The Empire Strikes Back

Most people actually probably don't care too much what's going on with the country's basketball program. Although I've given up my post in Solar for FOX, I do still care about sports in the Philippines. I've been busy with the new job but reading about how the progress of our basketball program might be derailed again, it got me irritated again.

Graham Lim, a foreigner who ruined the Philippines' international basketball stature, is like Jason from those Friday the 13th movies. He just keeps on coming back no matter how many times to seem to have gotten rid of him. I'm not really sure what exactly this guy has done, or why he still has some influence but he must have done the FIBA guys a huge favor at some point in his life because they seem to act like they owe him something.

He is supported by two politicians (now you know why things are getting screwed up) who also hasn't done anything for Philippine Basketball as long as I can remember. They have convinced FIBA that we were better off being 16th best in Asia instead of now having a legitimate chance of qualifying for the World Basketball Championships meaning we would be among the top 3. They have convinced FIBA that the SBP is doing even worse that when we were at our worse.

This is a slam dunk no brainer case of KSP from the BAP. Please move on and and get a life. Please.

Overkill

The PBA National Team will qualify for the FIBA Asia Championships.  The problem is so can a dozen other teams from the Philippines.  All they have to do is get to the top two of the 4 team tournament.  Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia are the other teams.  Thailand, a normal contender in SEA is not even trying to qualify.

I can understand the PBA Board wanting to ensure that we have a slot for the World Basketball Championships qualifier.  But I think their fears were very misguided as the talent level in Southeast Asia right now is equivalent to a good college team here.  

Now news that Ryan Reyes has joined Helterbrand with a pulled hamstring.  I'm sure Yeng Guiao is trying to figure out what kind of things they can take away from the tournament that will not test this team any bit.

Disneyland or Disneyworld?

It's time to make predictions once again.  This year, the Lakers are back in the Finals but a mild surprise in Orlando awaits them.  I'm not sure about the Vegas odds but I reckon you would've made a lot of money if you bet on the Magic for the Finals appearance before the season started.

I think it would be a huge upset if the Lakers lose this series.  All they really have to do is attack Dwight Howard to get him in foul trouble then make sure to disrupt the rhythm of the Magic shooters.  If Orlando doesn't shoot well, they don't have a chance.

Looking at all factors, the Lakers have the advantage.  LA has the better coach, the better superstar, the better supporting cast, and a lot more (better?) playoff experience.  But the NBA is where Amazing Happens and this is why we still all watch so wait and see when Amazing will Happen again.

It's my first finals in the last four years sans thinking about selling and marketing the series.  Not sure if this matchup beats last year's ratings but if Orlando shoots lights out, it'll come close.

Lakers in 6.