans) then I felt for him (Klitschko) from his.

"It was a tough task coming here, that’s why he’s avoided me for the last 5 years.

"People can say what they want about me, he was hanging on for dear life in that fight all the way through.

"He’s been a great champion, but every good dog has its day.

"This is that start of a new era. I’ll be the most charismatic champion since Muhammad Ali."

Klitschko wants rematch

This was Fury's 25th professional victory and he will cash in on the victory, regardless of his fight purse, having bet £200,000 ($300,630) on himself.

"Nobody believed he could do it, only me, Peter and his brother," Tyson's father John Fury told the BBC.

"We've ripped these belts off a super champion. We have changed the world. 

"They never believed the Titanic would sink but it did."

This was a poor display by Klitschko who finished with cuts to both cheeks while Fury was unmarked.

"I must admit that Tyson Fury was faster and better," Klitschko told German broadcaster RTL.

"The speed was missing, for a big man he is incredibly agile.

"I didn't put the punches in and could not find the right key to open up the fight."

Klitschko said he will "definitely" use the option of a rematch, which is in the fight contract.

The bout took place at the second attempt as the original October date had to be scrapped after Klitschko suffered a calf injury.

After Fury had problems with ill-fitting gloves in the week leading up to the fight, there was plenty of tension in the build-up on Saturday.

Fury's management insisted the canvas was too soft and after much discussion and threats to call off the fight, Klitschko's camp relented and removed some of the foam padding from the ring floor.

Then Klitschko was reported to have had his fists wrapped without an observer being present, a no-no in boxing, and when Fury's camp complained, the champion's fists were re-strapped which briefly delayed the start of the fight.

But Fury backed up his numerous pre-fight taunts and even sang "I'll be the one with all the belts" to Klitschko last Wednesday when he modified the lyrics to Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath my Wings" - a prediction that came true. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Army’s Jovelyn Gonzaga was awarded as the Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Spiker of the Season 12 Shakey’s V-League Reinforced Conference Saturday, November 28, at the Arena in San Juan.

She received her first MVP award in the Season 10 Open Conference.

However, Gonzaga’s 19 points yesterday weren’t enough to carry the Army as they bowed to PLDT in the game one of their best-of-3 finals series, 16-25, 20-25, 26-24, 29-27, 18-16.

Another Army star Honey Royse Tubino was named first Best Outside Spiker, while Janine Marciano of the PLDT Home Ultera was the second Best Outside Spiker. PLDT’s Lizlee Pantone was awarded Best Libero.

University of the Philippines’ Kathy Bersola and Sheena Mae Chopitea were named First and Second Best Middle Blockers. Janet Serafica won Best Setter. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After spending the last 3 years with Bo Perasol calling the shots, the Ateneo Blue Eagles are now searching for new leadership at their head coach position.

Sources tell Rappler many names are being considered to take the spot, such as team assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc, Olsen Racela, and even former Blue Eagles coach Norman Black, who led the team to 5 straight championships from 2008-2012.

Another name being mentioned is Louie Alas, who’s no stranger to the college basketball field, having led the Letran Knights in the NCAA to 3 titles and 5 finals appearances.

Alas, who’s currently an assistant coach for the Alaska Aces under Alex Compton, said that he hasn’t applied to be a coach anywhere, although did say there have been “feelers” without specifying where they’ve come from.

“Actually I’m not applying, but college coaching is my passion because I want to teach. So if the offer comes, I’ll entertain it,” Alas told Rappler in Filipino on Friday, November 27.

“Just feelers so far. There’s been no formal offer.”

When asked how much he would like the opportunity to coach Ateneo, Alas, 52, did not shy away from gushing over the prospect.

“Wow. That’s a coach’s dream, Ateneo, because it’s like, in the [United] States, you’re coaching Duke, right? It would be an honor.”

Duke basketball, coached by Team USA mentor Mike Krzyzewski, has 5 US NCAA national titles and has produced multiple successful NBA players.

In comparison, the Ateneo Blue Eagles have 8 UAAP titles and 14 PH NCAA titles. 

Although Alas has been prosperous as an assistant coach for the Aces, who are PBA title contenders and have made the finals in two of the past 3 conferences, he says college basketball is really where he feels he’s at his best.

“I’m really the type of coach who wants to keep teaching,” said Alas, who’s been coaching since 1998. “You can really see with the kids that it’s genuine they want to learn.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Perpetual Help Altas are currently looking for a new head coach, although their search may have already ended a few weeks back had negotiations with former Letran head coach Louie Alas not fallen apart.

Talking to Rappler on Friday, November 29, after the Alaska Aces’ win over the NLEX Road Warriors, Alas said that a deal with the university almost came to fruition until a road block was hit.

“We closed already [but], before we went to Dubai, they wanted me to decide to sign up,” Alas told Rappler in Filipino.

“It was okay with Coach Alex [Compton], but our boss, (Alaska owner) Wilfred Uytengsu, wasn’t present, so I told them, ‘Let’s wait for boss.’”

What happened? “I guess when I got back from Dubai, they couldn’t wait,” said Alas, who’s currently an assistant coach of Alaska. “We didn’t talk anymore.”

The Altas was coached by former UAAP champion head coach Aric Del Rosario from 2012-2015, making the Final Four round in the first 3 years, but never advancing to the finals.

Del Rosario, who led the UST Growling Tigers to a 4-peat from 1993-1996, leaves UPHSD with a 44-28 record.

Alas left with Alaska in the first week of November for Dubai, where they played two games against the Mahindra Enforcers and Barangay Ginebra.

“As of two weeks ago, we were negotiating for 3 weeks,” Alas said. “All the details were fine already - like my assistant coaches - but I told them, everything we talked about, it will still depend if boss Wilfred allows me.

“I wasn’t able to call for two days. They said, coach it looks like you’re not interested. I responded, ‘That’s why I’m allowing to get interviewed and we’re negotiating’ - it means I’m interested.”

(READ: Louie Alas says coaching Ateneo would be an honor)

Alas, 52, says that his “hands were tied” because he was under contract with the Aces and did not want to undermine that by accepting the UPHSD job prematurely.

When asked if he’s disappointed that negotiations broke down and conversation didn’t re-surface after, Alas answered:

“Not really, because I really believe if the job is mine, it’s mine. If they really wanted me, then maybe they could have waited for me even for just a week. From what I heard, until now, they still don’t have a coach.”

Would the 3-time NCAA champion coach (all with Letran) still be interested in resuming talks?

“I’m not sure, because, I don’t know. I’m just not sure.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle combined for 43 points as Globalport Batang Pier blasted Blackwater Elite, 120-105, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, November 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Romeo had a team-high 26 points off the bench to go with 6 rebounds, while Pringle had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead 5 Batang Pier in double figures.

Big man Doug Kramer finished with a double-double of 16 markers and 15 boards. Joseph Yeo added 14 as Rico Maierhofer contributed 12 points, 10, rebounds, and 4 assists in a game where Globalport's offense clicked on all cylinders.

"It’s a total team effort," said head coach Pido Jarencio, whose team ended a two-game slide and improved to 4-3. "We're 2-0 here in Araneta so we wanted to win today."

The Batang Pier controlled the game from start to finish as they dominated the boards, 64-49. Globalport shared the wealth with 27 total assists for 46% field goal shooting that led to a 17-point edge over the Elite towards the end.

"Our target is to land from the 3rd to 6th spots in the standings," Jarencio said in Filipino with only 4 games left in the eliminations.

The Batang Pier's 120 points is the second most by any team this conference, next only to Alaska's 123 over Globalport last November 20, according to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

The team's offensive output is also its second most in franchise history and an all-time high for the team in the Philippine Cup.

Globalport weathered an explosion from third year guard Carlo Lastimosa, who uncorked a career-high 31 points on 13-of-24 field goals off the bench for a 54% shooting clip.

Lastimosa, who was picked 20th overall pick by Barako Bull in 2013, missed all 3 of his attempts from downtown but added 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Raphy Reyes and Art Dela Cruz registered 16 and 11 points, respectively, while Jerick Cañada added 10 as Blackwater slipped to 1-6, above only the woeful Meralco at 1-7. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ended Barangay Ginebra's 3-game win streak, 94-86, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, November 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Painters, which extended its winning run to 3 as well, assured themselves safe passage into the quarterfinals with the victory as they improved to a 6-1 record tied for the top spot with San Miguel Beer and Alaska.

"We just played a little harder than usual. We know Ginebra is a tough team, especially with their winning streak," said head coach Yeng Guiao after the game.

Rain or Shine led by as much as 14 midway in the fourth period before Ginebra inched to within 89-82 on a Sol Mercado breakaway lay-up with 1:31 left to play.

But Jeff Chan nailed the dagger 3-pointer plus the foul with 41.7 ticks remaining to douse water on the Gin Kings' rally.

Chan had a team-high 19 points, 14 of which he poured in the payoff period, to go with 4 rebounds. Second year guard contributed 16 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists off the bench, while this year's third overall pick Maverick Ahanmisi started the contest and finished with 13 markers, 6 boards, 3 dimes, and a steal.

"We had to run all game long, that was the game plan, to keep on running. If we settle down at the half court their size will be a disadvantage for us," Guiao said of the fast-paced game he employed.

"Size is their biggest advantage but quickness is our biggest advantage so we just pushed the pace and see what happens. Fortunately for us we were making our shots and we were making life difficult for Greg Slaughter," he added.

Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds along with 3 assists, and also shot the booming 3-pointer with over two minutes left to cut the deficit to 87-78.

But Aguilar was also responsible for the foul on Chan's critical 3-pointer that made it a 4-point play opportunity.

Slaughter collected 19 points and 8 rebounds along with 5 turnovers. Veteran Mark Caguioa added 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Ginebra dropped to an even 4-4 record. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES – Stephen Curry scored 19 points then got plenty of help so he could take the fourth quarter off as the Golden State Warriors improved to 18-0 with a 120-101 win over Sacramento.

Forward Brandon Rush drained 3 3-pointers in the third quarter, and Curry finished with 3 3-pointers on the night, as the Warriors kept their perfect start to the season intact and equaled the 2007-08 Houston Rockets with a 22nd consecutive regular-season win dating back to last season. 

The Warriors now embark on a 7-game trip, during which they will be chasing the 27-game winning streak set by the Miami Heat during the 2012-13 season.

The Los Angeles Lakers hold the all-time record of 33 straight wins, set during the 1971-72 season.

Forward Draymond Green recorded the franchise's first back-to-back triple-double in 51 years with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. The last Warriors player to record triple-doubles in consecutive games had been Hall of Fame center Wilt Chamberlain in 1964.

Green contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in Friday's 135-116 win at Phoenix.

Floats like butterfly, stings like a bee

LeBron James floated in a half-hook runner with one second remaining to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 90-88 win over the Brooklyn Nets Saturday.

(WATCH: LeBron James hits game-winner to sink Nets)

James' winning shot came at the expense of Nets' seven footer Brook Lopez in front of a crowd of 20,500 at Quicken Loans Arena. 

James has made a habit of scoring game winners over his brilliant career, but he couldn't recall ever using that shot to beat another team at the buzzer.

"Brook did not think in his wildest years I was going to shoot that one," James said. "I got to my spot where I wanted to get to and I just trusted what I've always done. I work on those shots.

"And I just floated it up. Sometimes it's a little easier when you get someone bigger because you got to get it over top of them."

Jazz ring victory bell

Anthony Davis had another huge outing for the New Orleans Pelicans, but it wasn't enough to overcome a team effort by the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

Utah utilized a balanced attack to overcome an impressive performance by Davis and post a 101-87 victory over the Pelicans.

Reserve guard Alec Burks scored 21 points to lead the Jazz to just their third home win in 5 contests. Burks, who also had 5 rebounds and 4 assists, scored 9 points in the decisive fourth quarter for Utah, who improved to 8-7.

Davis finished with a game-high 36 points and 11 rebounds.

In San Antonio, forward Kawhi Leonard tallied 22 points and 6 San Antonio players scored in double figures as the Spurs won their fifth straight game to remain undefeated at home. Leonard, who did most of his damage with 15 points in the first half, led the Spurs in scoring for the sixth consecutive contest.– Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA (UPDATED) – Los Angeles Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant announced Sunday, November 29, that this will be his final NBA season, saying in a first-person essay on the Players Tribune website that "this season is all I have left to give."

The 37-year-old American has won 5 NBA crowns in a 20-year career spent entirely with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bryant, a member of two Olympic gold medal squads, has been nagged by injuries in recent seasons and struggled to find form this season, the Lakers are off to a miserable 2-13 start.

"My body knows it's time to say goodbye," Bryant said in his poem, an open love letter to his sport entitled "Dear Basketball".

NBA commissioner Adam Silver was quick to respond to Bryant's announcement, the signal that one of the greatest careers in the history of basketball was coming to an end.

"With 17 NBA All-Star selections, an NBA MVP (2008), five NBA championships with the Lakers, two Olympic gold medals and a relentless work ethic, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game," Silver said.

"Whether competing in the NBA Finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game. I join Kobe's millions of fans around the world in congratulating him on an outstanding NBA career and thank him for so many thrilling memories."

Bryant artfully crafted his goodbye to the game by hearkening back to his boyhood dreams of playing in the NBA and shooting baskets with socks rolled into a ball.

"You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream, And I'll always love you for it. But I can't love you obsessively for much longer. This season is all I have left to give," Bryant wrote.

"My heart can take the pounding, My mind can handle the grind, But my body knows it's time to say goodbye. And that's OK. I'm ready to let you go. I want you to know now, So we both can savor every moment we have left together. The good and the bad. We have given each other All that we have."

Bryant has averaged 25.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals over 1,280 games.

This season, with the Lakers stripped of much of their supporting cast to bolster Bryant, he is averaging 15.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists a contest.

Bryant ended his poem to basketball without giving a true hint as to what the future might hold for him.

"We both know, no matter what I do next, I'll always be that kid, With the rolled up socks, Garbage can in the corner, :05 seconds on the clock, Ball in my hands.

"5 4 3 2 1. Love you always, Kobe" – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA - Guard Mike Conley scored a game-high 20 points as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated Philadelphia 92-84 Sunday, sending the 76ers to their 18th consecutive loss to begin the NBA season.

"Hats off to them. That can't be an easy situation to be in. They kept fighting," said Memphis coach David Joerger of Philadelphia.

The 76ers tied the NBA's all-time mark for most losses to begin a season, set in 2009 by the New Jersey Nets.

It was Philadelphia's 28th straight loss dating back to last season, the longest losing skid by a team in any major North American sport.

As has happened several times during the streak, the 76ers couldn't hold a fourth-quarter lead.

They went up 76-71 on a pair of free throws from guard Isaiah Canaan at the 7:38 mark. However, the Grizzlies went on an 18-3 run to go up 89-79 as Jeff Green buried a three-pointer at the 2:22 mark.

Zach Randolph finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Memphis center Marc Gasol had 9 points and 12 rebounds.

Forward Matt Barnes came off the bench to chip in 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

Suns snap losing skid

Guard Eric Bledsoe scored 17 points and added 11 assists and the Phoenix Suns defeated the Toronto Raptors 107-102.

Bledsoe made two key free throws with two minutes to play as the Suns snapped a four-game losing streak.

Guard DeMar DeRozan scored 29 points and had 7 assists for the Raptors, who had their four-game winning streak halted.

Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, who had 17 points, hit three free throws with 13.2 seconds to play to pull the Raptors to within two points.

With 12.3 seconds left, Bledsoe made of two free throws but the Raptors could not make their shot at the other end. Bledsoe iced the game with two free throws. 

Magic above .500 mark 

Reserve guard Victor Oladipo had 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in leading the Orlando Magic to a 110-91 victory over the Boston Celtics at Amway Center.

It was their third consecutive victory. The Magic are above the .500 mark going into December for the first time since 2012.

Magic centre Nikola Vucevic had 18 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with just over two minutes left. 

Forward Tobias Harris had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Reserve forward Andrew Nicholson had 14 points and 8 rebounds. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – National team and PBA players made an appearance at Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's concert dubbed "MAD for Change" Sunday night, November 29 in Taguig City. (WATCH: Duterte-Cayetano's 'MAD For Change' event)

In a photo posted by former Ateneo Blue Eagle and current Sampoloc, Manila District 4 congressional candidate Jobe Nkemakolam on Facebook, Gilas Pilipinas members Marc Pingris (Star Hotshots) and Sonny Thoss (Alaska) can be seen on stage.

(READ: Rodrigo Duterte: Yes, I'm a womanizer)

Together with them are other PBA players Mac Baracael and Willy Wilson of Barako Bull, JayR Reyes of San Miguel Beer, and Cyrus Baguio of Alaska. (READ: 22 things to know about 'Duterte Harry')

Also in the photo is former two-time PBA MVP Willie Miller, who now plays for the Pilipinas MX3 Kings in the ASEAN Basketball League, as well as sports agent Charlie Dy.

The concert was held for supporters of the tandem.

Duterte, 70, filed his certificate of candidacy for president on Friday, November 27 as a substitute for Martin Diño, who was initially PDP-Laban's presidential candidate but withdrew his candidacy. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA - Kobe Bryant became one of the greatest legends in the history of the NBA over two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers, fighting through pain and controversy to ensure his place among the sport's icons.

Bryant ranks third on the NBA all-time scoring list, trailing only leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone, and won NBA crowns with the Lakers in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010.

When the 37-year-old guard, a member of US Olympic gold medal teams in 2008 and 2012, announced Sunday he would retire at the end of the season, it was the end to a saga that had become painful to watch.

Slowed by age and numerous injuries, Bryant was struggling with a weak supporting cast on a Laker team he twice led to the glory of multiple NBA crowns, only to see it fade.

Through 2003 rape accusations and insulting remarks that led to fines and apologies, Bryant has shrugged off controversy to become one of the world's most popular NBA stars.

Like father, like son 

Kobe Bean Bryant, the son of former NBA player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, was born in Philadelphia in 1978 while his father played for the 76ers, the child named for the Japanese beef seen on a menu and his father's nickname as a player.

The elder Bryant played from 1984 to 1991 in Italy, giving young Kobe a global worldview as he grew up dreaming of following his dad into the NBA.

When his father retired as a player, the family moved back to the Philadelphia area and Kobe began his star turn at Lower Merion High School, where his jersey number 33 was retired. He decided at age 17 to jump directly from the prep ranks to the NBA, only the sixth player and first guard to make such a leap.

Bryant was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft but they were picking for the Lakers in a deal made before the draft, center Vlade Divac going to Charlotte in exchange for Bryant.

At 18, Bryant became at the time the youngest player or starter in an NBA game and the youngest winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. In 1998, he became the youngest NBA All-Star starter. In a 1999 campaign shortened by a labor dispute, Bryant started every game for the Lakers and signed a six-year deal worth $70 million.

As the Michael Jordan era ended in Chicago, Bulls coach Phil Jackson wound up joining the Lakers and with sharpshooter Bryant joining dominating inside force Shaquille O'Neal, the Lakers captured three NBA crowns in a row from 2000-2002, returning the team to glory days unseen since 1988.

In 2003, the Lakers returned to the finals but lost to Detroit. O'Neal was traded, Jackson departed and Bryant signed a long-term contract, the core of a team that would rebuild around him.

Accused of rape 

Bryant, who married wife Vanessa in 2001, faced his darkest hour in 2003 when he was arrested in Colorado over a sexual assault complaint filed by a 19-year-old hotel employee where Bryant was staying ahead of knee surgery. Bryant was accused of rape. He admitted to adultery but said he did not commit rape, but that was enough to ruin his endorsement image.

In 2004, the case was dropped after the accuser refused to testify in a trial and Bryant issued an apology saying he could understand how she might feel there was not consent. A separate civil suit was settled under terms kept private.

After Bryant had controversial statements about Jackson and O'Neal in a book, he eventually made up with both and his fortunes also turned for the better on the court.

In 2006, Bryant scored 81 points in a game against Toronto, the second-highest one-game total in NBA history, second only to the record 100 points scored by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962. Bryant won the NBA scoring crown with 35.4 points a game average.

In 2007, Bryant scored 65 points against Portland, 50 against Minnesota, 60 at Memphis and 50 against New Orleans in consecutive games, a 50-plus game run bettered only by Chamberlain in NBA history.

In the 2007-08 season, Bryant backed off trade demand talk and fought through a finger injury to earn NBA Most Valuable Player honors. The Lakers signed Spanish big man Pau Gasol and reached the NBA Finals, losing to Boston but setting the stage for championship runs in 2009 and 2010. In the process, he passed Jerry West to become the all-time Laker scoring leader.

In 2011, Bryant made an apology for using a gay slur to describe a referee and paid a $100,000 fine imposed by the NBA. Knee and ankle injuries became bad enough for Bryant to seek treatment in Europe.

As the years went on, the injuries became more serious and the absences caused by them grew longer. He missed most of the 2013-14 season with a left knee injury and much of last season with a torn right rotator cuff. – Rappler.com

GURGAON, India - UAE sharpshooter Ahmed Khalil was named Asian footballer of the year at a glitzy ceremony in India on Sunday, beating off strong competition from compatriot Omar Abdulrahman and China's Zheng Zhi.

Khalil was showered with glittering confetti after he received the award from Asian football boss and FIFA leadership hopeful Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa at the show in Gurgaon, near New Delhi.

The former youth player of the year's 6 goals fired Al Ahli to the AFC Champions League final against Guangzhou Evergrande, and he was also key to UAE's third-place finish at January's Asian Cup.

"My feeling is something I cannot explain... this award means a lot to me. This achievement is not for Ahmed, it's for all the people in the Emirates," Khalil told reporters.

Khalid's victory denies Evergrande and China captain Zheng a second Asian player of the year award, and also means disappointment for Abdulrahman, known as "Amoory".

The mop-topped playmaker dazzled with his performances at the Asian Cup but Khalid's performances in the AFC Champions League helped tip the balance in his favor.

He has also scored 10 times in the UAE's 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, raising hopes of a second appearance at the tournament after Italy 1990.

Khalid's award comes just a week after emotional scenes when he was substituted due to fatigue during Al Ahli's decisive 1-0 defeat to Evergrande in the second leg of the Champions League final.

"I'm glad to get this prize for the people of the UAE and football of UAE and Al Ahli club... I thank the management of Al Ahli and the national team. They helped me reach this milestone," he said.

Among other awards, Ange Postecoglou was named coach of the year after guiding Australia to the Asian Cup title in January, and the Socceroos also won best men's team.

"It's been a great year for Australian football," Postecoglou said. 

"I guess this award is not just for me but everyone who works really hard, and not just the national team but the whole organization." 

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean forward Son Heung-Min was named international player of the year and Evergrande's Brazilian striker Ricardo Goulart won foreign player of the year.

Under Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rules, only footballers who attend the awards show are entitled to receive the main prize of Asian player of the year. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES – Here are 5 key events in the career of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who announced Sunday, November 29 he was retiring after this season, his 20th with the Los Angeles Lakers:

2000-2002: Bryant and center Shaquille O'Neal combine to spark the Los Angeles Lakers to 3 consecutive NBA titles. The Lakers won their first title since 1988 by defeating Indiana in the 2000 championship series, then downed Philadelphia in the 2001 final and swept New Jersey in 2002. Bryant became, at 23, the youngest player in NBA history to win 3 crowns.

2003-2004: Bryant was arrested after being accused of a sexual assault by a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado, where he was having a knee operation. Bryant admitted adultery but denied he forced the woman to have sex, the situation damaging his reputation. In 2004, the case was dropped by prosecutors after the accuser refused to testify. Bryant later apologized, saying he could see how there was miscommunication. A separate civil lawsuit between the two parties was settled but both sides refused to release details.

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January 22, 2006: Bryant scored a career-high 81 points in a victory against the Toronto Raptors, a Lakers record and the second highest game total in NBA history to the 100-point game of Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

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August 2008 and 2012: Bryant helped the US Olympic basketball team capture gold at Beijing and London after the Americans stumbled to bronze in 2004 at Athens. Bryant and his star power was a major attraction in China and together with LeBron James he helped the "Redeem Team" restore US pride and then defend the crown at London.

2009-2010: Bryant wins his fourth and fifth NBA crowns, leading the Lakers past Orlando in 2009 and the Lakers in a dramatic seventh-game showdown in 2010. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Unless coach Caloy Garcia has a change of heart at the 11th hour, Jason Perkins may become the no. 1 pick overall in the 2015 PBA D-League Rookie Draft.

Racal/Keramix takes the first crack in the draft scheduled at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 1 at the PBA Cafe. Garcia said the team is eyeing the 6-foot-4 Fil-American forward out of De La Salle with their first pick.

“We need a big man,” offered Garcia, convinced Perkins perfectly fits the role.

The second pick belongs to AMA Computer on-line education and coach Mark Herrera have expressed interest in local boy Alfonso Gotladera a 6-foot-6 center from Ateneo.

“We are on the look-out for a big man who could take the place of (Dexter) Maiquez and provide J.R. Taganas some help inside. Right now, our first option is Gotladera,” Herrera said. 

“But nothing is final yet. We’re also reviewing the credentials of some Fil-foreign players,” Herrera added.

Avery Scherer, who led the ASEAN Basketball League in assists and steals last season, is the most notable among 22 Fil-foreign players who are aiming to get into the PBA through its developmental league. Players who intend to join the PBA Draft must have played at least two conferences in the D-League to be eligible. 

“My goal in life has always been to make the NBA and playing professionally in the Philippines is just one step closer,” the 29-year old Scherer said in a recent interview. The 6-foot-2 guard out of Shoreline Community College joined the 2010 NBA draft but went undrafted.

The third pick belongs to Tanduay Light followed by Foundation Cup champion Café France and Wangs Basketball. UP-QRS/Jam Liner, Mindanao Aguilas, National University, and Phoenix Petrolium will determine the order of selection from sixth to ninth place via lottery.

A record 215 aspirants have applied for the draft. (READ: Pessumal, Perkins lead 2015 PBA D-League Draft aspirants)

“This is a huge pool. Certainly, this is an encouraging development for the league and basketball in general,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa, who wished the aspirants good luck.

“Who knows, maybe this batch could lead to new discoveries for future Gilas pools,” Narvasa added. 

Other first round prospects are Ateneo’s Von Rolfe Pessumal, Julian Sargent of De La Salle, and Fil-Canadian Taylor Witherell. Taylor’s brother, Ryan, was selected 38th overall by Globalport in this year’s PBA Draft but went unsigned. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa promises to hold games abroad as much as the league can after experiencing first-hand the warm reception of OFWs in the most recent visit by the PBA in Dubai.

“We all know that our kababayans abroad don’t have much leisure time. When they come home, kasama sa kasabikan nila ang manood ng PBA (they are excited to watch the PBA). The PBA going to where they are is our way of giving back to what we call our modern-day heroes,” said Narvasa.

“I saw it in Dubai. The reception was not just warm. They’re genuinely very, very happy just to be able to see our basketball stars,” Narvasa also said. “If we can do more activities outside the country, the better. We’ll find time to work within our schedule. Susubukin natin pagbigyan lahat (We will try to accommodate everyone).”

Clique Events, the PBA’s organizing partner in Dubai, is looking forward to again host official games during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

In the third conference, the PBA is set to visit Taipei.

Next year, the PBA may play their first games in Qatar and in Saudi Arabia.

“We’ve had initial talks with the Qatar and Saudi groups. They have expressed clear intention to host PBA games. Our prospective Qatar host is the Qatar basketball federation, no less,” said PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial.

The local pro league has played official games in Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Guam.

Legends games are now also being sought. A few days back, the PBA brought over to New Zealand the group of Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Codiñera, Jojo Lastimosa, Kenneth Duremdes, Marlou Aquino, Bal David, and Noli Locsin.

The PBA ball clubs know the importance of bringing fun and excitement to Filipinos abroad.

In fact, as opposed to their practice back home, the Alaska Milk Aces opened to the public their workouts during the PBA’s recent visit in Dubai.

Alaska team owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu commended coach Alex Compton for this.

The Aces saw the longing of OFWs for some entertainment as they played back-to-back games in Dubai versus the Mahindra Enforcers and the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

“You can feel yung pagkasabik nila makasalamuha ang kababayan nilang dinadalaw sila (You can feel their excitement to mingle with compatriots visiting them),” said Alaska chief playmaker Jvee Casio.

“Nakakataba ng puso na alam mong nakapagpasaya ka ng kapwa Filipino na nasa abroad. Yon yung pakiramdam ko (My heart swells with joy knowing we were able to make our fellow Filipinos abroad happy. That's how I feel),” said Aces forward Calvin Abueva, experiencing the same in his Gilas stint and in his journey with the Manila West team in the FIBA World Tour 3x3 finale in Doha, Qatar.

“I’m all in for this knowing we sacrifice a little as compared to what these guys bring to our country,” Sonny Thoss added. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - At first glance Julian Matthews and Gerald Tan look just like any of the other young trialists at Loyola Meralco Sparks training on a muggy Friday afternoon at Emperador Stadium. But both are Filipinos hailing from Australia, which could soon play a bigger role in our country's footballing aspirations. 

Matthews is 21 years old, a son of a caregiver from Leyte and a barrister. He is from Australia's Gold Coast and plays for Palm Beach, which is in the National Premier Leagues system, below the top-tier A-League. The kid has lived in Hong Kong, Macau and England and even stayed in the Philippines for a year and a half 7 years ago, when he was coached at the Makati Football School.

The left back has trialed in Woking FC at the fifth tier of English Football and even at Stoke of the top level.

Tan is from the westernmost outpost of Perth, and has a mother from Pasig. The central defender is also just 21 years old and has experience playing junior college soccer in Canandaigua, upstate New York. Tan has also played at Melville City FC in Perth. 

One of the key figures in getting the two kids to the Philippines is sitting in the stands that day, beside Sparks general manager Armand Del Rosario. Andrew Fletcher is a lanky 66-year old sportswear sales and marketing professional from New South Wales. Fletcher is a quintessential gregarious Aussie, with a ready smile and a willingness to lend a helping hand.

Fletcher played semi-professionally in England with Lowestoft Town many moons ago. He has been active in football for decades and has a “C” coaching license.

The connection to the Philippines comes through his wife Eden Violata Fletcher, who is from Lebak, in Sultan Kudarat. Andrew apparently loves Philippine football as much as his Filipina wife. 

Fletcher and Jojo Concha, a Lebak native who learned the game in Baguio, started football in Lebak 6 years ago. There is now a local youth team that has played in regional meets, which Fletcher supports. Lebak FC recently reached the finals of the provincial championships, succumbing to the powerhouse squad from the Sultan Kudarat capital of Isulan in the championship game. But it's what Fletcher has done in his home country that perhaps has an even greater impact. 

Leigh Gunn was the first Australian-Filipino to make the national team in the mid-2000s. Four years ago Gunn and Fletcher started the Azkalroos program to help young Filipino-Aussies make youth and senior national squads of the Philippines. 

In case you are wondering, the term “Azkalroos” is a portmanteau of “Azkals” and “Soceroos,” the nickname of the Australian national team. 

Fletcher says the program, which has access to fields and other training venues, has about 3 dozen players from the age of 12 all the way to 26 active in the program. They include Ace Garnicia and Eddie Roberto, who play senior level in the State Leagues.

Apart from training sessions, the Azkalroos have also created “Futsal sa Fiesta” mini tournaments during the Fiesta activities of the local Pinoy community in New South Wales. The Azkalroos have played against other teams of mixed ethnicity, like Nepalese and Indian teams. Here you can see them in action against the New South Wales Nepalese All-Stars.

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Five Star, an Australian manufacturer of futsal balls, and remittance company Moneygram are supporting the program. Moneygram played a pivotal role in sending Matthews and Tan to Loyola for trials. 

The players generally play with their schools or clubs during the season then train with the Azkalroos over the offseason.

The Azkalroos program has already started to bear fruit, with several promising young Aussie players already in the youth national team mix. 

John Kanayama, a Filipino-Japanese Australian, helped Global win the UFL Charity Cup last year. The midfielder has also played for the U22 Philippine team in AFC qualifying earlier this year in Bangkok. He also has experience in senior professional ball in Australia. 

Dominic Del Rosario is another youngster, just 19, who has already donned the Philippines' colors. Marlon Maro selected him for the 2015 SEA Games squad and he played at left back against Myanmar. Dominic plays club football for Kaya but was on loan to JP Voltes last season, when they earned promotion to the top tier of the UFL.

Josh Grommen met Gunn in a chance meeting through Elmer Bedia, a former Philippines national team standout who is now residing in Australia. Through that meeting and subsequent participation in the Azkalroos, Grommen, a Filipino-Australian Dutchman, latched on to Loyola for a season and played for the Philippines in the AFC U22 team in the qualifiers earlier this year. Grommen is a centerback, which makes him very valuable. He will see action in the UFL next year.

There are other Pinoy-Aussies who have played in the Philippines recently, like Luis Abadia with Kaya and Ricky Monserrat, a highly-rated young keeper who was with Loyola for a spell. 

The future looks even brighter when you factor in Patrick Elhindi, a world-class talent who has played in the youth system of Spanish club Levante and is now in the U18 side of Belenenses, a fabled Portuguese club. The attacking midfielder has a Filipina mother, Iranian father, and grew up in Australia, so he may have his pick of 3 different national teams to play for when he comes of age. Hopefully he chooses the Philippines. 

These young Filipino-Aussies can look up to Iain Ramsay for inspiration. Ramsey scored his first senior international goal for the Azkals against Yemen earlier in the year. The A-League veteran now plays for Tractor Sazi in Iran. 

But the Azkalroos don't just want to import talent into the country. Fletcher says plans are afoot for an academy here in the Metro Manila area, although that could be some time coming. Gunn is married to a Filipina from Bukidnon and he has pitched in with goal frames and some coaching help in the town where his wife has roots. 

But for now the Azkalroos is dedicated to strengthening our leagues and national teams with kids from Oz. Rudolf, Josh Grommen's father, shares his appreciation for the project that turned his son into an international footballer.

“This program has the foundations of something really good. It is a great idea.” – Rappler.com 

Like the official Azkalroos Facebook page to learn more about the club. 

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.