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JOSE RIZAL CUP PREVIEW

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAYS

Who would win the very first JOSE RIZAL CUP? This is the question that we posed on some of the greatest minds in Philippine Basketball today.

We interviewed five sports analysts to try and find out which team they think would run away with the first-ever JOSE RIZAL CUP. They are Philippine Daily Inquirer's Quinito Henson, Manila Bulletin's Ed Picson, PBL Commisioner Chino Trinidad, former Philippine National Team coach Chot Reyes and NCAA Commissioner Joe Lipa. And this is what they have to say.

"Looking at the current strengths and weaknesses of the teams who are participating in the CUP, I strongly feel that it would be a toss-up between JUBAS BEASTS and the Ateneo Jologs. They are the strongest team out there and probably the best bench tacticians. Although I am not discounting the possibility that Team Polydozel could come up with some surprise packages." said Quinito Henson.

"I normally go for the underdogs. On this one, I pick the RED ROBINS. There's a lot of pride for this team. Yeah, they were dethroned as the Philippine Cup titlist and this would be a good way for them to regain that lost glory. Although JUBAS BEASTS and Ateneo Jologs are both strong, they don't have the hunger of the RED ROBINS." opined Ed Picson.

"I think this would be a 3-way battle between Ateneo Jologs, Team Polydozel and the RED ROBINS. The last pronouncement of JUBAS BEASTS mentor Alas that they won't be coming in 100% for the CUP makes them a very unlikely titlist of the CUP. That leaves their nemesis Ateneo Jologs to try and bring the crown to Division 1.1. But you see, team Polydozel has what it takes to bring down the Jologs. While the RED ROBINS wouldn't want a repeat of the Philippine Cup debacle that they had early in the season." commented Chot Reyes.

"I have never seen a team that could dominate the game much like to what JUBAS BEASTS have shown in Season 4. If they would go all out, I think they would be very hard to beat. Now, since according to coach Alas, they'd rather focus on the Playoffs, I think that erases them out on the equation. And because of that, i pick the Ateneo Jologs. They are strong, quick and have the right attitude. For me, they are the hands down winner of this CUP." offered Joe Lipa.

"Kung papipiliin ako, gusto ko sanang manalo ay yung PBA ALL-STARS kasi sila ang pinaka underdog sa CUP na ito. Pero malabong mangyari yun kasi napanood ko ng maglaro ang mga mamang ito at tingin ko marami pang kulang sa kanila. Sa totoo lang, tingin ko Ateneo Jologs iyan. JUBAS BEASTS had already expressed their plans for the CUP and that puts them out of the championship picture. Since they are the only team that could stand toe to toe with the Jologs, then it simply means that the Ateneo Jologs would have an easy time on this one." explained Chino Trinidad.

From the consensus of the great minds in Philippine Basketball today, it seems like the JOSE RIZAL CUP might make its way to the Loyola Gymnassium.

1ST JOSE RIZAL CUP PREVIEW

PBA ALL-STARS STUNS PILIPINAS NATIONALS

ALL-STARS SILVERDOME, MANILA - This shows the difference in league classifications.

In an unexpected twist, the lowly rated PBA ALL-STARS stunned the fancied PILIPINAS NATIONALS in one of the last practice games before the start of the FIRST JOSE RIZAL CUP next week eking out a 72-66 victory at home. Getting inspired performances from their wingmen, the ALL-STARS took the NATIONALS to task with a stiffling full-court press defense the whole game that took away the NATIONALS fluid offense.

"We are tired of hearing people that says our team is weak, that our team will be ran to the ground, that we are not capable of winning. This game serves as a statement that we can and we will win games." a strong statement coming from ALL-STARS manager Coach_Perry who is also acting as the team's coach. "We are currently a very new team in the league and we are still trying to figure out a way to get in those explosive players. Right now, we don't have anyone on the team that has a DMI that is higher than 10k but heck, we just trashed the NATIONALS."

Getting strong games from small forward Jose Ureta, slotman Carl Max Primavera and shooting guard Primitivo Tosposo, the ALL-STARS took control of the game right after the buzzer sounded for the second half. Shooting almost at will, Ureta shot an impeccable 60% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc to finish with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

"I think the guys are realizing their potentials slowly. Once it sets in, we would be very tough to contend with. Yes, we may lose games but I guarantee you, we would not go down without a fight." added the feisty coach.

Addtional notes:

The All-stars made 3 surprise acquisitions last night including a controversial buyout of an injured slotman. The management acquired 6'4 playmaker Meije Ang from Netherlands, 6'3 20-year old Italian gunner Renato Pietro Enrici and the 7'2 18-year old Mexican giant Carlos Alberto Velásquez. Of the 3, the acquisition of the Mexican slotman was a bit controversial since the 7'2 youngster is out on injury for the next 2 weeks.

"That's a risk we feel worth taking. Looking at Carlos(Velasquez), he had a DMI 0f 20000+ and he already have a well-rounded game that we just need to polish. Besides, even if he is injured, the post-season would give him enough time to recover. Who knows, if we pull out some JOSE RIZAL CUP tricks of our own, he might be able to suit up in one of those games." said ALL-STARS manager Coach_Perry.

Up to how high can the ALL-STARS go on the standings depends on the way they make their players work. That remains to be seen in the days to come.

FIRST JOSE RIZAL CUP PREVIEW

FIRST ROUND PREDICTIONS

Here are the 1st Round match-ups based on the seedings

Pair #1 Team Polydozel vs. PBA ALL-STARS
Pair #2 JUBAS BEASTS vs. QUEENS COST
Pair #3 Ateneo Jologs vs. RED ROBINS
Pair#4 TGIF MANILA vs. PILIPINAS NATIONALS

Looking at the pairings for the first round of the First Jose Rizal Cup, what do the experts say? We invited two veteran PBA analysts and coaches, Norman Black and Yeng Guiao, to share with us what they think of the first salvo.

"It would be a very easy round for TGIF MANILA, JUBAS BEASTS and TEAM POLYDOZEL since they got the weaker of the 8 teams that are fielded in the tourney." starts Ateneo Blue Eagles coach and former PBA mentor Norman Black. "The level of games between this 3 teams as compared to their weaker opponents is like day and night. Specially for Team Polydozel since the PBA All-Stars is the hands down choice for the weakest team award on this tournament. " quipped Norman while chuckling. "I mean, even with their new acquisitions, it would still take time for the ALL-STARS to find their groove and considering that they would be playing on the opponent's homecourt makes it more difficult for them. Honestly, the only exciting game I am looking at is the Ateneo Jologs vs. RED ROBINS. Both teams are strong and had a great Season 3. It would be an even match on this one." ended the many-time former PBA import.

"Tingin ko magiging madali para sa apat na teams yung unang salpukan. Jubas Beasts, Team Polydozel, TGIF Manila saka sa Ateneo Jologs. Looking at their Season 3 stats, parang nag hirap isipin na tatalunin sila nung mga ka-pair nila. Laluna yung Team Polydozel. Let's face it, they are the top 4 teams of BB this season so I don't think they'll have a difficult time trying to dispatch their first round assigments." short but substantial analysis from PBA coach Yeng Guiao.

The excitement is about to explode. Come Thursday, it would be one hell of a tournament.

Ateneo Jologs unveils new player for Jose Rizal Cup

Ateneo Jologs has been scouting for few weeks now for a good addition for their lineup for the Jose Rizal Cup coming this thursday. 6'9" Center Javier Contreras gets the eye of Ateneo Jologs manager Aldo, "Gusto ko makita kung ano ang kaya niyang gawin sa laro at pag maganda, pwede siya magtagal dito sa team. siya rin ang aasahan ko magdadala sa 1st game ng cup namin. Ayaw ko matalo. not with Red Robins! I have unfinished business with Jubas Beasts.". Contreras' contract only runs for the period of Jose Rizal Cup. he also states that his key players will be busy for team practices and the playoffs.

hmmm.... mayaman... Ü

Ateneo Jologs: No chance against RED ROBINS

Quezon City - Ateneo Jologs had the home court advantage but the RED ROBIN fans cheered more loudly, drowning out even the much more numerous fans of Jologs. RED ROBINS dominated throughout the ball game not giving the home team a chance to get a good look at the basket. taming the Jologs, 83-69.

Manager Aldo commented, "I thought experimenting my lineup for the game would bring me luck.. putting in my new players Javier Contreras, Mikey Jeffreys and Valerio Riggio on the frontline. Fortunately, i was delighted with the performance of Javier. despite playing the whole 48 mins of the game, he sank 7-13 field goal, 5-8 Free throws, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks and putting RED ROBIN's Dexter Uy, the number 1 draft pick last season on a foul trouble. on the other hand, Valerio Riggio will not be much of help for our team and his contract will be terminated as soon as possible. goodluck to the teams advancing to the semifinals!"

Last edited by LA-ubALDO Nudalo at 5/1/2008 8:11:27 PM

Polydozel rams PBA ALL-STARS

It seems that team Polydozel's Finals frustration gave PBA ALL-STARS their attention, as they walk away with a blowout win in their first JOSE RIZAL CUP game. Held at the PAL Arena.

Nolie Corneja plummeted with an unbelievable 41-point performance, back that up with fifteen rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. He only hit one three pointer.

Superb performance by Corneja was the missing piece that sparked the Polydozel's 2nd half offensive play. Totalling to 80 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 124 points.

PILIPINAS NATIONALS UPSETS TGIF MANILA

FRIDAYS COLISEUM, MANILA - In what could be the biggest upset of the season, the PILIPINAS NATIONALS bucked an awful shooting from the field in eking out a hard-earned 110 - 107 victory against earsthwhile favorite TGIF MANILA.

Led by main big man Anthony Gillegao, the NATIONALS who was trailing by 4 at the end of the first half, used a suffocating full court press that bothered the TGIF MANILA playmakers all throughout the seond half.

"I think they took us for granted by playing their second unit on the floor for the game. We sure made them pay for that." commented a smiling PurongPinoy during the post-game press conference.

National Team hopeful Roman Helesic had an awful night from the field as he went 6 of 20 including 3 of 11 from beyond the arc. But showing his grit and brilliance in playmaking, he managed to get away with 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals most of them coming in the crucial stretches of the game.

"Roman was really throwing bricks tonight but we know he would do something to bail us out." added the fiery mentor.

Gillegao had another inspired performance by notching down 13 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks while Louis-Philippe Fleury had another brilliant game with 14 points on a 5 of 7 field goal shooting performance.

The NATIONALS would be facing Team Polydozel in the Semifinal round who is fresh from a 124 - 81 beating of the PBA ALL-STARS.

"I'd be going to the Baclaran Church later today as we need divine help against this offensive wrecking team." PurongPinoy jokingly said when asked to comment on his team's chances in the Semifinal Round.

Beasts unleash frustration

Manila - The Jubas Beasts won against Queen's Coast 117-70(4148886) in the first-round kncockout game of the Jose Rizal Cup. With Laway Cheng leading the charge with 24 points and Cesar Bastos grabbing 14 rebounds to control the boards.

The Beasts just came from a very tough loss in their league's playoffs. "The boys were really frustrated that we were eliminated from the playoffs. It was really hard us to swallow our loss the other night. So I was expecting them to come out really hard tonight to get our spirits high before the season ends." Coach Alas said in a post-game interview.

The Jubas Beasts will face the Red Robins in the second-round of the Jose Rizal Cup next week.

FIRST JOSE RIZAL CUP

UPSETS OPENS UP THE JOSE RIZAL CUP

Manila - Making predictions in Buzzerbeater.org's Philippines is proving to be a very hard task even for the greatest Philippine Basketball analysts today. This was boosted by two rocking upsets in the inaugural day of the FIRST JOSE RIZAL CUP yesterday.

"I was shocked when I tuned in to the game." said NCAA Commissioner and former RP team mentor Joe Lipa. "I never thought that they'd lose this tourney much more exiting on the first round." shaking his head in disappointment. Coach Lipa has predicted the Ateneo Jologs to run home with the title. "With the homecourt advantage and a strong showing in their Division tourney, I wasn't expecting them to lose this title. But they did."

"It surprised me to see the PILIPINAS NATIONALS emerging as victorious against TGIF MANILA." commented ATENEO Blue Eagles coach and many-tme PBA coach Norman Black on the NATIONALS's upset of favored TGIF MANILA. "I think it was a matter of too much confidence that did TGIF out. They just never though the NATIONALS would come in that strong. They proved me wrong this time."

Indeed, the victories by the RED ROBINS and the PILIPINAS NATIONALS sent shockwaves across the Buzzerbeater.org's Philippine community. Specially with the fact that the RED ROBINS eliminated and made quick work of the top team picked to win the crown.

"It was just a matter of draw. The Ateneo Jologs were just unfortunate to have been drawn with a hungry and redemption seeking RED ROBINS. It was just a very bad draw for them." shared PBA coach Chot Reyes who was one of those few who picked the RED ROBINS over the Ateneo Jologs. "The RED ROBINS is a team on a mission to redeem its glory and at the way they're playing, I won't be surprised if they eliminate the JUBAS BEASTS as well."

The JOSE RIZAL CUP has turned into an unpredictable race to the crown. Who will survive to be in the finals? Your guess is as good as mine.

Mixed Predictions?

Schedules has been made now for the coming semifinals. And the JOSE RIZAL CUP has been making a buzz already among the airwaves.

9 radio stations, 11 TV shows, and hundreds of web logs and websites all over the country are giving their two cents worth, all about predicting on who will winn the upcoming games...

The schedule are as follows:

SEMIFINALS:

Team Polydozel vs. PILIPINAS NATIONALS
JUBAS BEASTS vs. RED ROBINS

Consolation bracket (5th to 8th):

PBA ALL-STARS vs. TGIF MANILA
QUEENS COST vs. Ateneo Jologs

And a couple of articles and views are quite notable... among them, is the predictions of radio station 105.9

"Out of all the teams, JUBAS and Polydozel are the sure fire favorites for this RIZAL Cup finals. They are the only teams who cruised their way into the semi finals... too bad they weren't the ones battling for the cup finals. So I think that they would be taking the finals in a 'ho-hum' victory."

The Peep show, in Jack TV also predicted the outcome of the coming finals.

"ROBINS and team Polydozel are the teams that I think will go through the finals. I love the RED ROBINS, and team Polydozel is really tearing up the league. And I love Nolie Corneja, He kinda looks like 'my' Antonio Banderas." says Dylan, Peep show host.

however, the internet web logs are taking these games as a serious matter.

"The cup is history in the making, all of the firsts; the first shot, the first underdog, the first winner of the cup, all we be time lined and will be easily notable... because the cup itself is the first of it's kind, and with the buzz that it's creating, all the other teams who didn't make the cut will be frustrated that they didn't make it to qualify... well, until then, they will have to wait for the 2nd cup. Luckily, my PILIPINAS NATIONALS came through and I have a good feeling that they will reach the finals, provided that they will play just like playing with TGIF MANILA." taken from PNFan.com

"It's a sad day today. The judgment day has come, Jologs' and ROBINS' cup run will be decided, and the ROBINS came through. If they can beat Ateneo jologs, they can beat anyone. this is a sure cup winner." oneluckysportsfan.com stated that interesting prediction.

Any of the four teams will be righteous to get that finals spot, and JOSE RIZAL CUP couldn't be more happier. After these turn of events, and the support of the people, we are sure that there would be another cup running, and all would be anticipating this one.