MANILA, Philippines – Former Adamson Soaring Falcons recruit Tyrus Hill said he felt like he had to “move on” when he decided to make the jump to De La Salle University Green Archers.

“I just felt like, me, as a player, it was just getting tough in my position at Adamson and I just felt like I had to move on and see what my other options were,” Hill said in an exclusive interview with Rappler on Saturday, April 21, at the San Juan Arena.

Hill’s decision to leave Adamson irked the Soaring Falcons coaching staff.

The San Jose, California native explained that after deciding to leave Adamson, he had plans of returning to the United States before a familiar face persuaded him to instead move to Taft.

“I was intentionally supposed to go home, and then the recruiter from La Salle two years ago hit me up saying, ‘Ty, do you want to re-consider this, do you want to re-think your options again?’

“I just gave it a little thinking, talked to my parents and see if that’s a good option for me right now since I’m still young, and they were like, ‘go for it, you might as well stay there, you made your name, you’re doing so well. Just have fun with it.’”

Hill and teammate Kurt Lojera, another San Jose product, were spotted around DLSU’s campus early in April which sparked news of the two moving to La Salle. Not long after, an image of both former Falcons wearing Green Archers gear started to spread on social media.

“It’s something we had to make together because that’s like my best friend out here,” Hill said about the decision of both players to move together. Before committing to Adamson in 2016, Hill and Lojera also considered De La Salle.

“We came here, we trained so hard, and this is where we’re supposed to end up so they called us both. They were like, ‘Come on down, we really want you back ASAP.’”

After Hill confirmed the transfer to DLSU, Adamson assistant coach Don Allado blasted him on social media for reportedly lying to his old team.

“He lied to us,” Allado tweeted at the time. “Said he was going San Jose State, a D1 school. With 4 pts a game ave?! Head coach of that school called me & said I don’t know this F*UCKING TYRUS. Tell him to stop using my program!” . G’luck to him.”

“[It] really doesn’t bother me,” was Hill’s reaction when queried about Allado’s statement. “It’s his opinion, and if people follow his opinion, that’s up to them. I’m really a nice guy. People know that, so it’s okay.”

After losing reigning MVP Ben Mbala, the Rivero Brothers, and head coach Aldin Ayo following the last UAAP season, La Salle gave spectators a first glimpse into the program’s new era under Louie Gonzales on Saturday with an 82-79 victory over the UP Maroons on the opening day of the Filoil preseason tournament.

Hill and Lojera will serve residency for transferring this season, then is expected to make their DLSU debuts in 2019.

“This is a new team so we’re all starting from scratch. We’re trying to build a family thing now instead of everyone knowing La Salle by Ben [Mbala]. Now it’s brand new,” he said, before later adding:

“Hopefully next season we can get a championship too. There’s going to be hype.”

But despite looking forward to the new stage of his career, Hill is also grateful for his time with Adamson.

“I miss them, I love them, they’re fun, they’re energetic. That’s the biggest thing that pumped me up there in games. But sometimes, life moves on. You have to make opportunities, and you have to grab those opportunities.

“I’m glad I got the opportunity from coach Franz [Pumaren], a great coach. Adamson, love them. Hopefully next season is going to be even bigger than I made last year,” said Hill, who averaged 4.0 points and 2.4 boards a game last year.

When asked what he would like to tell Coach Franz, Hill responded:

“I apologize, coach, but I guess it’s time for a new Tyrus to come into UAAP now.” – Rappler.com

HARTFORD, CT, USA—In only a couple of weeks, the WWE managed to overhaul their two major brands with the movements of the Superstar Shakeup.

For those who are unaware, the Superstar Shakeup is the millennial version of what was once the WWE Draft—a period of time in which each General Manager of the two brands, RAW and SmackDown Live, may make trades and transfers of roster members across the shows, as well as call up people they deem deserving from NXT, WWE’s farm league.

Of course, the biggest difference the Superstar Shakeup has with the WWE Draft is that it’s not as organized or structured as the latter. Where the WWE Draft made more sense because it followed the way other professional sports leagues both drafted rookies and traded players between teams—RAW and SmackDown took turns picking, and in previous years, trades were made transparent—the Superstar Shakeup sees new acquisitions just appear randomly on the show they were selected, without much rhyme or reason.

However, despite the lack of logic built into the Superstar Shakeup there’s still some strategy implied in the moves that were made this week. Where previously the WWE Draft really was more meant to switch stars elsewhere and shake things up, I noticed that this year’s roster moves were meant to address actual holes in both rosters. I like this move because not only does it fix some imbalances between the rosters, it makes both GMs look even more credible and competent for taking people they need. (Granted, I still would’ve made some smarter moves if I were one of them, but that’s beside the point.)

Kurt Angle beefs up the RAW midcard

RAW General Manager Kurt Angle, understanding that he’s got a pretty stacked main event and upper midcard scene with Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor, largely stole SmackDown’s deep midcard for himself. Counting only the men who aren’t part of a tag team, Angle got Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, (former United States Champion) Jinder Mahal, Bobby Roode, Dolph Ziggler, Chad Gable, Mike Kanellis, Mojo Rawley, and Zack Ryder. With these guys alone RAW came away with more selections than SmackDown, and for good reason: for much of 2017, they didn’t really have a midcard.

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Consider, say, this year’s men’s Elimination Chamber match for a shot at Brock Lesnar. You had guys like Apollo Crews trying to fight their way in, and someone like Elias actually competing for a main event spot at WrestleMania. That’s because Brock Lesnar’s part-time schedule (plus key injuries to people like Samoa Joe) meant RAW had to make its midcard the main event. By taking who Angle took, he could buffer the upper midcard with some worthy names whether or not Lesnar is keeping the title for the foreseeable future, and still seed the Intercontinental title scene or the RAW tag team division.

I mention the tag team division because as we’ll get to in a bit, Angle sold off much of his tag team scene to SmackDown. It’s fine, because he’s clearly looking to rebuild it with picks like the Authors of Pain, Breezango, and the Ascension, mainstays such as the Revival and Heath Slater and Rhyno, as well as new teams such as Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt, and the possible partnership of Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.

For RAW’s women’s division, though, I don’t care if you have a Ronda Rousey on your team, but you just do not let Asuka walk. That’s just dumb.

RAW’s missed picks: Shinsuke Nakamura, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, Becky Lynch, The Usos

Paige reinforces all fronts on SmackDown

Meanwhile, where Angle looked to restock his dangerously thin midcard, SmackDown Live General Manager Paige took this opportunity to swoop in and steal people to pump up a roster that’s bursting at the seams.

Also understanding that she’s got a main event scene that you can’t really mess with (AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, Shinsuke Nakamura is your new WWE holy trinity, to be honest) Paige just decided she’d add one more big name in Samoa Joe. But her biggest coup is in her women’s and tag team divisions. Boosting last week’s Iiconics selection by landing the second biggest woman in the WWE, Asuka, Paige really did not go wrong here.

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She also really got to work stacking the SmackDown Live tag team division, as the Usos, New Day, and the Bludgeon Brothers are joined by Sheamus and Cesaro, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, and SAnitY from NXT. While her midcarder selection was relatively thinner (she got back the United States Championship by selecting Jeff Hardy, who won it from Mahal on RAW, and the other big pick she made is former NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas) the tag teams she got could either be broken up or utilized in the US title scene.

The only problem now with SmackDown is trying to figure out how all the big names they just got are going to fit with only two hours of programming every week. They already have a hard time consistently using talent they don’t have plans for, so expect a lot of these good selections to not show up every week.

SmackDown’s missed picks: Roman Reigns, Finn Balor, Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, The Revival, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Apollo Crews, Elias

*****

Do you listen to podcasts? Would you want to listen to a local podcast about pro wrestling? If the answers to those questions – especially that last one – are yes, then you should check out the cleverly-named Smark Gilas-Pilipinas Podcast, featuring PWR General Manager Stan Sy, wrestling writer and Wrestling God Romeo Moran, and all-around multimedia person and former voice of PWR Raf Camus! On this week’s episode, the boys review MWF 1: Kasaysayan! Listen to it here! 

MANILA, Philippines – After Far Eastern University (FEU) swept Ateneo in the eliminations, Marck Espejo needed to unleash the beast in him to salvage the Blue Eagles' season. 

This came in the form of a 55-point outburst in a 5-set game that sealed the victory. 

"Yung points naman po, hindi ko siya iniisip. Basta iniisip ko lang, pag binigay sa akin 'yung bola, kailangan ko pumuntos, kasi para sa team ko naman 'yun eh. Sama-sama kami lagi sa hirap at ginhawa," said Espejo

(I don't think about the points. I just think that if the ball is given to me, I have to score because this is for the team. We are always together in both tough and fun times.) 

The Tamaraws were no match for the UAAP's reigning MVP, who trounced them with 47 spikes, 6 blocks, and two aces. 

The season is far from over for the Blue Eagles as the win booked them another knockout date with the twice-to-beat FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, April 25, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

The 5th year player is keen on making Season 80 his most memorable one yet. 

"Gusto ko lang maging memorable 'yung last year ko, at ino-offer ko sa mga teammates ko 'yun," said the graduating 4-time MVP. 

(I just want my last year to be memorable and I am offering this to my teammates) 

Although Espejo is sure that the Morayta-based squad will figure out the Blue Eagles' game plan, he still remains confident that as long as his teammates trust each other and know their roles, they can pull off an upset against FEU. 

"Basta 'yung tiwala ng teammates ko, nasa akin kasi may kanya-kanya kaming role," said Espejo 

(As long as my teammates trust me because we each have our own roles.)

"Hindi ko naman magagawa 'yun [55 points] kun'di dahil sa tulong ng teammates ko. Basta pag binibigay sa akin 'yung bola, kailangan ko lang mag-deliver. Kung kaya, sana malagpasan pa natin 'yung performance namin ngayon [semis game one]." 

(I wouldn't be able to score 55 points if it weren't for the help of my teammates. As long as they give the ball to me, I need to deliver. If we can, we hope to surpass our performance in the semis game one.)

Coach Oliver Almadro also commended Espejo for his record-breaking heroics, but he first had to stare at the stat sheet dumbfounded for a little while.

"Nagulat nga ako, 'typographical error ba ito?' sabi ko kanina. Hindi namin alam," said the stunned Blue Eagles head coach.

(I got shocked, I asked myself: 'is this a typographical error?' We didn't know.) 

Praises aside, it's immediately back to work for Almadro and the Blue Eagles, whose sights are still set on a 4th straight championship. 

"Sabi ko nga: 'they beat us twice, we will try to beat them twice'. Nakakuha na kami ng isang [panalo]. We will really work hard. If we can, triple the effort para mabawi namin ang isa," said Almadro.

"'They beat us twice, we will try to beat them twice,' I said. We got one win. We will really work hard. It will be triple the effort if we can in order to get back the other win.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Bea de Leon had her share of emotional moments after bowing out of the UAAP Season 80 women's volleyball tournament with a semis loss to Far Eastern University. However, she immediately looked into the positive side after taking some time to reflect.

"But I’m very proud of what my team has achieved," said De Leon. 

The Lady Eagles recovered from a 0-2 start to the season and made a statement with a 5-game winning streak in the second round. This secured them a Final 4 spot, which was their first goal amid questions on the team's talent this year. 

"That was the goal this season, the first goal. Of course everybody wants to be a champion but it's not for us this year. I think we still [overachieved]," said De Leon.

However, De Leon also admitted that she had her doubts with the team, especially during her preseason stint as captain. The National University Lady Bulldogs knocked the Lady Eagles out of semis contention in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) collegiate conference and Ateneo finished with a 2-3 record. 

She was glad to be proven wrong.

"Even me, I myself had my own doubts with us not making it into the Final 4. We had a lot of opportunities and we made it [to the Final 4]," said De Leon. 

"We’re a far cry from [where] we started in the the PVL, what people saw from us and me solely being a part of the team and seeing them every day and how we improve, malaki talaga (we improved a lot)." 

With one more playing year to go, the Ateneo middle blocker will need more time to decide if she will pursue her 5th year with the team. 

"It’s a possibility [that I will forego it], but I don’t want to make any rash decisions," said De Leon. 

De Leon won a championship in her first year with the Ateneo Lady Eagles in Season 77.

The middle blocker was also invited to try out for the Philippine women's volleyball team mentored by De La Salle University Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus. However, she hasn't made an appearance in the first two tryouts due to her commitments in the UAAP. – Rappler.com

MADRID, Spain – Andres Iniesta hinted he may have played his last final for Barcelona after they crushed Sevilla 5-0 to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday. 

Barcelona captain Iniesta said he would reveal his future plans "this week"  as the 33-year-old weighs up an offer from China that would take him away from his boyhood club. 

There was no sign of age catching up with the Spaniard at the Wanda Metropolitano where Iniesta capped a sublime performance by scoring Barca's fourth goal. 

He looked tearful as he departed to a standing ovation in the second half, from some Sevilla fans too, before hoisting the Copa del Rey trophy aloft. 

"This week I will make my decision public but we will always have days like today," Iniesta said. 

Asked if this was his last final with Barcelona, Iniesta added: "It's a possibility. In a few days I'll make it public and nothing more. Today is a very special and emotional day." 

The top sponsor of China club Chongqing Dangdai Lifan told the state-run Xinhua news agency Saturday he was "positive" they would sign Iniesta, who had earlier this year also been linked with fellow Chinese Super League outfit Tianjin Quanjian. 

"I will say what the decision is this week," said Iniesta. "I think it's a little clear but we will see."

Lionel Messi scored in between a first-half double for Luis Suarez as Barcelona ran riot to secure their fourth Copa del Rey triumph in as many years. Philippe Coutinho converted a late penalty to make it 5-0.

Individual brilliance 

But Iniesta was the man of the moment, his fourth goal a moment of individual brilliance after a superb shimmy left Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria helpless to save the finish. 

"Today he played a match as such a high level, it seemed that he was 25 years old," Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella said. "It would be difficult to find another player to replace him." 

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said: "When I was a player I would have given my right arm to do what he and Messi do. It's a stroke of good luck to have him." 

This was the sixth time Iniesta has won the Copa del Rey, adding another trophy to a remarkable collection that already includes eight La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns and a World Cup. 

He will win a ninth La Liga title if Barcelona beat Deportivo La Coruna next weekend.  

"It was a great night in all ways, on a collective and personal level," Iniesta said. "We will try to add the League to leave a good taste in people's mouths. It is a day of many emotions and I am very happy." 

Barca defender Jordi Alba said: "It has been and is a pleasure to share a changing room with him today, he is number one in his position and as person. 

"The decision that he takes should be respected because he deserves it. But the day Iniesta leaves is the day we will all cry. We will miss him." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The National University (NU) Bulldogs are back in the finals again as they defeated 4th-seeded University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Spikers in straight sets, 25-13, 25-13, 31-29, in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Bryan Bagunas led the Bulldogs as he exploded with a career-high 29 points off 24 spikes and 3 aces while making 10 excellent receptions.

This is the Bulldogs’ 6th straight finals appearance. 

Just a set away from elimination, the Tiger Spikers tried to keep their finals hopes alive as they took their first lead in the 3rd set. But the Bulldogs responded with a 5-0 run to wrest the advantage back until they reached match point, 24-22.

A net touch error by Madz Gampong followed by a block by Tyrone Carodan, however, extended the set. Bagunas brought NU to their 5th match point and sealed the win with a block on Arnold Bautista.

Jayvee Sumagaysay topscored for UST with 10 points from 7 spikes, two blocks and one ace.

The Bulldogs dominated the first two sets, silencing the Tiger Spikers to only 13 points in both sets.

Bagunas, a 4th year player, has been in the finals in all 4 years of his UAAP career. However, he has never tasted a championship and hopes that this season will be different.

“Sa ngayon ano eh, parang lahat naman kami, kagustuhan naming bumalik sa Finals. Iisa naman ang goal namin, mag-champion," said Bagunas.

(Right now, all of us want to make it to the Finals again, but we only have one goal which is to become champions.)

NU will face the winner of the Ateneo vs Far Eastern University do-or-die semis match.

The Scores

NU (3) – Bagunas 29, Gampong 8, Natividad 7, Malabunga 6, Saura 3, Dayandante 3, Ismail 1.

UST (0) – Sumagaysay 10, Umandal 9, Icalina 5, Medina 3, Bautista 3, Carodan 2, Arbasto 1.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (3RD UPDATE) – Reigning champions De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers will return to the UAAP Finals after outclassing the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in straight sets, 27-25, 25-22, 25-11, on Sunday, April 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This is the Lady Spikers’ 10th straight finals appearance under champion coach Ramil de Jesus.

Kim Dy led the Lady Spikers with 17 points, followed by Tin Tiamzon with 11 points. Dawn Macandili made 23 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

The Lady Spikers will face the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in Game 1 of the women’s volleyball best-of-three title series on Saturday, April 28, at the Araneta Coliseum.

The last time the two teams met in the finals was in Season 71, where DLSU emerged as the champion.

Playing her final season, Jaja Santiago ended her UAAP career with 17 points off 13 spikes for the Lady Bulldogs.

The Lady Spikers showed no mercy in the third frame and quickly finished off the Lady Bulldogs after two tight sets. Julia Ipac’s attack made it a 10-point lead, 21-11, and she later also brought DLSU to match point.

Audrey Paran’s low attack sealed the win for DLSU.

The Lady Bulldogs got off to a strong start to the game as they led DLSU by 5 points, 12-7. Kim Dy scored a personal 5-1 run for DLSU that tied the score at 19-all.

NU escaped the stalemate and Jaja Santiago was able bring the team to set point. Arriane Layug extended the set which gave the Lady Spikers a chance to close out the set with an ace by Desiree Cheng.

The Lady Spikers did not give up the lead in the second set despite NU’s efforts to stay within striking distance. DLSU made up for their errors as May Luna brought it to set point and Tin Tiamzon’s block gave the Lady Spikers a 2-0 match advantage.

The Scores

DLSU (3) – Dy 17, Tiamzon 11, Baron 9, Cheng 8, Ogunsanya 6, Cobb 3, Layug 2, Ipac 2, Luna 1.

NU (0) – Santiago 17, Nabor 8, Sato 6, Doromal 3, Singh 3, Urdas 1, Paran 1.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A rebrand and a new name seem to work wonders for Columbian Dyip as they dispatched Blackwater Elite, 126-98, in the opener of the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 22. 

The Dyip, formerly known as the Kia Picanto, drew strength from new acquisition Jerramy King and top guard Rashawn McCarthy to end a 6-game losing streak carried from their last-place finish in the Philippine Cup. 

King, who was picked up from the free agent market by Columbian following a one-year stint with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, proved he can shine when utilized after scattering 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

McCarthy, meanwhile, backstopped King with 22 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals as the Dyip used a fiery 3rd-quarter run to push a slim 4-point halftime lead to an 87-52 cushion heading into the final period.

The Elite would cut their deficit to single digit midway through the 4th quarter, 83-92, before Columbian restored order with a game-clinching 34-15 bomb. 

Columbian import C.J. Aiken scored just 9 points in his PBA debut but filled up the 4 other major statistical categories with 22 rebounds, 6 steals, 4 assists and two blocks. 

Jarrid Famous chalked up a monster double-double of 35 points and 22 rebounds but his 11 turnovers proved costly for Blackwater. 

The Scores:

Columbian (126): King 30, McCarthy 22, Lastimosa 14, Camson 12, Tubid 12, Aiken 9, Celda 6, Corpuz 6, Khobuntin 6, Cahilig 5, Sara 4

Blackwater (98): Famous 35, Maliksi 22, Belo 11, Erram 8, Pinto 8, Marcelo 4, Digregorio 2, Cruz 2, Sena 2, Palma 2, Jose 2, Sumang 0

Quarter scores: 27-25, 59-55, 87-72, 126-98

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ramil de Jesus, the UAAP's most decorated coach, made history as he led De La Salle University to its 10th straight finals appearance. 

But De Jesus said "nothing has changed" even though he now holds the longest finals appearance streak in the Final 4 era of the women’s volleyball tournament.

He credits the achievement to his players, who showed on court that they’re bent on advancing to the finals. 

"Wala namang bago kasi kung ano man 'yung narating ng team ngayon, siguro dahil na rin sa mga players kasi gusto nila 'yun," said De Jesus. 

(Nothing has changed because whatever the current team has achieved, I guess that's what the players wanted.) 

Lady Spikers veterans Kim Dy and Dawn Macandili have been training under De Jesus even when they were still playing for De La Salle Zobel. As their UAAP careers are nearly coming to an end, they are highly motivated to show what they have learned from De Jesus by bringing home a 3rd straight championship. 

"Siyempre we want to show coach na sa 5 years namin dito [DLSU], these are the players that you produced. We want to honor him," said Dy

(Of course we want to show coach that in our 5 years in DLSU, these are the players that you produced. We want to honor him.) 

"Siyempre ayaw namin mag-graduate na may regrets, so ibibigay na namin lahat," added Macandili. 

(Of course we don't want to graduate with any regrets, so we want to give our all.) 

Ramil de Jesus also revealed that he has shared emotional moments with both Dy and Macandili. Sometimes, the 3 of them will reminisce about the players' high school days, as De Jesus was able to watch his two players mature and grow on and off the court. 

"So 'di maiiwasan na... eto medyo mababa ang luha ng isa diyan eh [Kim Dy], so, naiiyak na nga kapag ganun na nababalikan 'yung mga memories, so 'yun lang kasi medyo matagal ang pinagsamahan kasi," recalled De Jesus. 

(We can't avoid it, but cry as we recall our memories, especially this crybaby we have here [Kim Dy] because we have been through a lot together.)

The DLSU Lady Spikers will begin the last stretch of their title defense against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, April 28, at the Araneta Coliseum.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Jerramy King is riding with the Columbian Dyip and he has taken his game to new heights. Well, at least for one game. 

King, a pickup from the free agent market by Columbian during the break, immediately provided impact as the Dyip dismantled the Blackwater Elite, 126-98, in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup opener on Sunday, April 22. 

The Filipino-American led the way for Columbian with a career-high 30 points on top of 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while recording a staggering plus-minus of +35 as a starter. 

It wasn't the case during King's stint with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. 

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, King scored only 26 points in his first 9 games in the PBA with the Elasto Painters.

"[I'm] very happy [with my new team]. The [Dyip's] style is more of my style, it's fast-paced. Coach Ricky (Dandan) has a lot of confidence in me. He let me play tonight and it worked out well," said the 27-year-old. 

"It's my best game so far in the PBA. I worked really, really hard and tonight it finally showed up." 

Although Columbian has a bevy of point guards in Rashawn McCarthy, Reden Celda and Dan Sara, Dandan said they wanted to look for another floor general since they wanted to move McCarthy as a shooting guard.

Fortunately, the Dyip found one in King, who was then relegated to the unrestricted free agent market by Rain or Shine after the Philippine Cup. 

Along with King in the starting lineup, McCarthy torched the Elite with 22 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and a couple of dunks and an alley-oop. 

"I knew I could play, I'm very confident with myself. No hard feelings, I love all the guys there (Rain or Shine) but I'm happy where I am now," said King. 

With a win in the books, King and Columbian, which finished its All-Filipino campaign with a woeful 1-10 record, are trying to shake things up. 

"I'm trying to change the culture but so is the rest of the team. It's a total team effort." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As tragic as it may seem, National University stalwart Jaja Santiago will graduate from the school and the UAAP without a title after 5 years.

However, with her 6-foot-5 height advantage, Santiago's volleyball career is far from over as there are many local and international opportunities that await her. 

National team head coach Ramil de Jesus invited Santiago to the tryouts and she was able to show up on the first day, but was not able to suit up for the scrimmages due to her UAAP commitments.

Aside from pursuing her national team duties, Santiago still has a chance of playing in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix semi-finals with her current club Foton Tornadoes. 

"Feeling ko PSL kasi ongoing pa depende pa kung ipapasok nila ako or hindi," said Santiago. 

(I think what's next for me will be the PSL, which will depend if they will put me in or not.) 

Once the local professional league concludes, Santiago is keen on finally grabbing the opportunity that might allow her to play for the Korean Volleyball League. The league will be holding tryouts for international players in Italy this coming May. 

"After siguro ng PSL ko, opportunity naman ako outside the country. Siyempre sana makita pa rin nila yung [actual] performance [ko], iba kasi yung actual sa videos," said Santiago.

(Maybe after the PSL, I will pursue my opportunies outside the country. Of course I hope that they can see my actual performance because the actual is different from the videos.)

The 22-year-old has turned down opportunities to play abroad throughout her UAAP career, including the recruitment of US NCAA team University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2013 and Thailand League team Bangkok Glass before the start of Season 80. 

However, Santiago does not regret choosing to play for National University until the end. 

"Wala akong pinanghinayangan kasi sabi ko nga ginusto ko naman lahat ng desisyon ko, pinagtrabahuhan ko, pinaghirapan ko, lahat ng desisyonan ko and siguro kung iniwanan ko teammates ko this season then babalik next season mas parang feeling ko pagsisisihan ko kasi konti lang kami ngayon," explained Santiago. 

(I don't regret anything because I stand firm on my decisions, I worked hard in every decision I made, and if I left my teammates this season then go back in the next season, I would regret it more because we're undermanned.) 

Santiago ended her UAAP career watching her teammates from the bench as the Lady Bulldogs lost to defending champion De La Salle University.

The middle blocker took home the Rookie of the Year award in Season 76 and is a 3-time Best Attacker since Season 77. In Season 79, Santiago added the Best Scorer and Best Blocker awards to her indiviual accolades.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The TNT KaTropa banked on a balanced scoring attack to topple the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 128-114, in the opening day of the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 22. 

Jayson Castro churned out 21 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds, Roger Pogoy chalked up 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and two steals and 5 other players breached double figures as the KaTropa ruled the highly physical contest. 

TNT saw what was once a 21-point cushion diminish to a slim two-point lead heading into the payoff period, 83-81, before it rode on a 16-4 run to pull away for good. 

The Batang Pier were still well within striking distance with less than 3 minutes left but a disqualifying foul on Mo Tautuaa – a kick in the chest on TNT import Jeremy Tyler during a dunk – and an unsportsmanlike foul on Joseph Gabayni proved too costly as the KaTropa protected their double-digit lead.

Although TNT went away with the win, the rough play had head coach Nash Racela raising his eyebrows.

"It's nice that the PBA is allowing some level of physicality but if it gets to a point where players intentionally hurt each other, we should all question that," said Racela.

Terrence Romeo, who was traded to TNT from the Batang Pier with Yousef Taha for Tautuaa and future picks, finished with 11 points, highlighted by 6 straight points in the 4th quarter that gave the KaTropa a 115-110 lead, on a 4-of-13 clip. 

Jericho Cruz added 16 points and 5 rebounds while Tyler chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds in the win. 

Sean Anthony paced the Batang Pier with 34 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists while import Malcolm White had 27 points and 12 rebounds. 

Tautuaa had 10 points and 7 rebounds before being his ejection while Stanley Pringle added 14 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds in the loss. 

The Scores:

TNT (128): Castro 21, Pogoy 20, Cruz 16, Tyler 14, Reyes 13, Romeo 11, Trollano 11, Rosario 8, Paredes 5, Golla 3, Carey 3, Saitanan 3, Garcia 0

GlobalPort (114): Anthony 34, White 27, Pringle 14, Elorde 10, Tautuaa 10, Nabong 9, Grey 8, Juico 2, Teng 0, Arana 0, Viernes 0, Guinto 0, Gabayni 0, Sargent 0

Quarter scores: 34-15, 58-49, 83-81, 128-114

– Rappler.com

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Justin Brownlee unleashed 46 points to power San Miguel Alab Pilipinas past Thailand's Mono Vampire in a high-scoring overtime thriller, 143-130, in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) finals at the Sta. Rosa Multi-purpose Complex, Sunday, April 22. 

Brownlee tied the playoff scoring record owned by teammate Renaldo Balkman, who also erupted for 41 points in the victory that gave Alab a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. 

Both imports delivered in the clutch with Brownlee sinking a desperate late triple for Alab to inch within one, 119-120, and Balkman later nailing the game-tying tip at the end of regulation.

In the extra period, Alab opened with a crushing 8-0 run led by the Balkman-Brownlee duo. The home team never looked back as they cruised to a double-digit advantage. 

Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. also came through for the home team, scoring 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter – including key corner triples that create a comfortable 102-93 cushion – before fouling out.  

Samuel Deguara, Mono’s monstrous 7-foot-5 center, was predictably dominant from the get-go, scoring 10 of his team’s first 19 points in the opening 5 minutes with 3 early blocks and boards to boot. The Balkman-Brownlee duo to kept the game close for Alab, but Jason Brickman and Mike Singletary drained consecutive triples to end the first with a 32-26 Vampire lead.

With Alab unable to stop Mono’s inside looks for the 38-33 lead, Coach Jimmy Alapag called for time as Brownlee was seen visibly arguing with point guard Josh Urbiztondo. Cooler heads prevailed for the home team as frustrations leaked to the Thai side, with Deguara getting two consecutive offensive fouls and a swift benching right after. With the Vamps’ size advantage neutralized, Parks knotted the game at 47 with a layup and later sank the go-ahead triple right at the halftime buzzer for the 59-58 lead.

Parks kept rolling to start the third frame, as he fished Deguara’s fourth foul at Alab’s first possession for another prompt ride on the pine. Mono’s Heritage imports Brickman and Paul Zamar made up for lost firepower with a couple of long bombs, but Parks and Law Domingo held down the fort with hard drives for the 76-72 lead. At the end of the third, Singletary called for isolation and sank a quarter-ending lay-in to tie the game at 87 entering the final quarter.

After Mono opened the fourth with a go-ahead bucket for the 91-89 lead, Alab blazed hot with a 10-2 response for a 6-point lead, 97-91, courtesy of key triples from Brownlee and Parks. They then extended that gap to 9, 102-93, following a mid-range jumper from Pao Javelona and another Parks trey. However, that lead vanished after Darongpan Apiromvilaichai drained a corner triple to complete a game-tying 13-4 run, 106-all.

Later on, Singletary was fouled in the penalty with 19.3 seconds left and calmly sank his charities for the 120-116 advantage. 

Off the timeout, Brownlee sank a running triple to creep within one, 119-120. Singletary then missed one of his two penalty shots to keep the game open at 121-119. With 7.1 seconds remaining, Brownlee fished the disqualifying foul on Deguara but blew his two free-throws. However, Balkman was there for the offensive board and game-tying bucket at 121-all. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Terrence Romeo is arguably the best ball handler in the PBA. 

He utilizes his razze-dazzle of moves on the way to being named the league's scoring champion for the past 3 seasons. He has PBA players and international cagers on his list of victims with his killer crossover. 

So when he gets called for consecutive dribbling violations, Romeo couldn't help but doubt the officials. 

The 26-year-old was assessed 3 straight dribbling violations within 30 seconds midway through the payoff period of the TNT KaTropa's 128-114 win over the GlobalPort Batang Pier on Sunday, April 22. 

The referees whistled back-to-back double-dribble and a traveling violation on Romeo, which led to his benching. 

"Siguro may nakikita 'yung referee na talagang nakikita niya siguro 'yung sa galing ibang planeta eh. Hindi ko alam kung ano, so siguro next time, mag-aadjust ako, kasi ewan ko kung saang planeta siya nag-referee before, eh wala akong magagawa," said Romeo. 

(When the referee whistled me for double-dribble violations, they were probably basing them from what they do from other planets. I don't know, I will just probably adjust since I don't know what planet the referee is from. I can't do anything about it.)

"Pero ‘di bale, adjust na lang ako, sana maka-pasyal ako sa planeta nila next time."

(But no worries, I will just adjust and hopefully I can visit their planet next time.)

Despite finishing with 5 turnovers, Romeo still finished with 11 points, 3 assists and two rebounds in his first game with the KaTropa that, interestingly, went up against his former team in GlobalPort.

And although he shot a paltry 4-of-13 from the field, the former Far Eastern University standout scored 6 straight points in the 4th quarter that put TNT in a good position to win. 

Romeo and the KaTropa return to action on April 28 against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. – Rappler.com

MONTE CARLO, Monaco – Rafael Nadal said he's looking to carry the momentum from his 11th Monte Carlo Masters title into the rest of the clay-court season after beating Kei Nishikori in Sunday's final.

The world number one showed no signs of rustiness in Monaco as he raced through his first ATP tournament since January without coming close to dropping a set.

The 31-year-old will now turn his attention to upcoming bids for 11th titles in Barcelona and at the French Open.

"It's important for my confidence. It's true that the longest match here was one hour 30 (minutes). That's great news," said Nadal.

"Today is a day to enjoy this because winning a tournament like this one doesn't happen every day.

"But tomorrow I need to start being focused on the next week. It's not the moment to stop and disconnect your mind.

"It's the moment to stay focused and to keep holding that good momentum after winning seven matches in a row on clay now this year."

Nadal only returned from a hip injury in Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final against Germany earlier this month, where he won both of his singles matches in straight sets.

The Spaniard had retired from his Australian Open last-eight clash with Marin Cilic in January, but showed no signs of fitness problems in Monte Carlo.

"There remains a lot of the clay-court season, hopefully, hopefully, a lot of matches," he said.

"I hope to have the chance to be healthy for the whole clay-court season. That's it, yeah, it's an important beginning.

"My goal is always the same thing – to be healthy, because if I am not healthy, I cannot have any goals."

Time to say goodbye is closer

The victory kept Nadal ahead of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings and was also an outright record 31st Masters title, pulling him out of a tie with Novak Djokovic.

Twenty-four of those successes have come on clay, on which Nadal has now won 36 consecutive sets.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion said that he's just trying to enjoy every moment of the latter part of his career.

"My true feeling is that these kind of things are not going to happen forever, so I just try to enjoy and to play with full passion and with full energy and concentration, full love for the sport for as long as I can," he added.

"I know the day to say goodbye is closer than 10 years ago.

"It's something that I am not worried about, but it's a real thing. So I'm just enjoying every day and trying to play with the best attitude possible, to keep being happy playing tennis."

Nadal extended his Open-era record as the man to have won the most titles at the same event, having first won in Monaco as an 18-year-old in 2005, and he knows it will be a hard mark for future players to beat.

"Eleven titles here, it's unbelievable, so... It's something difficult to imagine," he said.

"I always say the same: If I did (it), somebody else can do it. But it's very difficult.

"I really don't know how these things can happen because it's a lot of years without making mistakes and without being unlucky on this week (in Monte Carlo). I have been unlucky other weeks, but not this week."

No player managed to take more than five games off Nadal in his five matches this week, and he will head into the rest of the clay-court season justifiably as the man to beat, arguably for the 14th year in a row. – Rappler.com

 WASHINGTON, United States (UPDATED) - Defending NBA champion Golden State failed to complete a sweep of the San Antonio Spurs, with Manu Ginobili coming off the bench to score 10 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter to spark the hosts over the Warriors 103-90.

"Our defense was more aggressive than the previous games. Our aggressiveness was off the charts," Ginobili said.

"We need to help each other. Today we did that.

"We moved the ball. We made some shots that helped, but it was about teamwork."

LaMarcus Aldridge had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who led from start to finish to trim Golden State's lead in their Western Conference series to 3-1.

The Warriors, who were led by Kevin Durant's 34 points and 13 rebounds, can advance to a second-round series against New Orleans with a Game 5 home victory on Tuesday.

The Spurs remained without coach Gregg Popovich, who missed his second game following the death of his wife, which has left the team heartbroken as well.

"It's a tough time. We've never been through this type of adversity," said Ginobili. "Our leader is struggling. We're trying to push through it like he would do if he weren't at home."

Bucks edge Celtics to level series

Greek star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points, including the decisive tip-in with five seconds remaining, to give the Milwaukee Bucks a 104-102 NBA playoff victory Sunday over Boston. 

The triumph pulled the Bucks level with the Celtics at 2-2 in their best-of-seven first round series, which continues Tuesday in Boston.

Malcolm Brogdon's three-pointer gave the Bucks a 102-100 lead before Boston's Al Horford made two free throws to equalize. Brogdon then missed a jumper but Antetokounmpo followed with a tip-in and the Bucks denied the Celtics in the final seconds.

"This win is incredible," Antetokounmpo said. "We kept our composure and fought all the way to the end."

Khris Middleton added 23 points while Jabari Parker had 16 off the bench for Milwaukee.

Jaylen Brown led Boston with 34 points.

Cavs tie Pacers, Wizards up

In Indiana, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from a game three loss to even their series at 2-2 with a 104-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

James finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists and Kyle Korver scored 18 points for the Cavaliers in the win.

Game 5 is Wednesday in Cleveland. 

Elsewhere, Bradley Beal scored 31 points, while John Wall had 27, and the Washington Wizards beat Toronto 106-98 to level their Eastern Conference series at two games apiece.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Three national junior records were shattered in the Palarong Pambansa 2018, but the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) won’t recognize them after all. 

Calabarzon bets Veruel Verdadero and Eliza Cuyom, and Western Visayas’ Ann Katherine Quitoy broke decades-old records during the annual multi-sport event last week in Ilocos Sur.

But the event organized by the Department of Education (DepEd) failed to tap PATAFA representatives during the competition. Physical education teachers supervised the event.

DepEd also failed to use a wind gauge and electronic timing devices and only had teachers manually recording the results.

"They can recognize the records as Palaro records internally, but we [PATAFA] cannot because the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) will not allow it,"  PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico said in an interview with Rappler.

"First, they were using handheld instead of electronic [devices], you can't use that anymore. Even the poorest countries have upgraded to something higher which is IAAF compliant. Using wind gauge [is a must], and I think there was no wind gauge there. You use wind gauge for the 100 meters, 200 meters, hurdles, long jump and triple jump." 

Juico added that recognizing the three Palaro records may put PATAFA in trouble with the international athletics federation.

"[We] cannot recognize [them] as national records because we might be suspended from the IAAF," said Juico. "We are the guardians of the sport, just like the IAAF is the guardian of sports internationally. We have to ensure the sanctity of these records."

Verdadero smashed the 38-year-old national junior record in the 100-meter dash after clocking 10.55 seconds, 14 milliseconds faster than the mark set by Julio Bayaban in 1979.

Cuyom set a time of 14.50 seconds in the 100-meter girls’ hurdles to erase the 15-second tally Julie Rose Forbes posted in the 2000 National Open.

Quitoy ripped the 20-year-old record in the girls’ javelin record of 44.54 meters set by Rosie Villarito in the 1998 National Open with a throw of 45.72 meters. 

Juico said Palaro officials only need to follow the proper procedure so that any record set in the annual games will be recognized. 

"They should follow the standard protocol: meet with us, tell us what are your plans, then we’ll tell them that these are the equipment, and we will work with the following people," said Juico.

"There is no contract [with DepEd], but what they do is they write a letter and we’ll provide them a list of people that we will employ and sometimes they even request for some equipment to be used. That’s what [usually] happens, but this time, they wrote us a letter dated March 26 and we received the letter on April 5 – just days before Palaro – stating that these are the people whom we want to officiate the Palaro in Vigan. So I told them, it is us PATAFA who chooses the people not you." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It will be an unusual sight when Ricci Rivero suits up for the Gilas Pilipinas cadets to face his former team De La Salle University in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.

After all, Rivero, aside from former teammate Ben Mbala, had been the face of the Green Archers during his stint in Taft. 

But the high-flying guard, who left La Salle earlier this month, isn't holding any grudges when his Gilas cadets take on the Green Archers on Friday, April 27, at the Arena in San Juan. 

"I'm looking forward to it din kasi La Salle, syempre lahat gusto makalaban La Salle before and then 'yun 'yung nafi-feel ko. Lahat ng mga nakalaban namin before, parang gigil kapag La Salle ang kalaban. Gusto nila lahat, 'yung best nila," said Rivero. 

(I'm looking forward to it since everyone wants to face La Salle before and it is what I feel now. Every team we've faced before, they were hungry to have La Salle as their opponents. They want to give it their best.) 

"And then syempre ngayon, 'yun din 'yung gagawin ko kasi La Salle 'yung kalaban e. Who doesn't want to play with or against La Salle?" 

(And now, that is what I will do against La Salle, to give my best. Who doesn't want to play with or against La Salle?)

With the Green Archers, Rivero won a UAAP championship and was named to the league's Mythical 5. 

It is also with La Salle that the 19-year-old turned into one of the most popular basketball players in the country, as evidenced by his 485,000 Twitter followers and a myriad of endorsement deals.

On Friday, Rivero will be sharing the floor with his former teammates again, although they are now playing for opposing squads.

"I'm going to prepare for it, sana maging okay naman. Pero wala namang any negative thing about playing against them." 

(I'm going to prepare for it and I hope it will be okay. But I don't have any negative thing about playing against them.) 

Rivero, who is coming off a 17-point, 4-rebound and 3-assist performance in Gilas cadets' 69-75 loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles last April 21, seeks to get his first Filoil win against La Salle, which won its first game over the UP Fighting Maroons. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Mo Tautuaa is already with a new team in GlobalPort, and as fate would have it, his first game as a Batang Pier was against his former squad TNT KaTropa. 

But Tautuaa didn't exactly have a pleasant on-court reunion with the KaTropa following his ejection late in the Batang Pier's 114-128 loss on Sunday, April 22. 

Tempers flared between the Filipino-Tongan and TNT import Jeremy Tyler after the former kicked the latter in the chest during a dunk play. 

As Tautuaa finished a slam with less than 3 minutes left in the game and the Batang Pier trailing 105-118, he slightly got a bit of Tyler's body and face with his feet. 

After that, the TNT reinforcement held on to Tautuaa's feet. Tautuaa, who was still hanging in the rim, kicked Tyler in the chest in retaliation. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A technical on Tyler and a flagrant two on Tautuaa.<br><br>That&#39;s it for Mo&#39;s Globalport debut.<a href="https://t.co/CXIZNA10tR">https://t.co/CXIZNA10tR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBAonESPN5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBAonESPN5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBALaroMoTo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBALaroMoTo</a> <a href="https://t.co/63KCEkEdDS">pic.twitter.com/63KCEkEdDS</a></p>&mdash; ESPN5 (@Sports5PH) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sports5PH/status/988047635360591873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Fortunately, the two were separated quickly enough before things turned uglier.

The former top pick of the 2015 draft, though, was assessed a flagrant foul penalty 2, which led to his ejection. He finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds. 

Although tensions ran high in the highly physical contest, Tautuaa downplayed the incident as "it's just basketball," even if it was against a TNT side he spent his first 3 years in the PBA with.  

"I didn't care. It doesn't matter to me at all. It's another game, basketball game, and that's all that is. Talk N' Text is just another team, another roster now. You know, it's basketball," said Tautuaa. 

The 28-year-old, who was shipped from TNT to GlobalPort with future picks for Terrence Romeo and Yousef Taha, admitted he's still a work in progress with his new squad. 

"It's just my second game with the team. I missed the first game because I was sick. If you can hear my voice, you would sense that I'm still sick. I'm still trying to play with the flu, and I have tonsilitis or something so, I'm playing under the weather. And there's nothing I can do about that. I have to come up and go out to the floor," he said.

Tautuaa has a few days to get back in shape before the Batang Pier face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, April 27, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- Tonisito Umali, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and School Sports, said a new child protection committee will be created to safeguard the welfare of the athletes in the future editions of the Palarong Pambansa

DepEd's decision to create the permanent committee was a response to an incident in the recent Palarong Pambansa 2018 wherein a public school teacher from Cebu City was arrested after he was  accused of molesting a 14-year-old male dance sport athlete.

In a press briefing here, Umali said DepEd hopes to address all incidents of physical, sexual, or verbal abuse in Palaro through the new committee.

Umali said this will be a permanent committee in the Palaro as they promised a “very proactive” approach in addressing such issues.

The official said that DepEd has an existing anti-child harassment policy through DepED Order No. 40, series of 2012.

"Meron na po tayong mekanismo tulad ngayon para po tugunan yung ganitong klaseng insidenteng ito pero para po lalong palakasin nitong advocacy natin yung pangarap natin na wala pong ganitong pangyayari na magaganap kahit kailanman, lalung-lalo na sa Palaro," he said.

(We already have a mechanism to address incidents like these. But we want to strengthen our advocacy to achieve our goal of preventing things like these from ever occurring, especially in the Palaro.)

This means, Umali said the agency will also look into unreported cases of sexual harassment which occurred outside Palaro.

DepEd will also integrate E.O. 40 in coaches and officiating officials' orientation for Palaro.

"We will double the efforts of what we are doing in our schools [and] with Palarong Pambansa. We will talk to all coaches [and officiating officials]," he added.

Umali also told media that they plan to tap a lady lawyer to head the committee. They will identity the person after she formally accepts the offer to head the committee.

Meanwhile, Umali assured due process in the ongoing investigation on the suspected teacher who was now facing both criminal and administrative charges.

"We will observe the rights of the accused in this case, the respondent, the teacher. He should not be worried about his rights. He should be worried about what may happen if the charges hurled against him are proven to be true. We will apply the full force of the law," Umali said. – Rappler.com