Santos admits SMB got complacent vs depleted Aces
PBA IMAGESArwind Santos didn’t hide his disappointment with the way San Miguel has been playing this 2017 PBA Philippine Cup.Seemingly losing their dominance, the Beermen looked so vulnerable on Saturday when they needed to gut out a close 93-88 victory over an undermanned Alaska crew for their second win in three games.ADVERTISEMENT “Parang lumaban ka na pilay ang kalaban mo. Pag inunahan ka ng pilay, nakakahiya,” he said.(It’s like you fought against a crippled person. If he got ahead of you, it’s embarrassing.)FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra teammates show love for SlaughterSPORTSWe are youngSPORTSFreddie Roach: Manny Pacquiao is my Muhammad AliThe 2013 PBA Most Valuable Player wasn’t shy in admitting that overconfidence may have gotten the better of the two-time defending champs as San Miguel had to exhaust all means just to down an Aces squad, which missed seven of its key players.“Dahil alam mong kulang at wala yung key players nila, nakakampante kami at iniisip mo na kaya mo agad talunin. Minsan masama yun at nate-take advantage agad. Akala mo bibigay, pero ang mga players nila, ang ganda ng nilalaro, nag-step up, dumikit, muntik pa manalo. Pressure pa sa amin yun kasi nakakahiya na di sila kumpleto,” he said. MOST READ View comments (Because you know they’re undermanned and missing a lot of their key players, we tend to be complacent and think that we can beat them easily. You think that they will easily fold, but they played well, stepped up, got close, and even came out with the win. It should be a pressure to us because we know that they aren’t complete.)The Beermen fought back from a 15-point deficit and needed crucial stops in the endgame to eke out the win.Santos said the result of the first three games has been far from what San Miguel desired when it prepared for its title-retention bid. But the Beermen know that it’s up to the players themselves to rectify their miscues and rekindle their old deadly form.“Kung titingnan mo, kahit nanalo kami ng dalawa, parang medyo hirap at lagi na lang alanganin kahit pwede naman namin ipakita na kaya manalo ng San Miguel mula sa simula pero di namin magawa,” he said.“Siguro di pa namin nakukuha yung dating San Miguel. Kami lang din ang paraan para mahanap yun. Kailangan ayusin namin dahil bawat game, importante na manalo kami. Lahat ng team malakas at kumpleto na. Di kami dapat makampante, gawan na namin ng paraan ang mga bagay na dapat namin iimprove para maibalik namin yung dating San Miguel na kahit na sino, pwede gumawa.”ADVERTISEMENT Senators to proceed with review of VFA As fate of VFA hangs, PH and US forces take to the skies for exercise Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Taiwan minister boards cruise ship turned away by Japan PLAY LIST 01:31Taiwan minister boards cruise ship turned away by Japan01:33WHO: ‘Global stocks of masks and respirators are now insufficient’01:01WHO: now 31,211 virus cases in China 102:02Vitamin C prevents but doesn’t cure diseases like coronavirus—medic03:07’HINDI PANG-SPORTS LANG!’03:03SILIP SA INTEL FUND (If you’d look at it, although we won two games, we looked like we’re struggling even though we know we can win from the start, and we can’t do it. Maybe we still haven’t gotten the old San Miguel back. It’s just us who can find a way to fix those. We need to because it’s important for us to win every game. Every team has become stronger and are now complete. We can’t be complacent, and we need to address those things that we need to improve so that we can bring back the old San Miguel where anyone can contribute.)Though still regarded as the favorites, Santos said San Miguel should act like one and prove that it truly is the team-to-beat this conference.“Kailangang ipakita namin na ganoon nga. Alam namin na kami ang pinaghahandaan nila, kaya kami din dapat paghandaan ang mga kalaban namin (We need to show that it really is the case. We know that the teams are preparing for us, so we have to also prepare for our opponents.),” he said.Despite his concerns, Santos still expressed confidence that his team will have the capability to break out of this sluggishness.“Parang ang layo pa, pero mapagaaralan naman yan na maging team ulit. Tulong-tulong lang at mapaguusapan pa naman namin kung ano yung mga kulang,” he said.(It may be still far, but we know that we can learn to be a team again. We’ll help each other and talk what still needs to be improved on.)Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Smart hosts first 5G-powered esports exhibition match in PH
PH among economies most vulnerable to virus EDITORS’ PICK Where did they go? Millions left Wuhan before quarantine We are young Mainland China virus cases exceed 40,000; deaths rise to 908 Chinese-manned vessel unsettles Bohol town Smart’s Siklab Saya: A multi-city approach to esports Foton, petron arrange title duel Shanghai officials reveal novel coronavirus transmission modes
PH among economies most vulnerable to virus Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Not even a little trash talk from his ex-teammates like Jericho Cruz could throw Lee off his game, as he finished with 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds against his former team.“Medyo matagal na ako sa liga na ito kaya di na pwede sa akin yun. Di na ako magpapadala, laro lang tayo. Alam ko kung kailan yung oras para sa ganun,” he said.And the 2012 Rookie of the Year did, showing maturity as the Hotshots composed themselves in the endgame to pull off the triumph late from this highly emotional affair.“At the end of the day, kailangan naming manalo. Yun ang pinaka-importante sa amin. Di ko tiningnan yung kailangan ko magpakita o kailangan ko tumira ng marami dahil Rain or Shine ang kalaban,” said Lee.“Focused lang kami. Kailangan lahat maging masaya sa team. Ginawa ko lang talaga yung part ko. At the end of the day, sa amin pa rin yung huling halakhak.”ADVERTISEMENT Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles01:16SEA Games: Didal, Means assure PH of 1-2 finish in Game of Skate00:50Trending Articles01:31Taiwan minister boards cruise ship turned away by Japan01:33WHO: ‘Global stocks of masks and respirators are now insufficient’01:01WHO: now 31,211 virus cases in China 102:02Vitamin C prevents but doesn’t cure diseases like coronavirus—medic03:07’HINDI PANG-SPORTS LANG!’03:03SILIP SA INTEL FUND Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next “Hinihintay ko na nung first quarter,” Lee said.Lee braced for the worst but it still caught him off guard when he fell down after hitting Belga late in the second frame, saying, “Mali yung tantya ko kasi second quarter na dumating.”FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra teammates show love for SlaughterSPORTSWe are youngSPORTSFreddie Roach: Manny Pacquiao is my Muhammad AliStill, the guard had the last laugh, taking charge in the clutch to lift Star to a 99-91 win on Sunday for its third straight victory.“Tiwala lang kami sa sistema ni coach, and then yung trust ko sa teammates ko, nandoon talaga since day one. Dumating ako sa team, parang pinakita ko sa kanila na kailangan talaga magtiwala tayo sa isa’t isa para malayo ang marating natin,” he said. Where did they go? Millions left Wuhan before quarantine Shanghai officials reveal novel coronavirus transmission modes Senators to proceed with review of VFA As fate of VFA hangs, PH and US forces take to the skies for exercise Smart hosts first 5G-powered esports exhibition match in PH
MOST READ View comments Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netAs a vital part of Rain or Shine for five years, Paul Lee knew what was coming when he faced his former team for the first time.Known for their physical brand of basketball, the Elasto Painters, specifically their rugged big man Beau Belga showed their ex-teammate what it’s like to be on the other end of a hard foul.ADVERTISEMENT We are young EDITORS’ PICK Ginebra teammates show love for Slaughter Smart’s Siklab Saya: A multi-city approach to esports Alab Pilipinas bow to Slingers anew Chinese-manned vessel unsettles Bohol town
Cabagnot was on the receiving end of an inadvertent elbow from Cliff Hodge in the third quarter of the Beermen’s 101-86 win over Meralco last week. He immediately subbed out of the game and was taken to San Juan de Dios Hospital in Pasay.The 34-year-old guard said that he still feels pain on his nose, but the doctors are doing their best to relieve the pain and get him back on the court as soon as possible.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“It’s OK now. It’s a little bit fractured, but we’re just waiting for the swelling to go down,” he said. “I’m taking all the medicine in the world and before Friday, I hope I could get my mask fitted.”Injuring his nose for the first time in his career, Cabagnot is hopeful that the presence of the protective mask won’t be a distraction especially with him averaging 18.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.2steals so far this 2017 PBA Philippine Cup. ‘Old school work ethic’ pays off for immaculate Federer Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town MOST READ View comments Senators think TWG’s move to axe motorcycle taxi pilot run an act of ‘revenge’ LATEST STORIES Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. NBA: Disgruntled Rondo to ask for trade if benching continues Rodgers again falls short of another Super Bowl stint Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Super Bowl a tossup at legal sports books “I hope I get a couple of days with the mask. I think it still won’t be made so, we have to wait by Friday,” he said.Though it’s likely that he’ll sit out on Friday, Cabagnot has his full confidence on the rest of San Miguel as it shoots for a quarterfinals berth against the Elite“It’s just the luck of the draw. I think we’re still trying to reach our zenith and at this point, we’re nowhere close where we want to be. I’ve never had a broken nose before, but the team is still doing their thing,” he said. “I think we should take our road humps now and hopefully, in the playoffs, we can sustain this.”ADVERTISEMENT 15-year-old Gauff stuns Venus anew in first round Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netStill nursing his depressed nasal fracture, Alex Cabagnot said he may miss San Miguel’s game against Blackwater on Friday, but will be ready in time for the team’s duel against Ginebra this Sunday.“My expected time to play will be on Sunday. Friday is a little bit too premature because the swelling still hasn’t subsided,” he said on Tuesday at Acropolis Greens as he attended his first practice session since the injury.ADVERTISEMENT Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite
Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) goes to the basket as Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)MIAMI — Paul George had another frustrating night in Miami.Hassan Whiteside scored 22 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, Dion Waiters added 22 points and the red-hot Miami Heat pulled away late to beat the Indiana Pacers 113-95 on Saturday night. Miami outscored Indiana 42-22 in the final 16 minutes, all with George watching from the Pacers’ locker room after an ejection.ADVERTISEMENT China counts sharp rise in coronavirus cases, 2 in Beijing Marcos monument beside Aquino’s stirs Tarlac town Prince Harry: ‘No other option’ but to cut royal ties LATEST STORIES The ejection made this one tougher than most for the Pacers to take.George was ejected for the third time this season after two technicals on separate plays early in the third quarter. The first came with 10:45 left, when he and Heat rookie Rodney McGruder were assessed technicals after pushing and shoving. The next technical for George came just 1:56 later, with referee Gary Zielinski telling a pool reporter afterward it was for “profanity directed at an official.”George had a different recollection.“It’s not like I said something derogative to him,” George said. “He said it’s an (expletive) foul. He was a puppet. Spo was in his ear. And he called it.”George stayed on the court while Dragic shot the free throw for the technical. Referees said the ejection announcement was briefly delayed because of timing. Zielinski said referees were aware it was George’s second technical, and that referee Bill Kennedy halted public address announcer Michael Baiamonte from announcing it at first because Dragic was about to shoot.ADVERTISEMENT View comments SCHEDULE QUIRKThis was the fourth consecutive Heat-Pacers game to be played in Miami. The Heat didn’t go to Indiana at all in 2016 (both their 2015-16 trips were before New Year’s), and play there for the only time this season on March 12.UP NEXTPacers: Visit Houston on Monday, the second stop on this five-game road trip.Heat: Visit Dallas on Monday, Miami’s last regular-season game outside the Eastern time zone.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Motorcycle taxis ‘illegal’ starting next week — LTFRB board member “It felt like a playoff-type game,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.Goran Dragic added 21 points and James Johnson had 15 for Miami. It was the 16th win in the last 18 games for the surging Heat, who moved within 1 1/2 games of idle Detroit for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference — and are now three games back of No. 6 Indiana, a most unlikely development considering that Miami was 11-30 a few weeks ago.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSBreak new groundSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return“We’re going game by game,” Dragic said. “That’s the most important thing. Tonight’s game is over.”The Pacers are now 2-18 in George’s 20 games, including playoffs, at Miami — with losses in each of the last 11. “Because he was shooting, Billy stopped them from announcing it,” Zielinski said. “And then they announced it, and he was ejected.”George said he felt the double-technical could have simply been a warning.“We had our moment,” George said. “We move on. It’s a soft league.”Myles Turner scored 18 points and Jeff Teague added 16 for Indiana. George had 10 points in 19 minutes.“I think some people were surprised he was going to be ejected with that technical foul,” Pacers coach Nate McMillan said. “I’ll leave it at that.”TIP-INSPacers: Glenn Robinson III scored 13 points and Rodney Stuckey had 12 for the Pacers. … Indiana led by as many as 11 in the first half, before settling for a 54-53 lead at the break. … George moved past Billy Knight for the No. 8 spot on the Pacers’ career NBA scoring list.Heat: Whiteside got his 37th double-double. … Josh Richardson, now back from a foot sprain, played at home for the first time since Jan. 1. … The Heat lost backup center Willie Reed in the second half with a right calf strain. He’ll be reevaluated on Sunday.POINTS STREAKMiami’s streak of 100-point games started after a win against Dallas last month — when the Heat managed only 99. The Heat visit Dallas on Monday.
Beggar dead in Quezon hit-and-run incident Taal Volcano continues to emit steam, ash from weak explosions MOST READ Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite Bulls benefit as James sits with strep, beat Cavs Panelo: Duterte only wants to emulate strong political will of Marcos 2 ‘bookies’ bet collectors held in Quezon Palace: Crisis over ABS-CBN franchise unlikely Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Presidency bid needs ‘deep reflection’ – Sara Duterte Trump’s impeachment defense, prosecutors dig in Gerald: Just because I’ve been bashed doesn’t mean I’d stop working For Ina, portraying a zombie is like an ‘out-of-body experience’ China reports 17 new cases in viral pneumonia outbreak LATEST STORIES Gilas routs Thailand Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite
“In the past games, Thailand wasn’t challenged by bigger opponents. Coming to play against Gilas, everyone’s really tall and it’s harder to go inside and create my usual rhythm,” he said. “Their coach prepared the defensive plan well. I was set out on an island and didn’t get the ball.”“Now I know what I need to improve in the future to get better and be able to get away from their defensive plans,” he said.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Thailand’s Chitchai Ananti, left, defends Gilas Pilipinas’ Terrence Romeo. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netThailand’s Chitchai Ananti, who is leading the 2017 Seaba Championship in scoring, was forced to his worst game of the tournament in the Thais’ lopsided loss to Gilas Pilipinas on Tuesday night.Averaging 24 points per game, Ananti was a marked man and Gilas head coach Chot Reyes knew just what to do with the 26-year-old guard.ADVERTISEMENT End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend “We knew that he was Thailand’s top scorer and that guy can flat out play. He scores in a lot of ways, so we challenged our defenders to lock him down,” Reyes said.The Philippines’ defensive game plan worked to a tee as it held Ananti scoreless, missing all of his three field goal attempts in 15 minutes.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnSPORTSBreak new ground“We did our best. We pushed Gilas up to a certain point,” Ananti said through a translator. “We really didn’t expect to win but we’re hoping to get the least amount of point difference.”Ananti admitted he struggled against the Gilas defense, mainly because of the host team’s size with Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Raymond Almazan manning the paint. Swing Out Sister back to PH this April Yanson buses to keep operating despite legal battle Ex-Bulacan town vice mayor, village chief shot dead View comments
Trump’s impeachment defense, prosecutors dig in View comments “We didn’t play our game and there are also players who didn’t play their game so our depth was really tested today,” said La Salle coach Aldin Ayo.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Pocari, BaliPure triumph, near PVL finals All the players fielded in by coach Boyet Fernandez scored for the Red Lions, who exploded for 44 points in the first half en route to their fifth straight victory.The Lions showed sharped form in blowing out the toothless Tigers, who absorbed their sixth loss in seven games in the preseason tournament.“We gave everybody a chance to play today and all our players played well,” Fernandez said. “It was a character test for us today. The starters dictated the tempo and everybody followed the starters.”Javee Mocon turned out to be the best scorer for San Beda with nine points. But it hardly mattered as the Lions led by as many as 83-55 in the final period.The Archers held the Warriors scoreless in the last three minutes to complete the comeback from 69-71 down. Melecio hit the go-ahead triple, before Baltazar put the finishing touches in the victory.ADVERTISEMENT Flashing its depth, San Beda had 18 players scoring as it blasted University of Santo Tomas, 86-59, last Sunday to stay unbeaten, while Far Eastern U bounced back from a stunning defeat in the Filoil Flying V Premier Cup.Getting a huge lift from Justin Baltazar and Aljun Melecio in the endgame, La Salle also prevailed over University of the East, 77-71, for its fourth win in six games at Filoil Flying V ArenaADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. China reports 17 new cases in viral pneumonia outbreak Swing Out Sister back to PH this April Trump’s impeachment defense, prosecutors dig in For Ina, portraying a zombie is like an ‘out-of-body experience’ Gerald: Just because I’ve been bashed doesn’t mean I’d stop working Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend LATEST STORIES MOST READ Ex-Bulacan town vice mayor, village chief shot dead With Arvin Tolentino finding his groove early, the Tamaraws responded to their loss to University of the Philippines with a 72-53 tripping of Adamson.Aside from grabbing 10 rebounds, Tolentino, a transferee from Ateneo, finished with 22 points, including 17 in the first half where he nearly outscored the entire Adamson team, which struggled mightily from the field.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSMcGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC returnSPORTSBreak new groundThe Tamaraws opened up a 24-point lead following a Wendell Comboy triple at the 5:25 mark of the fourth period.“It isn’t everyday you are going to shoot that way, but I will take it,” said Tamaraws coach Olsen Racela, whose team routed the Falcons off the boards, 52-34.
Ricky Rubio #9 and Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talk during a free throw in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 13, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Adam Bettcher/Getty Images/AFPMINNEAPOLIS — The Ricky Rubio era in Minnesota is over and it didn’t take long for the Timberwolves to find a replacement.The Wolves sent Rubio to the Utah Jazz on Friday to clear cap space for a big run in free agency, then moved quickly to reach agreement with free agent point guard Jeff Teague on a three-year, $57 million deal, a person with knowledge of the agreement said.ADVERTISEMENT The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be signed until July 6.READ: Paul George heading to Thunder, Griffin stays with Clippers FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’The Jazz sent a protected future first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Timberwolves in exchange for Rubio, the Spaniard who has struggled with injuries at times over his six years in Minnesota. Utah received the pick when it traded Enes Kanter in a three-team deal in 2015.The two sides agreed to the move hours before free agency opened. The Jazz needed to make the deal before July 1 or would have lost the salary cap room necessary to pull it off. Ai-Ai delas Alas on Jiro Manio: ‘Sana pinahalagahan niya ang naitulong ko’ Hayward starting his free-agent tour as West gets tougher LSU title parade draws massive crowds LATEST STORIES READ: NBA: Paul goes from Clippers to Rockets in blockbuster dealOther targets, if the Wolves can clear room, include J.J. Redick and Paul Millsap.Rubio has been at the center of trade rumors for years, and one finally came to fruition.Rubio was drafted in 2009, but did not come over from Spain until 2011, electrifying a stagnant franchise with his enthusiasm and no-look passes while also suffering through losing season after losing season. Teaming with Kevin Love, Rubio had the Wolves in position to make the playoffs in the Western Conference as a rookie when he tore the ACL in his knee in a game against the Lakers in March 2012.Rubio also missed 60 games in 2014-15 with a severely sprained ankle that required surgery. The two major injuries affected his ability to work out during the summers, when players often make the biggest strides in developing their games.READ: Garnett will kill for his teammates, says Rubio Finally, in year No. 6, Rubio started to show signs of his potential. Over the last 2 1/2 months of the season, he averaged 15.0 points and 10.3 assists while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 37 percent from 3-point range, helping to take some of the scoring load after Zach LaVine went down with his own torn ACL.The performance was validating for a player who had been criticized during most of his NBA career for his poor shooting, and for an owner who had backed him through all the injuries, all the shooting struggles and through the heartbreaking death of his mother during the 2015-16 season. Glen Taylor and Rubio had grown close over the years, and Taylor very much wanted to keep Rubio as the passer with the new nucleus of Butler, Towns and Wiggins.The constant rumors were strain on Rubio, especially this season when Thibodeau took over as coach and president of basketball operations.Thibodeau had long been known to prefer point guards with more of a scoring mentality and had success with those types of players — Derrick Rose, D.J. Augustin, Nate Robinson — in Chicago. As the rumors heated up in February with talks with the Knicks centered on a Rubio-for-Rose swap, the Spaniard thought his time in Minnesota was coming to an end. End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend LaVine scores 42, Chicago rallies late to beat Cavs Thibodeau ultimately decided to pass on the deal. Rubio wanted a conversation with Thibodeau to seek clarity on the issue, and perhaps receive a vote of confidence, but that never occurred. Once the season ended with a disappointing 31 victories and the 13th straight trip to the lottery, Rubio quietly let it be known to the organization that he would welcome a change of scenery if they felt there was a better point guard for Thibodeau’s system.After six straight years of losing, he joins a top-flight franchise on the rise. If the Jazz can hold on to Hayward and make a few more moves, they will be considered an upper tier Western Conference team.Rubio’s defensive prowess should mesh well with coach Quin Snyder and center Rudy Gobert, and his playmaking will be a big boost for a team with young talent on the wings.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Clippers, Lakers among most-watched NBA teams by Filipinos
Tobias Harris’ late 3 seals Sixers’ win over Knicks Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. McGregor blasts Cerrone in 40 seconds in UFC return MOST READ Missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal inches closer to entering PH Navy’s fleet Thousands join Kalibo Ati-atihan despite typhoon devastation Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite The Jazz are looking to bolster the roster with hopes of convincing All-Star free agent Gordon Hayward to return and build off last season’s playoff run. Utah reached the postseason for the first time since 2012.READ: Hayward starting his free-agent tour as West gets tougher Rubio’s arrival likely means the end of George Hill’s run in Utah, though general manager Dennis Lindsey said Wednesday that Hill remained a top priority. Hill averaged a career-high 16.9 points after being acquired from Indiana last summer. Injuries, however, limited him to 49 games and caused Hill to miss the final three playoff games against Golden State.The deal means Minnesota can clear as much as $32 million in cap space to make a run at several free agents to pair with Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and the recently acquired Jimmy Butler.They started with Teague, a more consistent shooter at point guard than is Rubio, which makes him a better fit for Tom Thibodeau’s system. Teague averaged 15.3 points and a career-high 7.8 assists for the Indiana Pacers last season. He turned 29 last month and fits with the philosophy of ramping up the development curve for a team that has had a baby-faced core for the last three years.ADVERTISEMENT View comments
NEW YORK (AP): NBA referees will be able to call flagrant or technical fouls on defenders who dangerously close on jump shooters without allowing them space to land, as Zaza Pachulia did on the play that injured Spurs star Kawhi Leonard in last season’s play-offs. Officials will also make sure jump shooters are in their upward shooting motion when determining if a perimeter foul is worthy of free throws, which could cut down on James Harden’s attempts after he swings his arms into contact. Leonard sprained his ankle when Pachulia slid his foot under Leonard’s in Game 1 of Golden State’s victory in the Western Conference finals. After calling a foul, officials will now be able to look at replay to determine if the defender recklessly positioned his foot in an unnatural way, which could trigger an upgrade to a flagrant, or a technical if there was no contact but an apparent attempt to injure. “It’s 100 per cent for the safety of the players,” NBA senior vice-president of replay and referee operations Joe Borgia said yesterday. The NBA had made the freedom to land a point of emphasis for officials a few years ago, because of the risk of injuries. But the play got renewed attention during the play-offs because of Leonard’s injury, and also one in which Washington forward Markieff Morris landed on Al Horford’s foot in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi final, knocking him out of a game the Celtics rallied to win.
The call for accountability – forget about responsibility – coming out of the August World Championships in London, for the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to conduct an investigation into allegations of misconduct, has been met with a familiar response – failure to address. This is after over two agonising months when track and field fans were hoping that, given the serious nature of what was being said, at least an interim report or the promise of one, would be forthcoming. Not even the fact that the clamour for explanations was widely reported, and the incidents should have been viewed as unacceptable behaviour on the part of certain athletes and officials, seemed to have made a difference. In saying this, it must be remembered that the reports, this time around, spoke in part to a physical confrontation, the first such within memory. Foster’s Fairplay takes no pride or pleasure in describing the JAAA as being negligent in this matter. In fact, so should the governing body, if it took the time to reflect on its role and, by extension, duty to those who support the sport over which it claims jurisdiction. If a group of administrators comes to power by way of the ballot box, it is morally mandated to serve its term along lines as it had campaigned. Is this what this JAAA regime is practising? It is not far-fetched to think of the London medal count as being indicative of a country in decline. However, moving from recurring double-digit performances to a paltry return of four is due cause for grave concern. Those leaders of the sport now in office, will be steering the nation into the next Olympics in three years’ time. The ingredients of which top echelon performances are made will always be many and varied. They are not just confined to good coaching, access to elite competition and the astute management of injuries. The JAAA should remember that there needs to be proper oversight and the intestinal fortitude to handle issues of governance in an honest and forthright manner. Reluctance (or is it refusal?) to take on that mantle will not cut it. CAUGHT IN A TRAGIC TAILSPIN The rapid erosion of the fortunes of the West Indies cricket team is still used as a warning that the much-vaunted image of the nation’s track and field could take a similar beating. The social media experience informs that standards of behaviour are caught in a tragic tailspin – crass and vulgar attitudes find a way into any discourse and morality is sent on permanent vacation. It is left to stern and sustained action to cauterise acts of indiscipline that are permitted entry into the sporting arena, whether among on-field or off-field players. If the JAAA, by its inaction, develops a habit of downgrading the impact of these allegations, there could be long-lasting repercussions. Having said that, they could by now, have formed a part of its culture. Perish that thought as one cannot see any benefit to anyone. The JAAA needs urgently to decide where it should be hanging its hat as far as the reported incidents from London are concerned. It cannot come under the heading of best practices to have these situations, as reported, swirling in the sport’s atmosphere with no probing done to apportion blame if any exists, and appropriate action taken. The sport of track and field has done so much for the nation on the positive column, and is threatening to do even more. It should not be allowed to suffer harm because of some spineless administrators who lack the foresight to do what is required to keep the flag of hope flying. In all this, there is no intention to give up on the controlling body. The belief still persists that it is capable of doing the right thing in matters of this nature. Good sense should be allowed to prevail for the benefit of all the stakeholders. If not, we will become a nation who simply does not give a hoot. Come on, JAAA, this is an area of deep concern. Time you shared it. Stand up and stand out. Send feedback to laurieFoster2012@gmail.com
Coach Jason Lopez was in high spirits late yesterday after Jamaica ended Day One of the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships (CAJGC) tied for second spot. Lopez said it was a very good day for the Jamaican team and expects it to get even better on Day Two. “Today was a solid day for Team Jamaica. We were good right across the spectrum of the age groups and based on that we are in the top two,” he said. “It was a little tricky but we have players who know they could have done more than they did today. So we are in good shape and I think we are going to play better and keep moving from strength to strength,” Lopez said. Sebert Walker Jr, Justin Burrowes, Kei Harris, Rocco Lopez, Emily Mayne and Michael Lowe produced outstanding performances for the Jamaica team as the hosts ended the day tied for second with Dominica Republic on 43 points, five behind leaders and defending champions Puerto Rico on 48. After completing 18 holes in th 54-hole tounament, Walker Jr and Burrowes finished the day in first and second, respectively, in the boys’ Under-18 division. Walker topped the standings with an even par 72, followed by Burrowes, four strokes behind on 76. Puerto Rico’s Antonia Morales and Melvin Morales finished third and fourth, respectively, with 76, the same as Dominica Republic’s Juan Delgado. Jamaica’s other competitors in the division, Jack Stein and Luke Lindo, shot 81 to end tied in eighth place. In the girls’ Under-18 section, Harris shot 76 to be tied with Dominica Republic’s Maria Sanchez. Puerto Rico’s Valeria Pacheco (75) leads that category by one stroke. Jamaica’s Tiana Cruz (83) ended fifth. Over in the boys’ Under-13 section Rocco Lopez also ended the day with a four over par (76), tied for second and sits one stroke off leader Chris Richards (75) of Trinidad and Tobago. Lopez is tied with Puerto Rico’s Darrell Santiago, while Jamaica’s Matthew Grant was tied for sixth with 82 and Aman Dhiman was 14th with 95. In the girls’ Under-13s, Emily Mayne (85) was third behind Puerto Rico’s Darianys Guzman (78) and Cayman’s Holly McLean (83). Mattea Issa (98) was tied for eighth, while Winnie Lau (103) sits in 11th spot. However, the top performance of the day belonged to Cayman Island’s Aaron Jarvins who produced a very good two under par (70) to top the boys’ Under-15 section. Puerto Rico’s Diego Saavedra carded an impressive 71, for one under par, but had to settle for second. Dominica Republic’s Julio Rios (74) was third and Jamaica’s Michael Lowe (95) fourth.. In the girls Under-15 segment, Barbados’ Emily Odwin (76) outscored Yae Eun Kim (78) of Dominica Republic and Sophie Anand of Bahamas (79). Jamaica’s Eryn Blakely (83) was tied for fifth, while Justin McKenzie (111) ended in 13th. The tournament tees off today at 8:30 a.m. Walker on top