LAKERS VS MAGIC GAME3

The Magic were one lay-up away from making Lakers fans shut up and having a commanding lead in the series. But that's not how the ball bounced and instead, they find themselves behind the Lakers but still very much in the series. For them to win the championship, they'd have to win their last 2 home games and steal one from the Lakers. Only 2 teams in NBA finals history have won three straight at home, the 06 Heat and the 04 pistons.After watching the first quarter, i couldn't believe how great Kobe was, making all those tough shots, and it's just too bad he disappeared in the end of the game.

And for all those believers who keep on insisting just how superduper clutch Kobe is, according to Bill Simmons, a study from www.82games.com has kobe shooting 14/56 in game winning situations in the past 5 plus seasons including the playoffs. And to make things worse, he only has 1 assist and 5 turnovers in those situations. Yup, quadruple teamed the last game and had his shot stuffed by Hedo in the last play of regulation in Game 2, instead of passing it to the 3 other wide open men.Also, i find it so weird that everyone keeps on hyping up Kobe's leadership in this finals and how he constantly communicates to everyone at all times. I've heard Mark Jackson repeat it countless times already but it bothers me cause i don't see anything special in what he's doing. I mean, that is the role of the team captain or the team leaders, if he doesn't do that then he doesn't deserve to be called the captain or the leader. It's that simple. I'm pretty sure LBJ does that too, or Jason Kidd and Chauncey, and those other guys but all im hearing is that this Kobe is now like a super leader. I ain't buying that.The Magic just shot lights out today. Pietrus did a good job stepping up and so did Rafer Alston. Big time games from them.

By the way, i do think Pietrus follow up dunk should have been called basket interference and he got away with a double dribble on offense early in the first half. I mean, 3 referees, how could you miss that? As for Rafer, that's the way to play, taking what the defense gives u and creating shots, taking it to the hoop. ALthough he did have some clumsy passes too which had me scratching my head. Again i find it funny, as i predicted, everytime i trash Rafer he bounces back and delivers a performance that will just make me shut up.I still am not so sure about whether the Magic can win the next game but i sure hope they do so that we can have an interesting series. I held my breath towards the end of the game, watching how tentative the Magic had become in crunch time, until Rashard hits another dagger.

Well, the fact that Kobe got his usual share of superstar calls where he practically wasn't touched and gets to the line didn't help me either. But today, the ball didn't lie and he shot terrible from the line, shooting worse than Dwight! Haha so much for me making fun of LBJ's free throw shooting. I guess Kobe can have bad ones too. And for the Lakers, please please get Pau Gasol more than 11 shots. Please don't let Ariza take more than him. Gasol is unstoppable at the post. He has been schooling the defensive player of the year all series long, so please give it to the guy who shot 81 percent from the field a while ago!! The key for the Magic to win is to outplay the Lakers at the 1, 3 and 4 positions. I have a deadlock at the 5 spot with Dwight and Gasol (i'm considering him a 5, since Bynum has been n-onexistent), or even a slight advantage for the Lakers. For the shooting guard spot, there is no way the Magic can have an advantage over Kobe, but as long as Pietrus can some what contain him then it should be good enough. As for the 3 position, Hedo needs to outplay Ariza like he did a while ago (OH and btw, why isnt kobe guarding Hedo yet? The nine time all defensive team needs to be taking on the star player of the opposing team. COMe on Kobe!!). And Rashard has been outplaying Odom (although Odom was great in game 2). But the real key is the point guard play. Fisher is a savvy veteran who is a good role player, but he is the weakest link of the Lakers, and Rafe/Jameer need to outplay him always in order for the Magic to win.The Magic were one lay-up away from making Lakers fans shut up and having a commanding lead in the series. But that's not how the ball bounced and instead, they find themselves behind the Lakers but still very much in the series. For them to win the championship, they'd have to win their last 2 home games and steal one from the Lakers. Only 2 teams in NBA finals history have won three straight at home, the 06 Heat and the 04 pistons.

After watching the first quarter, i couldn't believe how great Kobe was, making all those tough shots, and it's just too bad he disappeared in the end of the game. And for all those believers who keep on insisting just how superduper clutch Kobe is, according to Bill Simmons, a study from www.82games.com has kobe shooting 14/56 in game winning situations in the past 5 plus seasons including the playoffs. And to make things worse, he only has 1 assist and 5 turnovers in those situations. Yup, quadruple teamed the last game and had his shot stuffed by Hedo in the last play of regulation in Game 2, instead of passing it to the 3 other wide open men.Also, i find it so weird that everyone keeps on hyping up Kobe's leadership in this finals and how he constantly communicates to everyone at all times. I've heard Mark Jackson repeat it countless times already but it bothers me cause i don't see anything special in what he's doing. I mean, that is the role of the team captain or the team leaders, if he doesn't do that then he doesn't deserve to be called the captain or the leader. It's that simple. I'm pretty sure LBJ does that too, or Jason Kidd and Chauncey, and those other guys but all im hearing is that this Kobe is now like a super leader. I ain't buying that.The Magic just shot lights out today. Pietrus did a good job stepping up and so did Rafer Alston. Big time games from them. By the way, i do think Pietrus follow up dunk should have been called basket interference and he got away with a double dribble on offense early in the first half. I mean, 3 referees, how could you miss that? As for Rafer, that's the way to play, taking what the defense gives u and creating shots, taking it to the hoop. ALthough he did have some clumsy passes too which had me scratching my head. Again i find it funny, as i predicted, everytime i trash Rafer he bounces back and delivers a performance that will just make me shut up.I still am not so sure about whether the Magic can win the next game but i sure hope they do so that we can have an interesting series. I held my breath towards the end of the game, watching how tentative the Magic had become in crunch time, until Rashard hits another dagger. Well, the fact that Kobe got his usual share of superstar calls where he practically wasn't touched and gets to the line didn't help me either. But today, the ball didn't lie and he shot terrible from the line, shooting worse than Dwight! Haha so much for me making fun of LBJ's free throw shooting. I guess Kobe can have bad ones too. And for the Lakers, please please get Pau Gasol more than 11 shots. Please don't let Ariza take more than him. Gasol is unstoppable at the post. He has been schooling the defensive player of the year all series long, so please give it to the guy who shot 81 percent from the field a while ago!! The key for the Magic to win is to outplay the Lakers at the 1, 3 and 4 positions. I have a deadlock at the 5 spot with Dwight and Gasol (i'm considering him a 5, since Bynum has been n-onexistent), or even a slight advantage for the Lakers. For the shooting guard spot, there is no way the Magic can have an advantage over Kobe, but as long as Pietrus can some what contain him then it should be good enough. As for the 3 position, Hedo needs to outplay Ariza like he did a while ago (OH and btw, why isnt kobe guarding Hedo yet? The nine time all defensive team needs to be taking on the star player of the opposing team. COMe on Kobe!!). And Rashard has been outplaying Odom (although Odom was great in game 2). But the real key is the point guard play. Fisher is a savvy veteran who is a good role player, but he is the weakest link of the Lakers, and Rafe/Jameer need to outplay him always in order for the Magic to win.

Welcome June!

June, June, June,.what to expect?? Yeaaaah rainy days…and the ‘back to school spirit’ that makes me weak! Summer ends and the closing of relaxation. Now, preparing for tiring school days yet enjoying it because of money allowance…hahay!
Its been 3 weeks since PBL season ends and had a blog entry about the licealiz-pharex semis..it doesn’t went well, and PBL closed for a very usual championship game having oracle,yes,harbour winning the unity cup. That sucks~
Anyway, V had an award being one of the second mythical team and the gentleman awardee goes to Dylan Ababou. Does that counts? hmmmm
June is full of hassle pressure…reason for it? Enrollment! And the curse for irregular students like me…fixing up my schedule is way getting in my nerves and OH! Add the rainy days. Floor is slippery when wet~ remember that!

I wrote this blog entry because… Im definitely missing everything!!!! The heck-
First, I lost my planner! OoOk, I need to look for a new ‘like that’ and bingo! I found ‘like that’ and bought one at papemelroti gateway. I just wonder, what happened to the planner I lost. Who had that? And Where the hell izzzzzzit.
Cielo really miss playing hoops…well, timezone helps me to recuperate.haha
Then the NBA semis to finals – Go Cavs! Go Lakers! Even though Lebron didn’t make it, surely Kobe will!!!
C of my life.,where are you? After landing here at manila from vegas,. I still don’t know where you are and I haven’t see you BIG TIME…the last thing I know about you is that you’re goin to have a new show at Solar sports. Fine, we’ll see that! keeps me waiting…
Lucky seven…how are you? :) …too bad, I couldn’t see ya for three months I think. See you soon, somewhere at August. The D day!
Bye PBL and hello UAAP! Please let the tigers bag the UAAP crown…it’s the last year of their captain…have mercy…

Calamities happen when june begins, but this one is different. H1N1 Influenza Virus known as the swine flu attacks manila and bows the archer’s territory. We should be attentive and keep ourselves clean all the time, so the virus will leave our body. Make ‘washing your hands’ a habit.

June 15 will bring me back to reality. Ciao!
Storms coming….

WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH, JUST SMILE :)

Bid bye for PBL season. I hate it, well I’m actually hooting for two teams. Ha-ha. Magnolia and Licealiz but…O ok! MORE ON the Licealiz side.=)

This week had been harsh for licealiz team. PBL Unity Cup semi-finals passed and slip through their hands. A sad ending for some of the players who will proceed to the next level, Jervy Cruz is one of them who will take his final bow on the PBL Stage. I have witnessed their semis games against Pharex who they have beaten three times straight, 1st and 2nd elimination round meet and during the semis Game 1. That’s why I really don’t know what went wrong in their last three important games. Even though every game is intense and everyone in the court was feeling pressure, I found myself taking a deep breathe hoping that no one will get injured or get hurt.
Are they just missing their teammates Chris Tiu and JV?! Hmmmm. Naaaah!! Licealiz is a strong team, having one of the best court colonel Lance C and the silent assassin shooting guard Josh V, plus key players Dino Daa, Rommel Hugnatan, Jim Viray, Jeff Morial alas Tiger Power Jervy Cruz.

Guess this season is not meant for them.

Must’ not see these losing stuff as a failure but an experience to challenge each one of their ability and improve not only for the better but for the best.
Don’t wanna talk much about the semis play-offs, couldn’t help to feel depression and absolute melancholy. How much I hated the referees! The calls of the refs truly suck! It’s a fact you know- I have observed the bias calls in my own eyeballs. Wanted to bite referee#37!

OK. OK. CHILL. CHILL. RELAX.

Remember:
1. GOD works in ways we cannot see.
2. It doesn’t matter if you’re the best; what’s important is you did your best
3. "Our greatest glory consists not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall."

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SEVEN RANDOM THOUGHTS

gravity increasing couldn’t help myself from fallin
Having someone like him makes me wanna burst my heart.
Am I scared of you? Or am I scared to fall for you?
Please treat me bad…so it would be easy for me to hate you
First is accidental, second is inevitable, third is Fate
Why do I like you, You don’t even know me. BUT at least you know my existence.

A BESTSELLER'S NOVEL

“I learned about how life can affect other people even if you don’t know it” – a simple but fruitful line. An adage based on a novel written by Mitch Albom “Five people you meet in heaven” that one of the PBL’s finest top gunners JOSHUA THOMAS VANLANDINGHAM was a fan of.

Relating to it, you basically have no idea how Mark and Karen raised this kiddo at Seattle who crossed his pathways with basketball up to where he is right now.

It’s really an endeavor for this man to engross in a physical sport like basketball at an early age of five when he was on his first grade while studying at Seattle Hill Elementary School. Where in, that time, he only scored an easy fast break lay-up on that whole year. For real! Despite of what had happen, he didn’t quit playing the sport. Thus, it made him challenged to master it.

One of the antagonists he couldn’t forget on his own life thrilling novel is playing against the NBA 2008-2009 rookie of the year, Brandon Roy. Way back in his high school senior days, his team was a point behind with a few ticks left in the game clock. It was him who handed that last chance to beat Garfield High School, but the ball rattled out on the ring. No goal! And they ended up being the 7th placer in that tournament, supposedly 4th if they could have won that game. But, this silent type guy took that experience not as a misfortune instead sees it as one of the valuable and remarkable scenario in his life.

Coping up on the lost, he rejuvenated himself to aspire more and toil harder enhancing his playing skills. Starting up 2-points a year record, bloomed a 19-points per ballgame stat. Nipping the Athlete of the year award at Everett Community College where he studied for two years then shifted at Pacific Lutheran University where he got to compete for NCAA div III schools and finished a degree majoring History last May 2008. No wonder why this guy loves to read books ever since he was 9 or 10 year of age.

The two-time Olympian known in the swimmers world as ‘The Ilocano Shark’ Teofilo Yldefonso, who bagged a bronze medal during the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics – 200-meter breaststroke category, turned out to be his great grandfather. Unmindful from what kind of seed he sprung out of, not until his Filipino granny, Hermie Reyes Yldefonso, spills this scrap out of him before landing here in the Philippines. For some reasons ‘Y’ was changed to “I” that made him related to PBA player Danny Ildefonso.

As he turned the page to open another chapter in his life, fate diverts him to Manila last October 2008 to be one of the draftees that were turnover to Hapee.

A ‘you tube’ discovery of Ryan Reyes headed out to former Hapee coach Gee Abanilla is undoubtedly rocking on the PBL stage.
This 6′4 left handed streak shooter playing the two and the three spots already has the PBL’s spotlight as he makes a double doubled performance to outwit Cobra, blasting off with 32-points breaking Paul Lee’s 27 on the previous cup. Invaded the 3rd period nailing 19 points on that 10 minutes, which was just a step away to patent the 20-points 'all-time record in a quarter' of Ren-Ren Ritualo (2002) and Jojo Tangkay (2004). No big deal!!! cuz’ he’s gettin’ even better every game! Evidence that he has a heart pumps the blood of a champion!
Knocking down bullets beyond the arc is indisputably his forte. Not only that, he can also aim high in the rim and show you astonishing moves. –good fit for the pros.

PBA grounds be ready!
Don’t take this man forgranted, cuz’ he definitely has triple threats to blow you up!!!

Magnolia vs Licealiz Round2

Getting late is usual for us. haha
For it was raining really hard, and its kinda difficult for us to commute.
I, together with my sister arrived 5 minutes before half time. It took us more than a minute to look for vacant good seats. Then, we ended up sitting at the Light side, Magnolia side.

Second quarter was a close fight, I can say, for each team always tried to answer back every time the opponent sinks a basket. This is a doe-or-die game for the wizards since they ranked on the third spot with Cobra. (if im not mistaken)

At a stolen glimpse, I eyed on a bald man, harassing Marcy Arellano. Wtf! Is that lance??? How come??? still don’t know why he had done his haircut like that. Starring at him, feels like I was watching two balls rollin' the court. Hahaha JUST KIDDING! (I knew it, that’s the reason why you lost to magnolia that time)hahahaha!

End of first half, 31-30 in favor of the white shirts. I saw Josh had the interview for some court side updates.

Damn! I can’t cheer for licealiz since we’re sitting on the opponent’s area. 3rd quarter –game clock starts ticking. Until, I was in shocked while looking at the score board. 4th Quarter…Magnolia was 10 points beyond licealiz and kaboom! It was also raining inside San Juan Gym 3-point shots courtesy of Eder Saldua. After it, I didn’t know what happened; I barely couldn’t remember familiar situations that took place either. I just found out about the technical fouls, that the referees we’re sooo sooo veeerrryy generous to grant licealiz players, and because of it Magnolia won...

Enough of this game!

Their first meet was much better than this game, where it undergoes to overtime.
Any how, licealiz got in to semis weather they lost or won.

Jay Chou thanks judges for appreciating magic in music

JAY CHOU NEWS FLASH!

The results for The Association of Music Workers in Taiwan 2008 have come out, Jay Chou once again becomes the big winner. The chart for this association is seen as an indication of the GMAs, if this is indeed real, Jay Chou, who has been left out in the cold for many years by the GMAs, has a real chance to shine at the GMAs. According to reports, every year The Association of Music Workers in Taiwan announce the top ten albums and singles. Jay Chou got into the top ten albums with "Capricorn" which he released last year, his song "Mr Magic" got into the top ten singles, Eason Chan and MC HotDog both had an album in the top ten and two singles, they got the best results of the year. But, this is already the fifth time Jay Chou has got into the top ten albums, it's his sixth time getting into the top ten singles, he is without a doubt the biggest winner of the awards history. Towards winning the award, Jay Chou says: "I'll like to thank the judges for understanding the magic I played with in the music!"

We all know Jay Chou is a gifted artist. This day, Iam declaring him as my Mr. Magic! haha

He's damn good in any field of art, name it! singing, acting, dancing, playing musical instrments, directing, composing, script writing and even magic tricks! what more could you ask for!!! :))

I could say that he's really excellent in singing.

Sneak Peak on Jay Chou's Pandamen and Ci Ling 'Treasure Hunter'

LUCKY SEVEN :)

April 28, 2009, Tuesday 1:00pm

A middle child of a five member family, living at Los Angeles, California didn’t think twice to track the foot steps of his destiny. Son of Romeo and Remy, who are both Filipino, rooted out from the province of Cavite spread his wings to fly for his dreams.

I really don't know much about this guy, but one thing is

f sho...this fil-am boy born August 17, 1985 have lots in store for you!

Better watch out for this 6 ft tall man wearing jersey number 7 of Licealiz team formerly Hapee of the Lamoiyan franchise as he dribbles the orange ball and shoot it down the basket at will. Don’t be fooled by his cute childish face and charming smiles cuz’ his basketball playing experience and toughness in the battlefield will pull the trigger to beat off his opponent.

Inspired and influenced by his coach-father, this fresh grad from Cal-State University Fullerton who took up Kinesiology finally exposes his talent and skills in playing basketball. At the age of 24, he had received many achievements using his God-given talent. He got triple MVP awards, one in his senior year then a pair during off season tournaments he joined. Growing-up watching basketball, US NCAA and NBA particularly had absorbed the sport and engaged with it. Before the league, he became part of the LA Showtime Team together with neighbor-mentor Ryan Reyes and other pros like Chris Pacana advised him to play just as he did before making the big move here in the p.i.

And now embracing his future in the said career tried his luck here in Manila as he joined the PBL draft last October 2008 held at Pasig Ynares and was first round pick. Averaging 73% in his parameter shooting and playing on his defensive ends will certainly make him an asset of his team. His unselfish plays and great hustle moves are proofs of an excellent fearless court general, who can handle a full court press. Coming up with a fully determined goal to make it to the next level, his hard work, perseverance and dedication to the sport will be his keys to heaven's gate. Yeah! you're right! Knowing that he's very well qualified and ready to perform on the professional stage, he'll be joining the upcoming PBA draft...PBL family will definitely miss him. But the modesty of this baller shares that he really needs to improve his consistency in playing and being vocal, in addition to it, he wanted to exert more effort working on his speed and physical power. Exploding a 24-pt career high during his rookie year in the PBL last semis against hard to beat Harbor Center impressed PBL fanatics to recognize his ability and sense of playing. Nevertheless, he has a nice attitude off court.

Being independent and living an own life is quite not easy for anyone in their first time, well…except for this guy! Regardless of what he left in his hometown, he’s still buoyant and jovial grabbing all this kind of opportunity. He’s fond of eating Japanese foods, his all time favorite Filipino cooking is adobo. Puto, bibingka and halo-halo are his top Pinoy desserts. Looking at it, adopting the Filipino culture is not that difficult for him. After practice and games, he plays video games and eats out with a companion, Josh Vanlandingham, his teammate-roommate. This will surely be a fun, exciting life and a banging career awaiting him.

With the absence of co-guard teammates JV Casio and Chris Tiu for RP training abroad creates a calling for him to step on the gas and make a name for himself.

You might be amazed when you see this fella in action burning with a hell of hotta energy…beware!

Hang-on to your seat...Star-in-the-making,

Lance Anthony M. Convento is on fire!!!