From Zero To Hero This 2010

As year 2009 comes to a close, let me wish each and everyone advance happy new year. Year 2009 have been a great year in general for me. Whether it's personal, work, sports, etc., this year have been a blessing for me. Everything that a bachelor could ever ask, i gained them all this year. New car, new camera, new phone, new love life, a loving and supportive family and a comfortable workplace, it seems like I've been given everything after a disastrous 2008 year.

Now, as 2010 is in the horizon. Let me lay all out my goals for the coming year.

CAREER. I'm retiring from programming. Working as a programmer for 4 years for 2 fruitful companies is enough. For 4 years I've gained enough experience that I need for the future run. Working for an IT environment have been a roller coaster ride but at this point of my life, it's time to face a bigger challenge, a Godzilla type challenge. It's one thing that every Chinese father would like their son to do and succeed. It's time to let my parents retire in due time. Despite the first time I tried to take over the family business and didn't go as planned, I have the utmost confidence that I can succeed this time around. Given the 2 years working outside the family business, gaining confidence and seeing what the outside world is about, working for a company and waiting for my payday is enough. It's time for the big show.

SPORTS. Well, this comes as a surprise. Sports for me includes basketball, gym, tennis and badminton. But for this year, I'll just focus on two sports that have been beloved by me for a long period of time basketball and gym. Basketball, what else can I say? I've been playing this sport since I was 7 years old. I got an appendectomy just because of this sport. But now, this year, I'm determined to become a better player. For countless years, I've been trying hard to play this sport just for fun. Now, probably it's personal. I want to get better and hopefully I can get better in due time. Gym? I've just began going to the gym last year, year 2008. But now, I fell in love with it. To be challenged to keep your weight at the same time, keeping yourself fit and healthy is something I would want to continue doing. No pain no gain, as the slogan used to say. To have the benefit to hurt yourself, hurting your muscles for personal gain, there's no better feeling than reaping the rewards of gym. To see myself in a different physical state compared to once obese-type Michael Kent is simply satisfying. My target weight by June 2010, 165 lbs. Currently, I'm 181 lbs. Hopefully, shredding off 16 lbs and gaining muscles would come easy in 6 months.

PHOTOGRAPHY. This is also a first for me. Before, it was only pictures. Now, photography. Having a new SLR have given me a hobby, a hobby to learn and even making a career out of it. This is a new dimension of hobby for me, as people would tell me, it's an expensive hobby considering how much lenses cost. But who cares? Hobbies are supposedly expensive. And this is one thing I want to learn for this year. Learning those terms such as White balance, aparture, shutter speed gave me the chills but i know i can learn those in due time and improve my picture taking skills.

And lastly....

REDEMPTION. Sheila Gaw, you'll regret the decision you've made last May 10,2008 7:34 AM. Rejecting me simply made me a better person. The day, May 10 have risen up my fighting spirit. I've given myself 2 years to become a better person and to prove you wrong. Now is the time. I know I've became a better man than the one you knew 2 years ago, and i'm ready to haunt your decision. For more than a year, you've given me pain and sufferings. If you only knew what I had to endure during the times I was recovering. Now, it's time for redemption. Those tears, pains and sleepless nights have evolved into the Michael Kent that these people knew today. I've gained enough confidence that was once-lacking during the time I knew you. The one thing that could ever satisfy me is to hear from someone from your friends or EVEN yourself, "is this the Michael Kent that I rejected before?!" because DEFINITELY that day will come. Even though currently you have a boyfriend, that guy is nowhere to be compared to me. There's no way in this world that the fat bastard is better than Michael Kent Reaport. To see the new guy in her special life gave me chills. To see the physical statue of the guy just made me smile, laugh and ask myself "is this the guy who she thinks is better than me?!". This is not bitterness, just like what I've said, this is confidence, the confidence that once doomed me and now, lifting me as a better person.

Suggestions and violent reactions are welcomed. If you dare.

Email me at michael_reaport@yahoo.com

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UAAP Finals: UE-ADMU Winner Take All

It all boils down to one game.

University of the East and Ateneo De Manila University clash this Thursday, in a do-or-die affair for the UAAP men's basketball championship. After UE's Game one defeat, the Red Warriors bounce back, led by Elmer Espiritu and Pari Llagas to trounce the Blue Eagles 88-68 to knot the series 1-1 and more importantly, bringing the pressure into the Blue Eagles side, a site we last saw 3 years ago when JC Intal led-Ateneo blew an 1-0 lead in the finals and lost to Jojo-Duncil led UST.

Based from my other Atenian friends, they boldly predicted "It ain't gonna happen again."

Think again guys, Ateneo is in a brink of duplicating one of the most embarrassing letdown in UAAP finals history.

Blue Eagles have remained the favorite to win this year's title but somehow UE is surprising everyone since towards the end of regular season by winning 7 straight. Led by Paul Lee and Elmer Espiritu, the duo have been consistent throughout the season and making a name for themselves during this part of the season wherein every possession counts. Lee has vastly improved from a Paul Artadi Caliber into a known scorer and great ballhandler. Throw in Pari Llagas and sharp shooter Val Acuna have made UE a more dangerous team despite the departure of ace guard Marcy Arellano. Despite having a new coach in Lawrence Chongson, who first broke into the basketball scene as a bust coach for the defunct-MBA Pangasinan Waves, Warriors have adopted a more defense-oriented team since the departure of Dindo Pumaren as head tactician.

As for the Blue Eagles, if ever Ateneo would lose this game, it will mark as the second time in 4 years that they squandered a 1-0 lead in the finals. Heavy favorites during the start of the season despite the departure of Chris Tiu, Eagles now found themselves playing the game of their life after breezing through the elimination round. We saw the struggles of Erik Salamat, Ryan Buenafe and Nico Salva in Game 2. These 3 guys have been solid for Norman Black throughout the season and to see these 3 struggle at the wrong time means danger for Ateneo. Rabeh will get his numbers eventually, but his teammates must help him out. Chongson have already admitted that stopping Rabeh is impossible, so these guys must also help Rabeh in scoring. For three quarters, Ateneo were within striking distance and yet, they let UE ran over them during the fourth quarter.

For sure Araneta would be jam packed. This is one game students, alumni would not miss. Even those non-alumni are itching to see what kind of basketball would be played. Physical could be as some Atenians sore-losers lashed out their frustration during their game 2 loss by throwing out elbows on UE players. Me? As a LaSallian, I would love to see Ateneo lose this game. I admit, I was never a fan of Ateneo and I'll never be one.

As long as Ateneo played their normal game on Sunday, there's no doubt that Eagles would reign supreme this year.

If not, then Katipunan would again be flooded.. by tears of dispair and disappointment.

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My Respect For Tony Chua

It's a sad day for Philippine basketball.

Tony Chua, manager of PBA team Red Bull Barako, passed away Saturday night due to typhoon Ondoy. Chua, who also served as PBA chairman before, was drowned by the flash floods near his home in Cainta Rizal when he decided to retrieve something from his car that was parked on their driveway.

For the record, Marikina and Cainta are the most disastrous areas, wherein floods are already chest-deep.

Yet, Chua gambled and paid dearly for his life.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of Chua since he owns the team I hated the most, Red Bull, but somehow I'll pay my tribute for the guy who provided Philippine basketball a lot.

Ever since Red Bull came into the league last 2000, competition in the league have become stiffer. It was Chua who transformed an expansion team in 2000 into a championship-caliber ballclub in just a year. They won the 2001 Commissioners cup led by their import James Lang. Again, Chua formed one of the best lineup Red Bull have ever posted by drafting scoring machine Willie Miller. He also drafted Enrico Villanueva last 2003 to add low post presence for the Barakos which paid off beautifully.

With several roster moves, Chua was able to assemble a roster loaded with talent led by Tugade, Valenzuela, Harp, Pennisi, Villanueva, Fonacier, Najorda and Cyrus Baguio which would give opposing teams a hell of a competition night in,night out to gain the respect and loyalty of PBA fans.

But 2008 season, Red Bull has filed bankruptcy and lost it's key players, majority to San Miguel Corp. Tugade, Valenzuela, Alvarez, Villanueva, Baguio, Pennisi, Celino Cruz, Miller and even coach Yeng Guiao was either dealt or resigned due to the issue of disbandment.

But yet, Chua never disband the team. Yes, they got cheaper players and formed a less competitive team but they never abandoned the league. Being a chairman of PBA board of governors, Chua kept his word and continued to patronize the PBA.

As for this day, it's sad to see a great man go. It's hard to believe that a Tony Chua is no longer existent and it's hard to imagine to see how Philippine basketball will continue without the support of Tony Chua.

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My NBA Asia Challenge Experience

Simply amazing.

The score might not best describe the outcome but the experience of watching former NBA greats play against our own live is priceless. Despite the heavy rain downpour and floods across Manila, more than 10,000 Filipinos stormed to Araneta Coliseum to witness a classic history in the making game featuring Dominique Wilkins-led NBA generations against Alvin Patrimonio-led PBA generations.

To revive the memories of our own legends, including Patrimonio, Paras, Magsanoc, Duremdes and the "triggerman" itself Allan Caidic is pretty amazing. To watch the players I grew up idolizing play live is one thing I never thought I would be able to do. Even though the game was a blow-out for the NBA generations(109-85), the game was still lively, thanks to bloopers by Tim Hardaway, Robert Horry and Vlade Divac.

But each and every Filipinos would watched the game live would remember how the "triggerman" pulled out a shooting show in this one. Allan Caidic, who holds the most three-pointers converted in a single game with 15, came out blazing hot, shooting 5/8 from the three-point line in the first quarter alone to lead PBA Generations to an early 26-25 lead. The crowd was so alive that by during after converting his second triple, fans roared everytime Caidic holds the ball. The atmosphere was so intense once Caidic released a shot beyond the arc. And lastly, crowd was at their feet when the "triggerman" converts a triple. Even Robert Horry has seen enough as he applied a box one on Caidic after the latter converted his fifth triple of the night.

Caidic was loved by the fans for his shooting display that while he was on the bench, we saw and heard fans screaming "We want Caidic!"

Dominique Wilkins gave Filipinos something to remember. The 49 year old veteran from Atlanta Hawks put on a dazzling offensive display, shooting for 28 points in just 2 quarters of play. First quarter, he scored 12 points alone. By the time he played during the third quarter, he showed each and everyone of us why he was nicknamed "The human highlight Film". From three-pointers, to low post moves and dazzling drives, Wilkins still has game despite his age. Every defender of PBA squad have no answer to "Nique". From Taulava to Thoss,Villanueva,and Santos, they simply have no answer for this guy. Among the 5 former NBA stars, it was Wilkins, who undoubtledly shone among the brighest.

Among the sidelights of the game was the New Jersey Nets dancers. Their dancers delighted the sell-out crown by their dance routines number. And one thing that made the crowd up on their feet once these cheerdancers are performing is their slam dunk stunt. Backed by a spring board, these girls jumped, performing between the legs dunk, threadmill dunks and 360 dunks. Sly the fox, the mascot of NBA team New Jersey Nets, also flew in and provide total entertainment, marking this event a total success.

The ticket that I bought was 1,320. But to witness a game like this, to be part of a crowd cheering for their once-promising idols and to be part of an atmosphere wherein we share common interest, is simply priceless.

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Bruce Bowen Retires!

After 12 seasons in the NBA, after menacing the Kobe's, Lebron's and T-Mac's, Bruce Bowen finally hang up his jersey.

Bruce Bowen officially announced his retirement Friday, ending a defensive legacy that many stars would definitely appreciate. Bowen, who was key part of the 3 championships of Spurs, will be sorely missed by fans and even myself. Labeled as the dirtiest player to ever play the game, Bowen openly acknowledge that he only had one play wherein he purposely kicked a player, that player is Ray Allen during the 2006 season.

Nonetheless, his defense and his tenacity will be missed. His defense brings the best out of Kobe. His defense ignited Amare. His defense drew the ire of Nowitzki. And most of it, his defense won multiple titles for San Antonio. Playing with 3 gifted offensive players, Bowen knows his role when stepping on the court. But when push comes to a shove, Bowen steps up by knocking down big shots as evident to numerous back-breaking triples he made during clutch times of regular season and playoffs.

As a fan, I hate the guy but surely he will be sorely missed. Without a Bruce Bowen in the league, there will be no controversies. Playoffs will be dull without this guy. He's in the level of Raja Bell,Ruben Patterson, Eric Snow and Ron Artest, making waves in the playoffs with his defense. Here are some of his memorable "dirty" acts:

1.) Kicked Wally Sczerbiak during a March game, 2002.
2.) Undercut Vince Carter during the 2004 season, ending Carter's season.
3.) Kicks Ray Allen during a March game, 2006 in Seattle.
4.) Struck out his foot when Jamal Crawford was shooting a jumpshot during 2007 regular season.
5.) Kneed Steve Nash's groin during the 2007 playoffs.
6.) Forearmed Amare Stoudamire during a April game, 2008.
7.) Kicked Chris Paul during the 2008 playoffs.

From a fan standpoint, we love to see controversy and rifts and that's what this guy provides. He provides entertainment by frustrating other players and of course, drawing controversies. But for a player stand-point, his retirement is the best thing that happened in the course of the NBA.

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Rubio Staying In Spain, Wolves Screwed!

The 19-year old shaggy boy point guard of Spain is staying home after all.

After weeks of debacle, Ricky Rubio have come to a decision to stay in Spain to play for Barcelona rather than fulfilling his dream of playing in the NBA. The fifth overall pick of 2009 NBA draft agreed on a six year contract with Barcelona, with a buyout clause for 2 years that allows him to join the NBA after 2 years. Despite the efforts of Minnesota president David Kahn, all went to naught after Rubio's mother team, DKV Joventut traded the latter to Barcelona together with $5 million buyout clause.

"When the season ended, I entered the draft with the intention of going to the NBA. But some things happened that kept me from being ahead of the rest and I ended up No.5, which I was happy with, but it didn't allow me the chance to go to the NBA. I tried, but in the end it wasn't to be." Rubio said. Kahn, who travelled to Spain three times just to negotiate with Rubio, actually appeared to have lured Rubio out of Barcelona before the kid changed his mind.

This just justifies one thing. The Timberwolves are screwed.

After trading Sebastian Telfair to Clippers and Randy Foye / Mike Miller to Washington in order to obtain the number 5 pick which they used to pick Rubio, Timberwolves now found themselves in a nut-shell upon learning the news. "I don't think disappointment should overshadow the big picture. Ricky is the youngest player in the draft. He'll be 20 in two years. We tried and came very close." Kahn said.

But not close enough. Add Rubio to T-Wolves previous trade busts in Michael Olowokandi, OJ Mayo and Kevin Garnett.

Foye, who have improved dramatically every year and posted career high in points and assists, was blind-sided upon his trade during the draft night. A player who was envisioned the future franchise player with Al Jefferson, was traded eventually for an 18-year old kid that they envisioned as "long-shot" to join them for 2010 season during draft night. For a team who is rebuilding when they traded Kevin Garnett for Al Jefferson, and for a team who has shown improvement the past year and even competed for a playoff spot before Jefferson went down, to trade away their starting guard is simply stupid.

Maybe Rubio's stay in Spain might be fruitful, considering he have 2 years more of improving his game before joining the big league. Maybe Flynn, who impressed scouts during summer league, can revive all Minnesota fans to come watch their game and increase sales tickets. Maybe Jefferson, who suffered an ACL last year, can come back and dominate like what he did last year. Unless these things happens this season, I envision this team to be the worst team in the NBA and bound for lottery again.

And maybe, it's better for David Kahn to call Isiah Thomas and play golf, rather than handling basketball operations. Believe me, as long as this clown is in town, Minnesota will have no hopes of reviving a doomed franchise that once a guy named "KG" built.

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Allen Iverson: Still Unsigned

How could a 10-time NBA all-star, winning 2 all star MVP awards,netting a MVP plum during the 2000-2001 season and single-handedly carried a team into a championship during his prime, still unemployed at this rate?

Ask Allen Iverson itself.

From a superstar to an outcast, Iverson has yet to join a NBA team with just a month into spring training. Backing his career statistics of 27.1 PPG 3.7 RPG and 6.2 APG, how can 30 teams of the NBA bypassed these kind of stats? Several teams indeed need a scorer, teams like Memphis, Minnesota or even Clippers yet the news of "Iverson joins or Iverson signs contract with" has yet to be seen on news nor the internet. Given his reputation, the guy is a proven scoring machine that could easily help teams with scoring problems a lift.

That's the issue. The reason why the guy remains unsigned is his reputation.

Iverson, who won the NBA scoring title during years 1998,2000,2001 and 2004, remains a bad shot for teams who are hoping to contend for a title. Based from his previous run-ins with previous coaches including Larry Brown and Chris Ford, the guy is like a bomb waiting to explode. His run-ins with Brown are well documented, most notably after the 2002 playoffs wherein they were eliminated. Brown criticized Iverson for missing practice and the former franchise player answered "We're sitting here, and I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we're talking about practice".

Another problem that made Iverson still jobless is his big ego. The guy refused to be the sixth man. His unwillingness to come off the bench complicates his pursuit of a new team. This was evident during his tenure with Detroit, saying that "He'd rather retire than playing off the bench". The guy is selfish and a ball-hog. He is way past his prime and probably his game also has diminished. Even though there were some diminishing players who was quickly offered a contract, like Rasheed Wallace, brings a lot to the table. Not to say that Iverson would be a liability, he has the ability of changing a team with his offense and he also has the ability to ruin a team and youth development with his ego.

Now, Iverson firmly believes that Memphis would sign him. Grizzlies has 2 young key core guards that I think are just 2 years away from being flourished. OJ Mayo and Mike Conley are franchise backcourt. Inject Iverson into that team is like placing Superman on a field of kryptonite. Previous rumors surround that Clippers are willing to sign Iverson, halting the development of young guard Eric Gordon. The truth is, Clippers needs ticket sales in which they thought Iverson could give them. New York was another possible destination since they lacked a more capable guard than Chris Duhon. Since the Knicks are in self-destruct mode since the era of Isiah Thomas, why not sign Iverson and destroy the whole team itself.

Better yet, he probably need to call Stephon Marbury and join forces in a Greek team called Olympiakos. If Olympiakos remains interested at this point.

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Wait 'til Next Year

Chicago Cubs fans, time to say our favorite slogan, "Wait 'til next year".

From this 2009 season standpoint, it would take a miracle for Chicago Cubs to enter the postseason.

With 5 weeks remaining in the regular season, the NL Central favorite have found themselves in a deep hole, falling 8 games behind St. Louis Cardinals in NL Central race. To make things even worst for them is that they fell 7.5 games behind Colorado Rockies in their wildcard chase. Injuries have been the main issue for this season, including their pitching staff ace, Carlos Zambrano miss almost 3 weeks. Top clutch hitter in Aramis Ramirez dislocated his left shoulder and has not regain his power stroke since his return from the DL. Cubs also missed Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly, two of the most dominating pitchers in NL if healthy. Regular catcher Geovany Soto missed a huge amount of playing time due to injury including outfielder Milton Bradley. Reed Johnson, the versatile outfielder who has been contributing nicely before fracturing his foot, hasn't returned and Aaron Miles, the said replacement of a productive Mark DeRosa during the off-season, also had several stint in the DL and has been disappointment for the entire season. It's like the entire roster of Cubs have suffered injuries and have been struggling to stay healthy for the course of the season.

Despite having those injuries, several key players from their farm system have stepped up nicely. We saw Kevin Hart and Randy Wells pitched very well in the absence of Dempster and Lilly. Eventually, Hart was traded to Pittsburgh for Tom Gorzellany and John Grabow. We saw the emergence of Jake Fox and Micah Hoffpauir as hitters when Ramirez went down and Angel Guzman has developed into one of the reliable pitchers in Cubs bullpen after 3 years of injuries.

But the story of the season for Cubs is their lack of potent offense. Tabbed as the team to beat this offseason due to its potent offensive firepower, this has no where to be seen. Where is last year's rookie of the year Geovany Soto. You see his production, 9 HRs and 29 RBIs, batting .217 compared to his stellar rookie season with 23 HRs and 86 RBIs and batting .285. How about the overpriced Alfonso Soriano, who is being given ample time to rest due to his "soreness in left knee". Soriano has been missing the entire season, batting just .240 with 19HRs and 52RBIs. Milton Bradley, whom the Cubs tabbed to add to their potent offense, has been a big bust for them. Given a 30M contract for 3 years, is batting just .250 with 9 HRs and 34RBIs and has been outplayed by the rookie Jake Fox. Pitching in late games has been the culprit as closer Kevin Gregg just lost his job after blowing 3 of 4 save opportunities. Aaron Heilman has been ineffective the entire season, just like the way he did last year with the NY Mets.

This season has been a disappointment. Their lineup in the paper looks very solid but when it comes to the field, they simply sucked. They traded Mark DeRosa to Cleveland, hoping that the guy would not haunt them in their pennant race. But their arch-rivals made a trade for him, knowing that this guy can contribute and now, he's haunting his former team. Jason Marquis, the pitcher who was subject of criticism last year, is having the last laugh after he is leading the Wild-Card leading Colorado Rockies in wins with 14. Look at the pitching staff of Cubs, do they have a 14 game winner? The only good thing they did this season is they traded the inefficient Felix Pie and Rich Hill to Baltimore.

It's time to look at next season. 2009 season has been a disastrous season, which exposes all Jim Hendry's decision as busts. From Milton Bradley to Aaron Miles to Aaron Heilman and Kevin Gregg. It's been a weird speculation on why does the guy overhauled his bullpen when the team won 97 games last year? Bob Howry,Kerry Wood, Scott Eyre were not retained in favor of collapse-king Aaron Heilman and opponents's favorite pitcher in closing games in Kevin Gregg. Replacing Mark DeRosa for Aaron Miles has been the most ridiculous thing that a GM would ever do. Not only that, giving the second base job to Mike Fontenot, who in reality must stay in Minor League and never should have been called up.

So, to end this blog. I've made a list of accolades for the Cubs. As a Cub fan, all i have to say is "Wait 'til next year".

MVP- Derrek Lee
CY Young - Randy Wells
Biggest Bust- Milton Bradley
Most Improved - Jake Fox
Disappointment One- Alfonso Soriano
Worst Pitcher- Aaron Heilman / Kevin Gregg
Worst Hitter- Mike Fontenot / Aaron Miles
Trading Block- Carlos Zambrano / Aaron Heilman / Kevin Gregg / Milton Bradley
Needs to be in Minor- Mike Fontenot / Geovany Soto

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Team Pilipinas 2009: Worst PhilippineTeam Ever

Team Pilipinas for Fiba-Asia Qualifier 2009 is finally formed.

Hooray for a team that will be whooped this August in Tianjin.

Argue if you want but based from the final lineup that the bald coach Guiao has formed, the lineup has still loopholes that may hinder in their quest to qualify for the 3 slots for FIBA 2010 championship in Turkey. Countries competing in this tournament has stacked up their roster, making sure to have a balance attack of inside and outside game. The Philippines? I don't think so. Coach Yeng have missed several good players in the PBA that were not included in the Philippine team.

First, they lacked outside shooters. Where is the Alapag, Hontiveros and Ritualo on the team? According to scouts, they are preparing for the worst, meaning facing taller and more dominant inside players in the tournament. And from every basketball coaches and even players standpoint, what is the best weapon when facing these kinds of players? Outside shooting. Does the current lineup have that?

Possibly James Yap and Willie Miller are the best options but are they the pure shooters that every coaches would covet? What in the world would a Cyrus Baguio nor a Jared Dillinger provide for the team? Based from the Jones Cup, you witness how Iran and Lebanon frustrated the team inside the shaded lane. We witness how our biggies gave everything they've got but no support from the outside. We witness how Haddadi of Iran dominated us and yet we didn't give up a decent fight. In my opinion, outside shooting has been our weakest link.

Second, our bigs. Aguilar, Taulava and Raymundo are nice pickups for the team but aside from those three, who in the hell can score underneath the basket? Don't tell me you would rely on Sonny Thoss? Who can guard a Haddadi or a Vroman one on one or even who can play a Haddadi type player on the offensive end one on one? I don't think that the current team have that luxury. In the first place, coach Guiao picked Ranidel De Ocampo as one of his bigs. But based from what he played in the PBA, does the guy can score inside? No. His game is on the perimeter. The guy have been shelved twice from the Philippine team. Now, where the hell is Jay Washington? Kelly Williams and Gabe Norwood are guys who have the height but yet versatile, but picking De Ocampo and Thoss as your bigs? Those 2 guys could not even dominate a single PBA game.

Lastly, what irritates me is how Coach Yeng offers his explanation after a loss. "We're not here to win." Then why would the team join the tournament if winning is not the reason? Why humiliate your country if winning is not your priority? Learning or testing the team's ropes could be the reason but explaning that winning is not your priority is typically bullshit. You're here to compete. So what the guy is saying is that the team went to Taiwan, just to get their ass whopped so that they can learn and develop? Is that it? Is that what our respective coach, who once intentionally tripped and landed his forearm in the face of Hontiveros during a semi-final game is talking about? Is that what a public servant (Pampanga Vice Governor) would ever do to show his professionalism?

Look, if "Baldy Man" couldn't steer the Philippines to victory, then the least he can do is step down and let other coach guide our national team, rather than soaking with different kinds of alibis. We don't need explanations, we need victories. His explanation is quicker than how Stevenson grows hairs on bald people. Obviously, i'm not a fan of Yeng Guiao, in fact I hate the guy ever since I saw him in National TV when he was coaching Swift. And this was the clown who was assigned to steer the National team?!

This August 6, good luck to the Philippine team. Hopefully, they can prove me wrong and qualify for the 2010 Championships in Turkey.

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San Miguel Beermen: Your 2009 PBA Fiesta Champions!

After 4 years of frustration, disappointment and under-achievement, San Miguel Beermen finally put an end to their title drought.

After 4 years of injury problems, trades and rebuilding process, San Miguel put critics all to rest after claiming the one thing that eluded them for a very long time.. Something people expect they could win it easily.

A PBA championship.

Not just a simple championship, but an emotional one as well.

A fitting end to their 2009 season, San Miguel roared past Barangay Ginebra, 90-79 in a game where all hells break lose to claim their first championship in 4 years and 18th title overall. In a game wherein 20T plus Filipinos brushed aside the storm and rainy weather just to foresee the eventful Game 7, people got their money's worth. In a game wherein Basketball gods sit and watch these two teams clash, destiny finally falls on the side of San Miguel.

Showing signs that they are a force to reckon with, the Beermen showed no mercy as they mishandled a depleted Gin Kings as early as the second half started. Booming 17 points leads one after another, Gin Kings finally showed some resilience from Chico Lanete as they trimmed the lead to 8, 80-72 with less than 5 minutes remaining.

But Danny Ildefonso would not give in. Not this time for he waited so long in his injury-prone career to taste another championship.

Danny I, as people used to call him, had a game momentum block on Billy Mamaril and completing a fast break off a nice feed from Finals MVP Jonas Villanueva to extend the lead, 83-72 with less than 3 minutes remaining and more importantly, bringing momentum into their side and crushing any Gin King hopes of a miracle. For a guy who was booed after his Game 2 incident, this is a fitting end for the Pangasinan native.

His career has been slowed by injury from his foot, but this time around, he returned and carried his team on his back when the team needed him the most. An emotional Ildefonso pumped his fist in celebration with still 1:24 remaining with the Beermen up 85-74 after knocking his 2 charities.

This simply shows you who badly he wants the title.

As the buzzer sounded, Siot Tanquincen was carried into the court, with tears flowing from his eyes. For a coach who has a power-laden lineup to cry upon winning a title is simply classic. For 2 years that Tanquincen was put into the head coaching job, for 2 years that he had to endure the "Fire Siot" slogan from different San Miguel forums, he finally proved that he can lead this once mighty franchise into power once again.

A fitting end to the team destined to win one, a team aging but still determined to win one for their aging veterans (Racela,Ildefonso,Seigle), San Miguel defied all odds to chalk up their first title in a convincingly fashion.

And this ain't going to be the last one folks.

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Do or Die PBA Finals

It all boils down to one game.

2 sister teams going all out for one goal, the PBA championship.

2 talented imports and 2 respectable coaches going at each other, it doesn't get any better than this.

San Miguel Beermen face off with Barangay Ginebra in a fitting climax tonight for Game 7 of PBA Motolite Fiesta Conference at Araneta Coliseum. After watching the classic six games of the finals, Game 7 promises to be an all-war affair between the 2 ballclubs. "It's now a jumpball" Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said after their Game 6 loss.

Critics have said that the odd favorite to win the PBA championship is San Miguel, whose lineup has been the envy of every coaches. With the core of Hontiveros,Racela, Washington,Pena,Freeman,Cortez,Pennisi,Ildefonso and Villanueva, many dubbed that San Miguel has a lineup that can form 2 starting units in the PBA. What makes this even more surprising is that even with a fully loaded lineup, how can the Beermen struggle against a Ginebra team without a Mark Caguioa?

Ginebra on the other side has nothing to lose. Who would even expect that this team can reach up to PBA finals after starting the season 1 win 5 loss? Certainly, their import, David Noel carried them for the entire season while MVP JayJay Helterbrand continues to play despite a hamstring injury but who will step up in the absence of Caguioa? Who will be the force when the 2 is down? Eric Menk has done a pretty decent job in supporting the duo but Valenzuela, Baguio, Salvacion and Mamaril is struggling. In their 3 victories, Noel played a monster game in each game. In those 3 losses, Noel and Helterbrand were hand-cuffed enabling San Miguel to force a Game 7.

My take? San Miguel. It's been 5 years since their last championship and this will be a fitting victory for Olsen Racela. It's about time that San Miguel wake up and win another one. Their lineup is stacked and there's no excuse of losing this one to Ginebra. One more thing awaiting San Miguel is their newly acquired forward Arwind Santos, who will join them next season.

Should San Miguel win tonight, the Beermen badly deserves it. This will give Washington his first PBA championship. It could be a fitting end for Beermen after what they have gone through last conference against Talk and Text. This could also give coach Siot Tanquincen his first championship with San Miguel.

This is our time, Beermen. It's simply time to fulfill their destiny.

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Marcin Gortat Offseason Analysis

Marcin Gortat, be satisfied of being a backup for Dwight Howard, for now.

As i opened NBA page for yahoo, my eyes caught up on the headline section quoting "Magic match offer from Mavs To Retain Gortat". Since I'm a big Gortat fan, I can't help but wonder how this guy going to develop his game if he's playing behind Dwight Howard? Orlando matched Dallas offer of 34 million for 5 years but the main difference that could spell between these two teams is simply playing time.

Gortat's playing time will surely be deminished, thanks largely to Dwight Howard, the team's franchise player. According to his agent, Guy Zucker, said that Gortat is disappointed that Magic matched Mavs offer. Dallas promised Gortat to have a shot at their starting center slot, competing time with Erick Dampier. With the departure of Brandon Bass from Dallas made Gortat's desire to play more minutes possible.

Then came the fall-out.

Playing for Magic for 5 years is a long time, considering that you're backing up Superman. How can one player blossom if he's playing behind a great player? Here's some player who have blossomed since departing their mother teams: 1.) Jermaine O'Neal. Remember playing behind Arvydas Sabonis and Brian Grant during his Portland days? 2.) Tracy McGrady was just a shadow of Vince Carter before he exploded his career in Orlando and Houston. 3.) David West was a rookie waiting for a shot before Byron Scott gave him the job by relieving Vlade Divac and PJ Brown of their respective jobs.

For Gortat, the guy have the tools to become a great player. It's just a shame that Otis Smith would want to retain the guy for additional frontcourt depth but ruining one's career. His salary has increase dramatically but his career might not. Stan Van Gundy revolves players around their wingmen, namely Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter. What are the chances that they would run a play for Gortat?

Marcin Gortat reminds me of Vlade Divac. Only Divac was successful in the NBA as a starter. Will Gortat follow that lead?

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Closing the May 10,2008 Chapter In My Life

As I close the book of my saddest chapter of my life, there has to be some controversy.

A big one, it seems.

As I look her friendster and facebook page for the last time, three words appeared out of nowhere and hit me instantly. These 3 words are the most powerful words that can simply devastate me when it comes to the girl related to May 10,2008.

And for a split second. It hit me. Reality caught up with me in an instant.

These words are: "In a relationship".

As i learn how to close the deal regarding this girl, she also closed the little opening of the door that I'm hoping one day she would open up for me. For one year, I've hoping that there's a possible second chance between us. For one year, patience has been my best virtue, waiting and persevering that time would come wherein we'll meet again. For one year, I've learned and experienced the true definition of martyrdom. For one year, I've also relieved my faith in the so-called "destiny".

And now, it's all over.

Now that she's stepping into a new relationship, I'm just happy for her. I'm happy that she's found the one that would make her happy, something that I failed to do before. Moving on is the next best thing that will happen to me. At least now, I can accept the fact that she's happy with someone now. She had learned how to love someone and now has someone to care for. Although we didn't end up together, I can say that she's responsible for what I am today. For all the things I've given and fought for her, I can honestly say that i never regret making those decisions. And if rejecting or hurting me means she'll find a better one(which really happened), then so be it. I'll gladly accept the fact that I'm not good enough for her just for her to be fully satisfied in her life.

I wish her happiness and good luck to her current relationship. Let's hope that this relationship will last. I have no grudge nor bitterness towards her. I'm even thankful that she rejected me because I'm not the Michael Kent that you know today if not for her. I know that closing this book and moving on is not going to be easy, but I'm ready for the journey that awaits me and I've got to. For one year, I've restrained all the pain just to wait for the right time. Now, I'm withdrawing all the pain and waiting for the right one to come. Writing this blog has given me the urge to perform better in every aspect of my life. I know I'm can be better and certainly, I have the motivation to perform better.

June 26,2009 is the day that i shall end this impossible dream of mine. For the record, I've waited one year, one month and 16 days before closing the deal.

If this was a boxing fight, I've taken the fight into the 15 round. If this was a basketball game, I've taken the game into 4 overtimes. If this was a baseball game, 9 innings is not enough to shut me down.

But, this is a game. A game of life.

Game over, Mr. Kent.

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Another Pathetic Move By Minnesota

Kevin McHale is out as GM of Minnesota Timberwolves, yet they still continue to do stupid basketball decisions that will hamper their team next season.

After KG's era, Minnesota is simply seeking for a savior for answers how to build a competitive team.

Trading one of your future best players will not help their bid.

Minnesota traded their point guard Randy Foye, together with sharp shooter Mike Miller to Washington for the number 5 pick in 2009 draft,Etan Thomas,Darius Songaila and Oleksiy Pecherov. Foye, who averaged 16 PPG last year, showed brilliance during the second half of the season when Al Jefferson went down and proving critics that he can cope up with his draft classmate Brandon Roy, whom he was traded for during the 2006 rookie draft.

But trading Foye for number 5 overall pick? This year's draft class has the making of the worst draft class ever since Andrea Bargnani went 1st overall and Adam Morrison going 3rd overall during the 2006 NBA draft. Plus the fact that you've got 3 players who are having a hard time leaving the Wizards bench for the last 3 years? Who will complement Al Jefferson? Kevin Ollie?! The Mexican sensation who cannot even shoot a free throw?

Minnesota has done several stupid moves when it comes to front office decision. Remember Sam Cassell being traded for Marko Jaric? That was a crazy move. After that, they traded KG. It was a fitting move now that Jefferson have blossomed into a fantastic NBA player. They traded this guy, Foye for Brandon Roy, who later developed into an NBA all star and now, they want to trade their guard of the future for another lottery pick? How about they traded OJ Mayo for Kevin Love? Mayo showed brilliance while Love showed nothing. Are they sure they've fired McHale?

What are they trying to do? Now that Foye is gone, it looks like Kevin Ollie will get the nod to start. Good luck T-Wolves fans. This is going to be a long season.....

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The One Person That Truly Made Me Happy

For one year, the ghost of May 10, 2008 incident had haunted me. One year, I suffered all kinds of pain and sorrows just because of what happened on that special day. Some people have even wondered how long will i be able to recover by this incident.

After one year and one month, here i am ready and determined to close the sad chapter of my life.

It's simply time to move on, sadly.

But every sad endings have a new beginning.. hopefully.

In my case, there's one special person who helped me moved on from this sad incident. This one person helped me become stronger facing these challenges. This is also the one person I did not expect to be familiar with, but somehow I did. Knowing her have been the best thing that ever happened to me this year, honestly. Although I've known her in just a short period of time, she gave me enough reason to forget the past and face the present.

We've been going out lately, for friendly dates. I can say that the every time when I'm with her, i just hope that i have the ability to stop the clock because every moment with her is simply fantastic. She's fun to be with, plain and simple. It's like i want to cherish every single minute that I'm with her. She has the ability to put a smile on my face when I'm down and depressed. She can light up my dreadful day with just a simple text. She has that cute impatient attitude that despite it drives you crazy, you'll just realize how lucky you are when she does that antic since not all girls do this antic. .. Probably she's the only one who has ever done that. In my part, I miss her during the times I'm not with her. For all those times that we were together, i could say that she's the best companion I've ever with. For a friend, i could not ask for more.

There's no doubt that i like the girl. But courting her or me falling for her seems to be the farthest thing on my mind given the fact that i just came from a failed relationship. I enjoy her company. I enjoy what we are today and hopefully we'll stay this way for a long period of time. Time will only tell how we'll end up in the future but for now, I'll simply cherish what we have today. She have given me the word "contentment" a new meaning in my life. Should this be a new chapter of my life, then I don't want this chapter to end. In case it has to end, I just hope it has a better ending than my previous one and I'll surely miss all of our memories that we're been together, hoping we can do it all over again. For now, I don't want to ruin what we have today.

As for my past, it's pretty safe to say that I've moved on.

Game over. As i always used to say.

For this special friend of mine, thank you for making your friend happy and contented. I've never been this thankful since last year. I can say that my life is complete now that I'm back to my old high-spirit self. I just simply hope that I have put a little smile upon your face the moment that we've known each other.

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My Salute To Kobe Bryant

For the record, I'm not a big fan of Kobe Bryant. I hate how the guy plays. Despite his abilities on the basketball court, I despise the guy. But somehow, he won a NBA championship and finally got his first ring without Shaq. So, I just think I will pay Kobe a respect.

A little one, of course.

Kobe Bryant, adjudged the NBA Finals MVP was simply awesome throughout the finals. He also had enough help, the help that eluded Lebron James for his quest to enter the NBA finals. Pau Gasol, not as dominant as Howard, but held his ground against the "so-called" Superman of the Magic. Derek Fisher, the player who was then famous for his 0.4 second shot against the Spurs, again made his presence felt during Games 4 and 5. Trevor Ariza, the underrated wingman of the Lakers, came up big in their series clinching win with 15 markers. But one thing that made the difference for the Lakers is the 7APG of Kobe during the series. Notably a scorer, Magic threw 3 defenders against him and he let them pay with those timely dishing. Once defense focus on other players, Kobe this time became aggresive.

Kobe have evolved into one of the best, if not the best(I hate to say this) player of the game since Michael Jordan. Looking through his history of run-ins with the Lakers front-office, including demanding a non-sense trade last 2 years. He had a feud with Phil Jackson after the Malone-Payton era of the Lakers that led to his coach labeled him as a "selfish" player. But this year though, the "selfish" player have matured enough to have his own ring.

Future still looks bright for the Lakers if they can resign their biggest free agents in Lamar Odom and Ariza. Bynum is still young and developing while Kobe is in his prime at 30. Gasol is still one of the most dominating presence down low and Fisher will remain at least for one more year with the Lakers.

Hey Shaq, still wanna rap "Kobe cannot do it without me?"

Eat your words big fella, the guy has just done what you claimed he can't do.

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Game Over: A Flashback of May 10,2008

“Sometimes you love something so much that it hurts to leave it, but you must. Sometimes it hurts too much to hold on to that thing you love. And sometimes you let go of what you love because it hurts, but then just sometimes... you get it back and live happily ever after.”

The quote simply defines what my feelings and my hopes for someone right now. Here, let me tell you my sad story that happened last year which until now, I can still remember every detail of it.

May 10,2008, I endured one of the worst feeling a man could ever felt. It was that day my heart was crushed and broken. One year after, all those pains and sufferings still remains. Her memories still lingers on my mind. One year after, I still haven’t moved on. And one year after, here I am still wondering what went wrong between the two of us.

What makes this more painful is that during the 4 months that I’ve known her, I was so attached to her. All those places we went, all our memories and all the things she’s done for me is something I’ll never forget. This is the chapter of my life that I’ll surely cherish for the rest of my life. Given the chance to know her is pretty special experience for me. During that time, it was only that course of my life I learned how to love and care so much for someone. All the efforts I’ve made for her, I can honestly say I’ve never done that to anyone else except for her.

People say it’s been over a year, get a life something like that, or move on. But words are easier said than done. For the entire period that I’ve known her, all I did was cared for her. This is simply what makes this even more painful. My friends are trying to hook me with someone but somehow, it didn’t work mainly because I’m still attached to this girl. Her memories are so hard to let go, considering the short period of time that we’ve known each other. I still can’t understand why her memories are hard to forget, just like other people are telling that it’s been a year.

Even though we didn’t end up together, I’m blessed and appreciative that God have given me such contentment in my life. During that period is the only time that I’ve been so happy in my life. Knowing her gives me a new definition of life. It was also during that time, I learned to fight for someone you really cared about. I fought for her yet things didn’t go my way. Looking back, I learned some positives outlook in life. Life’s more than pleasure and money. When you found somebody you really cared about, cherish it and never let her go. Sadly for me, it was never that way with her.

At this point, I’m still optimistic that one day we’ll meet again. I’m still persevering that one day, destiny would go our way. This is one dream that I’m still hoping reality could re-enact for me. For one year, I always ask myself, “Is this it? Is it really over between the 2 of us?” For one year, I’ve always wandered “Does she deserve someone better than me?” It’s agonizing to come to though that she might have found the right one for her. I’ve pondered what my reaction would be if one day my friend would approach me and tell me “pre, my BF na si ….” If that day comes, then I’ll be happy because she has found the right one who would make her happy even though deep inside of me, it’s different.

“Never stop dreaming”. This is one motto that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’ll never stop believing that maybe one day our time would come. I’m trying to keep up a positive outlook, by thinking this is not our time. If our time would never come, then I’ll sit back and remember all those memories I’ve had with her, thankful that I’ve been given a blessed chance to meet someone as special as her.

But now, I’m not giving up. Not now. This is not the ending I’ve pictured for the both of us.

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Orlando Slips Past Lakers, Trims Lead to 2-1

Finally, the point guard issue for Orlando has been put to rest, for a game.

Rafer Alston scored 20 points including 8/12 from the field to lead Orlando Magic past LA Lakers 108-104 to trim their deficit series to 2-1. Not only Alston who did the job, it was also the emergence of Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis that helped Magic pull away during the late stretch of the fourth quarter. Howard and Lewis finished with 21 points apiece, including a late jumper by Lewis to give Magic a four point cushion with time down to less than 2 minutes.

Compared to their previous 2 games, Magic came out blazing, shooting 63% from the field and haunding Kobe for the rest of the night. The black Mamba finished with 31 points but shot just 11/25 from the field, a Lebron-type like stat line that led to Cavaliers downfall. Orlando also mustered enough support, showing their patented balance scoring with Hedo and Pietrus have 18 points apiece.

"We've got to play like this. When guys are attacking we're tough to guard." Howard said.

It should be if there were 5 players who would score at least 18 points each.

As for Lakers, their support was not there. Derek Fisher, who had the hot hand in Game 2, finished with just 4 points while Lamar Odom added 11. Andrew Bynum, for the second straight game, was a non-factor as he finished with just 4 points in 23 minutes of action. "We're all frail as humans." Phil Jackson said, offering excuse to their loss.

Not this time Phil. Lakers are bound to lose one or maybe more. But for now, let's give the night to Orlando as their Magic was able to cast a spell on your Lakers team.

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NBA Finals Analysis(Game 1 & 2)

After 2 games, Orlando Magic had another deja vu of their first finals appearance 14 years ago.

It was Nick Anderson that time that muffed 4 charities that enabled Houston to rob Game 1 of their finals. This time, it was Courtney Lee who missed a potential go-ahead layup that could have given them a 2 point lead and it was also Lee who missed the could-be game winning layup for the Magic after a perfect lob pass from Hedo Turkoglu.

For a season of comebacks, Magic must do a mere magical act to escape this current hole. Down 0-2, no team in NBA finals history have ever came back from this deficit. Given the season of Orlando, including down 2-1 against Philly in their first round, down 3-2 against Boston and a convincing clinching victory over Cleveland, there's no doubt that this team can come back.

Not only if they stop the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant.

Byrant struck hardest in Game 1, finishing with 40 points 8 rebounds and 8 assists, simply showing why he deserves to be MVP than Lebron James. Game 2, Magic double teamed Kobe resulting to his 7 turnovers but still finished with a modest line of 29 points and 8 assists. But more notably, Lamar Odom scored 19 off the bench while Fisher added 12 points. For a finals game, those numbers are huge. Bench players are the X-factor for this series. Superstars would off-set each performance and it's up to the role guys to provide the spark for their respective teams.

In this finals, the story so far has been Kobe Bryant. This is evident to their 2-0 lead in the finals. Bryant is determined to prove to everyone that he doesn't need a dominating center or simply say he doesn't need Shaq. He has Gasol in this series. Gasol has not been dominant but he's applying defense on Howard towards the latter part of the game. We have expected that Andrew Bynum will be plagued by foul trouble upon guarding Howard, which was right after he occured 5 fouls in just 16 minutes of action. Kobe can score, no doubt about it. The question lies for the Lakers is, who will step up and help Kobe in his scoring. Defense has also been the key, limiting Howard to just 14.5 PPG, a far cry from his 40 point performance in their clinching victory over Cleveland. Ariza has done a decent job in guarding Turkoglu.

For the Magic, their momentum simply was lost in Game 1. Where is Rafer Alston? The guy who dropped 26 points in Game 5 of Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland and was the running quarterback of the team that sent Lebron James home crying. The addition of Jameer Nelson have been a negative impact for the team. Stan Van Gundy must determine which point guard will he play more. In their 2 games, their minutes is evenly distributed. But for me, it was Alston who guided this team into this contention and it should be Alston commanding the point. I would gamble on Alston, who was the one responsible for bringing this team deep in the playoffs rather than Nelson, who guided the team in the regular season only to be injured and left the team in the playoffs. Where is Mikael Pietrus? Pietrus averaged close to 13 points per game in their series against Cleveland. This time, he fouled out Game 2. He has been the best perimeter defender of Magic but has been struggling in this series.

After 2 games, Lakers seem destined to notch their first title without Shaq. Magic meanwhile, are desperate searching for answers.

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NBA Finals Preview

Move aside, Lebron James. Your Cleveland team had just been toppled.

Now, it's Superman vs. Black mamba.

After failing last year against Boston Celtics, Kobe Bryant and his LA Lakers are back at center stage as they host Game 1 of NBA finals this Friday. With a solid supporting cast and the return of Andrew Bynum, many have dubbed Lakers as the favorites in this series. Pau Gasol remains the primary sidekick of Kobe while Ariza and Fisher are expected to be the X-factor.

Orlando meanwhile, forms the league best starting 5. Rafer Alston, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis can complement Dwight Howard inside the lane. This 2009 Magic might have been the best team Orlando has ever fielded in years. With a dominating center inside and surrounded by shooters, Magic boasts a team every coach would be envy of. Their brand of basketball is simple. Give it to Howard. Either dominate inside or kick out to outside shooters and let the three-point shots kill you. Pick your poison as they say, but don't expect this NBA finals will be a walk in the park for both teams.

Phil Jackson is a hell of a coach. We all know that he has some aces up on his sleeve on how his Lakers will defend Howard. My initial guess? Let Bynum play Howard one on one. Limit their three-point shooting because this is their bread and butter. Game 7 of Eastern Finals proved that Howard is a good passer for a center. With Howard scoring 40 points and Magic making 12 three-point attempts, Cavs simply don't have an answer. Lamar Odom will play a key role in this series, which is equivalent to Mikael Pietrus of the Magic. Both players are sixth man and suppose they played well in the series, their respective team have an edge.

Defense would be the key. Kobe can score while Dwight, do we still need to ask? Kobe have Gasol as his sidekick. Dwight have Hedo, Rashard and Rafer with the addition of Courtney Lee and Pietrus. Stan Van Gundy will surely assign Pietrus to Kobe, the way he planned how to slow James in their Eastern Conference Final. Bench players also is vital for both teams, with the likes of Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton and Sasha would be big for LA. Lakers has the pieces to win it all, but can they really win it all and give the big-headed Kobe Bryant his first title since post-Shaq era.

Orlando is so balanced that this team is labeled as unpredictable. Any given night, there are different players who beat you. Imagine, Kobe scoring 10 points yet Lakers win? I don't think so. Put Howard in the situation. Howard scoring 10 points yet they win? Probably because his wingmen are capable of stepping up. Pietrus, a once player who was delegated to the bench by the Warriors, now plays a defenive stopper and a terrific clutch shooter. Imagine this Magic team playing without Jameer Nelson...

Predictions anyone? Orlando in 6 and let the pathetic Kobe Bryant cry on his own, once again.

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Cavs Live Another Day!

Facing elimination for the first time this season, Lebron James had one simple goal coming into Game 5.

Dominate.

Did he ever.

Lebron James took over Game 5, finishing with a triple double to keep the Cavaliers season alive for at least one more game as he led his team to a 112-102 trumping of the Orlando Magic to trim their deficit to one game, 3-2. Facing in a unusual situation this year, James played with urgency as he consistently set up his teammates during the first half. Once his teammates get going, the King unmercifully ended Magic's desire to enter the NBA finals, again for just a game.

James scored 37 points, 21 in the second half but a big 17 points in the final quarter to keep Magic's rally in check. Despite leading by 22 in the first half, Cavs found themselves in a dog-fight by the end of the third quarter, a rare sight from them during the entire course of the season. Mo Williams, who has been in a hot seat since his post-Game 3 prediction that they would win the series, added 24 points on top of six three-pointers.

Dwight Howard, the main catalyst for victories in Games 3 and 4, struggled to finish the game as he finished with a mediocre stat line of 20 points and 12 rebounds. He also committed 6 fouls. But most importantly, Magic failed to drew points from their spitfire guard, Rafer Alston, who just finished with 3 points on 1/10 shooting. "They deserved to win this one, after the way we played poorly." coach Stan Van Gundy said.

Daniel Gibson nailed 2 clutch three-pointers in the final canto, both feeds from the King to withheld Magic's furious comeback. Mikael Pietrus, the X-factor of the Orlando for this series, continued to play well, finishing with 13 points and 3 three-pointers but somehow laughed off the court after losing the game, somewhat showing signs of overconfident.

Can the Magic cast their spell to the hapless Cavaliers on Game 6? Or can the King proclaim himself once again and force a do-or-die showdown?

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Lakers, One Win Away From NBA Finals!

Dahntay Jones and Denver Nuggets decided to gang up on Kobe Bryant. But, they forgot one thing Kobe can do except scoring.

His passing.

A game after Jones deliberatly tripped Kobe Bryant, the runner-up MVP changed his stand, as he finished with 22 points and 8 assists to lead LA Lakers past Denver Nuggets 103-94 and seize a 3-2 series lead in their own Western Conference Finals. Bryant, who just attempted 13 shots, played a decoy role thus resulting to big games from Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom. Derek Fisher scored 12 points, his biggest output of the series and Odom added 19 points off the bench to typify their balance scoring.

"It was a big gamble for me coming in, but I want to change my approach and be more of a decoy." Bryant said. Another main key for Lakers victory is Pau Gasol, who just scored 6 points after the third quarter. Gasol scored 8 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, and being aggressive when the game is on the line, resulting to Nene's 6 fouls and George Karl's sourgraping.

"I thought they got the benefit of the whistle. Every players in our locker room is frustrated. Nene has 6 fouls, 3 or 4 which doesn't exist." Karl said in frustration. A point which Karl is pointing out is Nene's stat line. He finished with a unusual 4 points and 8 rebounds while attempting just 3 shots for the entire game. Inside defense have been the key for this Game 5 for Lakers, wherein they also limited Kenyon Martin to 12 points and Chris Anderson to 2 points.

With Kobe's ability to pass to his open teammates, Nuggets were caught surprised after the superstar guard burned them with 40,32,41 and 36 points in their first four games. Not even Chauncey Billups can match Kobe's assist total as he was hounded with 5 fouls and finished with just 5 assists and 12 points.

Game 6 will be played on Denver. Can the Lakers finish off the Nuggets?

"We have to stay focused and poised and try to cut them up." Bryant said.

It's easier said than done. Hopefully, Kobe can lead this team to promise land, once again.

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Orlando Magic Takes A Commanding 3-1 Lead!

ORLANDO(MK) - Got any more predictions Mo?

After predicting the Cavs would win the series, Orlando battled back, this time with their play on the court to prevail a nail-biting 116-114 win over the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers. 48 hours after their Game 3 loss, Mo Williams boldly predicted that they would win the series despite being down 2-1 and being outplayed in Game 3. "I'm a leader on this team. Whatever I can do to spark this team and give us confidence, I'll do. Even if I have to take the heat, so be it." Williams said.

Now, the heat is even heater, not only for Williams, but the whole Cavaliers instead.

After finishing the regular season with the best record in the east and completely dominating the first and second round of Eastern Conference playoffs with 8 straight wins and 8 straight blow-outs, Cavs now fould themselves in a hole against a team who was ruled out during the regular season after the injury of Jameer Nelson. "We just have to keep fighting. We have an excellent opportunity in front of us. We can't think that anything's going to be easy." a resilient Dwight Howard said.

Compared to the loud-mouth Williams, Howard made his play do the talking. The hulking center of Magic finished with 27 points and 14 rebounds, most notably shooting 7/9 from the foul line. Rafer Alston added 26 points and Rashard Lewis chipped in 17. Cleveland meanwhile, whose dream season is starting to be a nightmare, have 4 players in double digits, a rare sight for this series. Lebron finished with another monster stat line with 44 points, 12 rebounds but 8 big turnovers while the loud-mouth Williams scored 18 points but a big flat 0 in the fourth quarter.

In a game that almost reminded everyone of the game 2 heroics of Lebron James, Orlando couldn't close the deal in overtime. Leading 111-105 with just 1:12 remaining in OT, Lebron scored 4 straight points in a span of 33 seconds to trim the lead to two, 111-109. Howard and Ilgauskas traded 2 free throws before Lewis added a pair to extend the lead to 4, 115-111 with 6 seconds remaining. Lebron nailed another three-pointer to cut the lead to one and Cavs intentionally fouled Lewis to stop the clock.

Then came the near nightmare, as Lewis split his charities, giving Magic a 116-114 cushion but setting a positive stage for another Lebron dramatic.

Not this time, Lebron.

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What's Happening To The Chicago Cubs?!

2009, Chicago Cubs might celebrate their 101st year since their last World Series Title. Last 2 years(2007,2008), this team entered the playoffs just to be swept in the National League Divisional Series. But what makes last year's playoff exit more frustrating is that they entered the playoffs with the best record in Major league, amid speculations that they might break the curse of the billy goat.

This year, Cubs made their offseason moves. They prioritized pitching and a left-handed bat despite their pending sale of the team. Tribune Co, owner of Chicago Cubs, filed for bankruptcy and posted the team for sale, making team's financial stability in jeopardy. But the genius mind of Jim Hendry, fulfill the needs of the Cubs. They resigned Ryan Dempter, the co-ace of pitching staff behind Carlos Zambrano to a 4 year, 52 million contract. Here, they strengthen their pitching rotation with Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Harden and Marshall. They unloaded an inconsistent pitcher and his 9 million contract in Jason Marquis and acquired Luis Vizcaino. They added a left handed bat in Milton Bradley, who led the Americal League in RISP%(Runners in Scoring Position Percentage) and acquired Aaron Miles,Aaron Heilman and Kevin Gregg in seperate trade deals. Those are the acquisition of Hendry. Now,let's focus on the departures of the Cubs. In order to acquire Bradley, they decided to trade 2B/OF Mark DeRosa. They let their closer, Kerry Wood go to Cleveland, signing a 2 year deal.

Certainly, financial could be the reason for letting go of DeRosa but the question lies, is it really worth it? As of May 26, 2009, Cubs are just 21-22, good for 4th place in NL Central. They acquired Bradley to provide pop in the heart of the batting order, but he gives the Cubs an unusual stat line. He is hitting just .200 with 5 homers and 14 RBI's(Runs Batted In). What makes this worst is that they're suffering a big gap at second base, which DeRosa could have filled if they didn't trade him away. The reason they traded for Bradley is that they could have an insurance in case Fukudome struggles again. Looking at Fukudome's stat line, he is hitting .308 with 4 homers and 18 RBI's and being placed at the third hole of the batting order.

As for Ryan Dempster, he signed a 52 million 4 year contract to have an ERA close to 5.00. For a pitcher earning that kind of amount, he has the nerve to ask for that kind of amount of money just to be a bust for a team which was dubbed as the loveble losers. Aaron Miles has been a complete bust for the Cubs, batting just .204 with no homers and just 4 RBI's. I would take DeRosa rather than this piece of crap. Kevin Gregg, their current closer, has 6 saves but has yet to show consistency closing out games compared to Kerry Wood last year. Aaron Heilman, do we still need to talk about the primary goat for the last 2 years of collapse of New York Mets?!

So far, all Hendry's move have been a bust. Bradley, Dempster, Miles and Gregg. If i were given a choice, DeRosa is the one that got away. DeRosa provides versatility and more offensive pop compared to Miles. They gave the second base job to Miles and Mike Fontenot. Fontenot has also been a bust, with his current slump of 2 for 36. With the addition of injury to Aramis Ramirez, their leading run producer, certainly makes this team more vulnerable.

Don't take me wrong. I'm a Cubs fan since my college days which was 1997. I watch Sammy Sosa smack home runs and his alleged corked bat incident. His home run duel with Mark McGwire will be the most memorable moment for me. And of course, who can forget Steve Bartman, who deflected the ball out of Moises Alou's hands in Game 6 of National League Championship Series in 2003 that cost the game for the Cubs and their hopes of entering the world series since 1945.

But this year, it simply getting more and more frustrating. Maybe, my fellow Cubs can join me as I say our favorite slogan: "Wait till next year".

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