Monthly Archives: June 2019

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco scored in bunches early and used that cushion to hold off hard-fighting Columbian, 101-92, Friday night in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts went for eight unanswered points to start the game and kept on building on that groove en route to tabbing their first win in the conference.

“It’s always good to get that first win under your belt. We lost a really tough game last time out,” Meralco coach Norman Black said. “[Tonight] we did a lot better offensively and defensively.”

Import Gani Lawal had 25 points and 27 rebounds—both team bests—to help Meralco recover from a conference-opening loss to a young Blackwater side last weekend.

“I think our team worked on our offense. Everybody’s sharing the basketball and everybody’s being a part of the offense—that really helped us in this game. And that’s what we look to continue for our remaining games—which is to spread the wealth, so to say,” Black added.

The rest of the Bolts’ starters tossed in 10 or more, with Baser Amer registering 21 to lead the locals.

“My locals played very, very well today especially my guards. All three starting guards played well. Good team victory for us today. It’s something we could build on,” Black added.

Columbian drew 26 points from import Kyle Barone and 22 from star rookie CJ Perez. Three more added in twin digits in a bid to pull the rug from under Meralco.

But that attempt didn’t meet its fruition as Amer emptied eight of his total points in the final frame to help the Bolts move on.

Meralco continued to miss newly-acquired Raymond Almazan, who is still recovering from a left ankle sprain.

“Maybe another two games at least before he comes back,” Black said of his big man.

Meralco moves on to face crowd-darling Barangay Ginebra this Sunday again at the Big Dome in a bid to get some streak going.

“It’s going be interesting,” Black said when asked about Justin Brownlee, the Gin Kings’ returning import who denied them a chance at a title twice in the past.

“It’s going to be a big test for us. We’ll try to prepare our best game plan and see what happens Sunday.”

The scores:

Meralco 101 – Lawal 25, Amer 21, Jackson 17, Newsome 12, Hodge 10, Hugnatan 5, Tolomia 4, Pinto 3, De Ocampo 2, Salva 2, Faundo 0, Caram 0, Jamito 0, Quinto 0.

Columbian 92 – Barone 26, Perez 22, McCarthy 13, Cahilig 11, Corpuz 11, Khobuntin 3, Agovida 3, Reyes 2, Calvo 1, Faundo 0, Camson 0, Celda 0, Escoto 0, Tabi 0.

Quarterscores: 23-18, 50-35, 79-71, 101-92.

Written by: Denison Rey A. Dalupang

The post Gani Lawal, Baser Amer carry Meralco past Columbian appeared first on Philippine Basketball Association.

If I hear one more coach, parent, or basketball clinician tell a group of kids that they can’t go pro I’m going to scream. I am amazed at all of the naysayers that make a home in youth basketball. To be honest it’s almost like they are saying to our 9, 10, and 11 year olds, “I didn’t make it so you have no chance.”

Could you imagine this happening in any other non-sports related field? Could you imagine an astronaut telling kids the statistical probability of becoming an astronaut? How about a presidential candidate telling kids on the campaign train how they could never do what he has done? Could you imagine a failed law student or lawyer espousing the difficulties of creating a successful law practice or passing the bar to a 13 year old who dreams of being a lawyer.

“You know, I passed the bar and even opened my own practice, but nobody tells you about how difficult it is to actually get clients. I would have a fall back plan if I were you.” – Failed Lawyer

The Data Say Not What You Think.

If any of these things happened to your kid you would be incredulous. Yet, the data show that the population of lawyers has begun to outpace the need according multiple sources. For all of you statisticians out there. You might find this interesting.

• The odds of becoming president 1 in 300 million.
• Odds of becoming an Astronaut 1 in 100,000
• Odds of being drafted 1 in 3,333
• Odds of being called down on the Price is Right 1 in 36

I guess that means that we all should be studying the games on the Price Is Right the odds are way better. Think of all of the money you could make. :/ You have better odds of being drafted to the NBA than you do being an astronaut or the president of the United States.

Not to mention the introduction of low cost online legal advice and lawyer on retainer subscription services. Did I mention that paralegals are now fighting automation? Don’t get me started on the medical profession or the number of college graduates that actually have a job in their field of study.

Instead of “I didn’t make it, but let me show you what I would have done had I to do it all over again. ” we get to hear,“Don’t even try it. You ain’t got it.”

What would our kid’s lives be like if instead of the daily mental discouragement they received mental guidance? What if instead of “You can’t do it.” they heard “Here is what you need to do.” Isn’t that what a coach is supposed to do? So let’s do that now and help our kids get to work achieving and believing instead of working on their statistician degree. Apparently those degrees seem to be plentiful. #sarcasm

Stop Telling My Kid He Can’t Go Pro! – Be Like Bronny!

This week Bronny missed a dunk. If you missed him missing his dunk I would like to welcome you back from your under a rock vacation. #ha For the record, I can name at least two thirteen year olds right now that can make that dunk, but that’s not the point. The point is that his miss was received with more congratulations and adulations than I have ever seen for any missed shot or break away layup ever! Your kid deserves the same. Instead of grimacing or frowning when your kid misses a shot or opportunity give them the celebration that Bronny would get.

Instead of surrounding them with naysaying adults, surround them with adults like the ones that Bronny has. Surround them with adults that congratulate them as they land in the crowd from their missed dunk or in game transition layup. Tell them that they can do whatever they dream about and give them guidance as to the how. That is not only trusting the process, but creating it!

My kid is going to make it to the league. The odds are in his favor. The biggest hurdle that I can see will be the naysayers and that’s easy. Surround your kid with people who say “Yes you can!” instead of “Do you know the odds.”

See You In The Gym,

Troy Horne – (AKA Moses’ Dad)

 

The post The Odds Of Going Pro! (The Facts!) appeared first on Hoopchalk AAU Youth Basketball Podcast.