NAASCU to upgrade its coaches

Matthew "Fritz" Gaston an accomplished basketball star, an accomplished coach is now on his way to pay back the very sport that he was a part of by helping out in the National Coaches Licensing which is spearheaded by the Samahan ng Basketball ng Pilipinas. Fritz Gaston is the consummate Ateneo athlete as he led the Blue Eagles together with Joy Carpio and Steve Watson to the last NCAA title of the Katipunan squad. Gaston went on to the PBA to anchor the U-Tex Wranglers championship run and was the President of the Players association of the PBA. Through the PBA's player's trust fund Gaston pursued further studies as he acquired a Master's Degree in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management. Two of the best teams that comes to mind that he has coached was the 1988 Ateneo Blue Eagles that completed the first Ateneo back to back and the Women's National Team that placed second to Thailand, the RP belles eventually won the won the SEABA title in 2010.

Gaston talked about how coaches can be distinguished through this and that levels of coaching can be attained. This licensing is mandated by FIBA and can be something that NAASCU coaches can brag about as the only league with FIBA accredited coaches. At the same time the seminar will help distinguish levels of coaching for our coaches with becoming a National Coach as the ultimate ending.

The seminar has a lot of components which ranges from coaching philosophy to even sports management. Stay tuned for further details.

10th NAASCU Season Preview:SSC & UM

Back to Back Baycats

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE RECOLETOS DE CAVITE BAYCATS

9^TH SEASON: CHAMPION , won over University of Manila 2-0 in the finals

HEAD COACH: EGAY MACARAYA, 5^TH Season as SSC-R Head Coach

HOLDOVERS: (9)

Bryan Filio, Raymond Alcasabas, Lloyd Pono, Rhey ATANGAN, Carlo Reyes, Jem Callado, Howard Pantonia, Jeoff Acain, Aeron Dela Cruz

NEW FACES: (7)

Al Francis Tamsi, June Nistal, Ephraim Monzon, Cliford Castro, Bryan Dagohoy, Ivan Yurong,Emmanuel Pupos,

NOT RETURNING: (7)

Kris Lucernas, Jun Gracillas, Jeric Basa, Lyle Antipuesto, RJ Escobal, Josef Pasagui, Rommel Alcasabas,

KEY CHANGES

The Past two years saw the Baycats Lord it over as their unselfish style of play and merciless defense took the league by storm. Gone are 2008 MVP Kris Lucernas and 2009 MVP Jun Gracillas. To lead the team is senior guard Raymond Alcasabas who is a Jun Gracillas clone and is ready to take the team to its third straight title. The middle is suspect but adequate since the Baycats have loads of inexperienced big men to clog the middle- this year will be a learning experience for them.

FORECAST

The Baycats have an abundance of able guards who will pressure you for you to commit a turnover and for their team to score easy points off the break. The main issue for the Baycats is their quite young frontline. Veterans Howard Pantonia and Jeoff Acain are role players but could be forced into the limelight once needed.

Defense was the key to the Baycats back to back title romp and defense will still be the key for them to move forward since a lot of their veterans have graduated. Since the departure of the two league MVPs of the team, Coach Egay Macaraya has made sure that the expectations for each player to play solid ball pressure for 40 minutes remain unchanged.

the return of the Hawks

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA HAWKS

9^TH SEASON: 2^nd PLACE, lost to San Sebastian College 2-0 in the finals.

HEAD COACH: Jojo Castillo, 2^nd Season as UM Head Coach

HOLDOVERS: (8)

Jayson Ibay, Reigner Macasaet, JayAr Manuel, Jhunrhe Patricio, Justin Sanguyo, Kevin Rabalo, Edwin Tamayo, Jeff Viernes

NEW FACES: (9)

Alvin Almario, Jerry Ancheta, Alain Bonleon, Nuevo Bonchurno, Rhandelle Colina, Janno Nuñez,Edmar Pateño, , Juan Tan, Eugene Torres,

NOT RETURNING: (10)

John Matubang, Ryeon delos Trinos, Reyner Sadsad, Fernando Jacob, Francis Jacob, , Kendrick Basan, , RJ Mallada, Aldwin Ferrer, Richard Angeles, James Castillejos

KEY CHANGES

The Hawks are big, strong and fast. When driving to the lane when they are on defense is just like bumping to a big tree – it’s next to impossible to make a basket. Their brand of play is reminiscent of the Detroit Pistons. Strong and sturdy nonsense brand of play with excellent defense specially in the post. Gone is do it all forward John Matubang and in his place are rookie veterans who are ready to strut their wares. Look for the Hawks to be impenetrable for forty minutes.

FORECAST

The Hawks are one of the favorites this year and they are out to seek lost glory. The team will be led by second year point guard Jeff Viernes who was the rookie sensation last year who man handled all the veteran point guards. If not for cramps, he might have lifted the Hawks to the title last year as he scattered 35 points as he single handedly revived the hopes of the Hawks in the finals. Helping him out are a string of big men in Jay-R Manuel, Edwin Tamayo and Jayson Ibay. Look for the Hawks to clear up the skies once more.

10th NAASCU Season Preview: LSB & STI

2 Years and 2 3rd place finish

not bad for Coach Kerwin McCoy and his Sharks

LYCEUM OF SUBIC

9^TH SEASON: 3^rd Place, lost to SSC-R in a rubber match in the final four

Beat 8^th Season Runner up STI College for 3^rd Place

HEAD COACH: Kerwin McCoy, 3^rd Year as Head Coach in the NAASCU

RETURNEES: (5)

Billy Ray Labadan, Arvee Valencia, Jommel Bilog, Mark Ignacio, Richard Velasco

WILL NOT RETURN: (9)

Jessie James Collado, Raymund Ellano, Cezar Carey, Aron Bote, Vergel Baydo, Jayson Espinelli, Max Fuentebella, Steven Carter, Jovelo Postrado

NEW FACES: (11)

Reynaldo Buenaflor, Robert Remorin, Lester Javier, Dhonn Ronquillo , Brad Johnson, Raniel Rosales, Armando Villarin, Anjo Torres, Ian Castillo, Armando TImpog, Mark Manalili

KEY CHANGES

Jessie James Collado was the sole reason why the Shark’s attack was hard to contain. He towered over the whole NAASCU and everything passed through his offense and defense. Now that era is over and the Sharks are quite rebuilding with a blend of unproven veterans and promising rookies. Look for Coach Kerwin McCoy to pound the inside with his patented shark attack

FORECAST

This year Billy Ray Ladaban, Arvee Valencia and Richard Velasco are out to lead the Sharks back to see and improve on their third place finish. This is the second year that they have finished third and they are hoping that they are ready to go the distance. The only drawback for the Sharks is that they have 11 new faces which gives them more time to gel. They are hoping that they gel in the course of the tournament. Look for their two Filams (Dhonn Ronquillo and Brad Johnson) to contribute right away. This year they are rebuilding and might experience rough sailing this year.

Jerald Bautista is out to lead the Olympians

STI COLLEGE OLYMPIANS

2009 record: Fourth, lost to UM in Final Four, lost to Lyceum in battle for 3rd

HOLDOVERS (8):

Jerald Bautista, Norman Ihalas, Maclean Sabellina, Bryan Daguplo, Jebson Carl Po, Cedric Ablaza, Paolo Villadoz, Lester Bocablo,

NEW FACES (8):

Nicolo Alcantara, Storm Riva, Abegail Chavez, Jasper Melano, Rama Krisna Morales, Hessed Gabo, Ivan Moreno, Henri Atanga-Betayene

NOT RETURNING (8):

Martin Antonio, Macky Macabasco, Thomas Washington, Raffy Waminal, Mark Orias, Renz Cruz, Vergilio Cariño, Jen Reyes

Head coach: Vic Ycasiano (7^th Season)

KEY CHANGES:

The Olympians lacked solid point guard play last year as veteran guard Macky Macabasco’s season was a let down. Back up point guard Renz Cruz did an adequate job of leading the team and but had his share of rookie mistakes.

This year, the Olympians are back with four different point guards to lead the team. RK Morales is the team’s do it all point guard while Nico Alcantara is the scorer. Fresh from High School are two run and gun type of point guards in Storm Riva and Hessed Gabo. Look for great point guard play for the Olympians in the coming years.

Aside from that, the Olympians have four to five sturdy forwards who can man the slot and play solid defense. Add to that the 6-6 Cameroon import Henri Atanga-Betayene who is a demon in defense and adequate on offense. He will definitely dictated the defensive rhythm of the NAASCU.

OUTLOOK:

2009 NAASCU Mythical 5 selectee Jerald Bautista is one of two selectees who is back this season and he is ready to own the NAASCU once again. Now the veterans of the team, Norman Ihalas, Bryan Daguplo and Maclean Sabellina will show the way for their youngsters to improve and their team to peak during the final four enroute to the finals.

If the Olympians do not win the championship then it will be a big disappointment for the them this season. They are complete in every position and look for them to dominate this season.

2009 NAASCU Mythical Team

Jerald Bautista (STI), John Matubang (UM)

Dr. Jay Adalem, Atty. Ernesto delos Santos,

Jessie James Collado (LSB), Kris Lucernas (SSC),Jhun Gracillas (SSC)

Highlights from the NAASCU Volleyball Opening

MS. NAASCU VOLLEYBELLE 2009

OUR LADY OF FATIMA

SECOND PLACE

CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY

THIRD PLACE

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG PASAY

THE GORGEOUS WINNER

THE FIRST NAASCU

HIP HOP DANCE COMPETITION

GRAND WINNER

OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY

SECOND PLACE

AMA COMPUTER UNIVERSITY

THIRD PLACE

Centro Escolar University

OTHER PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE CAVITE

UNIVERSITY OF MAKATI

UM beats Lyceum but doesnt make PCCL

Controversy has rocked the Philippine Collegiate Championship League. The latest involved two respected institutions, the University of Manila and Lyceum of the Philippines University. In their game last November 12 at the Lyceum Gym, the University of Manila Hawks beat the Lyceum Pirates 77-74 for their third win and claim the top spot in that zonal competition.

But then again, it looks like Lyceum has the last laugh as it placed the game under protest in terms of eligibility. Wait...did I just say that? Lyceum checked the UM roster for the 9th NAASCU and found out that 2 UM players did not suit up in that league and protested. UM on the other fielded its best team owing to the fact that the school got invited to the league. This alone should show that the PCCL should create its own set of rules and regulations. UM is correct in saying that they just got invited and the PCCL NEVER gave them a set of rules on eligibility. Same with us when we were invited. How would they say that a player is ineligible when there are no set of rules in the first place. I would like to say that UM is correct in saying that. Last year three of my players were canned even before we got to play and the PCCL would always say lets follow your mother league rules. Well, in the NAASCU we can play 17 people and they limited it to 15.

This is a wake up call, I hope the PCCL would really establish a clear rule book on the eligibility of players, lets face it, with all the leagues and all the mother league rules its hard to marry all.

9th NAASCU Awardees

9TH NAASCU JUNIORS BASKETBALL 2ND PLACE

OUR LADY OF FATIMA JR. PHOENIX

9TH NAASCU JUNIORS BASKETBALL CHAMPION

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA HAWKLETS

9TH NAASCU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPION

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA HAWKETTES

JERALD BAUTISTA OF STI COLLEGE

MYTHICAL 10 and MYTHICAL 5

9TH NAASCU SENIORS BASKETBALL

MYTHICAL 10 TEAM

(From left to right)

John Matubang (UM) Jerald Bautista (STI)

Martin Antonio (STI) JayAr Manuel (UM)

Jeff Viernes (UM) Jun Gracilla (SSC)

RJ Escobal (SSC) Kris Lucernas (SSC)

JC Collado (LSB) Vergel Baydo (LSB)

NAASCU COACH OF THE YEAR

EGAY MACARAYA

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE

9TH NAASCU MYTHICAL 5

Jerald Bautista (STI) John Matubang (UM)

JC Collado (LSB) Kris Lucernas (SSC) Jun Gracillas (SSC)

9TH NAASCU MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

JUN GRACILLA

9TH NAASCU SENIORS BASKETBALL CHAMPION

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE RECOLETOS CAVITE

San Sebastian - Cavite captures back to back titles

The San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite BayCats addresed the final minute uprising of the University of Manila Hawks to capture their second NAASCU title via a 98-91 overtime win. Jun Gracillas shown brightest in the game as he scattered 24 points to lead another balanced attack by the Baycats that made 6 of their players score in double figures. Gracillas scored six points in the overtime to give the Baycats enough cushion for the Baycats as the last stand of the Hawks went for naught. This enabled the Baycats to become only the second team to win the title more than once.

The UM Hawks started the game by dictating the tempo by furstrating the Baycats as they came out with fastbreaks and their no nonsense play gave them a 31 -20 lead in the early part of the second quarter until the defense of the Baycats made them chop down the lead at the half 37 - 40. At the start of the third quarter the Baycats defense was in full blast that produced several turnovers for the Hawks which the Baycats translated into instant offense. From there on it was another uphill climb by the Hawks until they eventually caught up.

With the Baycats comfortably ahead 79 - 66, Jeff Viernes, John Matubang and the rest of the Hawks refused to give up the NAASCU title again. The Hawks unleashed a crippling 18 - 4 bomb to send the game into overtime. Both teams had a chance to win the game but unfortunately both teams defended well in the final two minutes. The result was overtime. The tandem of Gracilla and 2008 MVP Kris Lucernas scored 24 and 22 points respectively while Viernes and Matubang had 35 and 27 also. The difference was the supporting cast of the Baycats outdueled the second team of the Hawks. Gracilla was named tournament MVP

Lyceum of SUbic Bay beat the STI College Olympians to stay at 3rd place. The STI College Olympians vowed to get a better place in the said tournament next year.

SAN SEBASTIAN-CAVITE (98)

Gracilla 24, Lucernas 22, Basa 15, Ray Alcasabas 12, Escobal 10, Antipuesto 9, Pantonia 4, Acain 2, Filio 0, Pasagui 0, Atangan 0.

UNIVERSITY OF MANILA (91)

Viernes 35, Matubang 27, Manuel 14, Rabalo 8, Tamayo 4, de los Trinos 3, Sanguyo 0, Macasaet 0, Ibay 0, Patricio 0.

Period Scores: 13-20, 37-40, 70-58, 83-83 (reg.), 98-91 (OT).

Olympians fail to make finals

The STI College Olympians got a dose of their own medicine as the University of Manila Hawks resurected their fading finals hopes to come from behind to beat the Olympians 72-68. WHile the Olympians were able to put UM's top gun John Matubang at bay, it was the fourth quarter salvo of guard Jeff Viernes that brought the Hawks to the finals as the Olympians threatened to blow the game away.

WIth the Olympians on top 57-48 at the start of the fourth quarter, Viernes unleashed two three pointers and singlehandedly brought back the Hawks to take the lead 58-57 with five minutes left in the game. The Olympians never recovered as the Hawks tight defense held them to six free throws and two field goals in the end game.

Maclean Sabellina brought his A game today as he scored 20 points and was two for two from the three point area. Martin Antonio scored 15 points, Norman Ihalas 11 and veteran Macky Macabasco 10 points. It was the first time the Olympians did not make it to the finals since 2005. The OLympians will meet the Lyceum of Subic Bay Sharks for the battle for third place.

The scores

UM (72) -- Viernes 19, Matubang 17, Rabalo 12, Delos Trinos 9, Manuel 7, Patricio 4, Tamayo 2, Sanguyo 2, Basan 0, Ibay 0.

STI (68) -- Sabellina 20, Antonio 15, Ihalas 11, Macabasco 10, Reyes 5, Bautista 3, Carino 2, Cruz 2, Ablaza 0, Bocalbo 0, Orias 0, Dagulpo 0, Po 0, Villadoz 0, Pascual 0.

Quarterscores: 10-9, 26-34, 48-53, 72-68.

OIympians recover bearing

Some highlights from the 74 -45 win of the STI College Olympians against the Our Lady of Fatima Phoenix. The Olympians jumped the gun from the start as they played well after getting beaten by the Informatics Icons just two days ago. If these pictures can talk.

Cedrick Ablaza floats in the air for this one.

Rebound action under the Olympians goal

Cedrick Ablaza again trying to give the ball to the open man

Jen Reyes over former STI College CDO Conqueror Valdevilla.