think rainbows

Just because I’ve missed writing about basketball. And I've been reading all these news about it.

I could actually write about the on-going PBA Philippine Cup but I don’t follow it as faithfully as the UAAP to give justice to whatever it is that I might write; so I’m sticking with college basketball.

2011 has opened up to some surprising news about college basketball. A lot of decisions are awaited and are being made, which makes spectators (including me of course!) more excited for the next UAAP basketball season even if the current UAAP season is not yet done. Since there are only more or less three months before high school seniors receive their diplomas, college basketball fans are looking forward to hearing where a number of high school standouts, be it in the UAAP or NCAA, are headed.


Kiefer Ravena probably is the most anticipated of them all, but the Ravenas are doing a great job of keeping mum about Kiefer’s future in college (basketball). It’s been said that he is considering playing in the US NCAA, but it’s been widely believed though that Kiefer is to keep on wearing the blue and white jersey next UAAP season. Nothing is final until college enrollment and the opening ceremonies are in order so we’ll just wait and see for now.

Same goes with another high school standout in the persona of Kevin Ferrer who is awaited for his choice; if he is to stay in España or he goes elsewhere. Of course for the Tigers fans, we would like for him to continue his basketball career with UST seeing as how his performance was during his final year with the Tiger cubs. He would be a big help. But if he decides otherwise, then there’s nothing more we could do about that but wish him all the best. There are rumors that he might jump ship to Katipunan but that’s just about it, they’re just mere words of mouth. Please let us know soon, Kevin?

Another very popular name in college sports news nowadays is Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who just recently made his decision of staying in the Philippines and will play for the NU Bulldogs, instead of playing for Georgia Tech. Whatever made him decide this, we really don’t know about, but NU is very fortunate to Sy-mply be able to land a player like him.



On the other side of the fence, looks like things are to turn green for Gotladera of San Beda who is more likely headed to Taft, Chris Javier to Ateneo, Von Chavez to UE, and Jaypee Sarcia is most likely will stay with UST (whew!). Von Pessumal is probably still with Ateneo, together with Glen Capacio’s son Gwyne and the 7-foot behemoth Greg Slaughter.

Baser Amer of the San Beda Red Cubs also made a name for himself in the NCAA. And since jump shipping from the NCAA juniors to the UAAP seniors is totally not surprising anymore, he is also someone to watch out for; although it is most likely, as they say, that he stays and moves on as a Red Lion in the next NCAA season.
Gino Jumao-As from San Sebastian on the other hand is heavily rumored to be hanging out with the Tamaraws from Morayta. If it is indeed true that he changes colors to green and gold, then FEU is lucky to have him and hopefully he’ll be able to hone his basketball skills more under the guidance of their soon-to-be-named(another, but not so new to the UAAP anymore, Banal?) head coach, and their (new) assistant coaches in Johnny Abarrientos (a former Tamaraw) and Vic Pablo.

Talking about coaches, a number of other schools are giving a facelift to their coaching staff. Jerry Codiñera has recently been tapped as UE’s new head coach after the school decided not to renew Chongson’s contract after doing some “research” with the school’s students, staff, alumni, etc. Since it has been alleged that if Chongson is not renewed, Lee will forego his final year and suit up for the PBA instead, do we expect another decision in the coming days, Paul?

UP and NU on the other hand also have new head coaches in Ricky Dandan and Eric Altamirano respectively. Things are looking steady for Ateneo (of course), DLSU, AdU and UST, as there is no news of any changes in their coaching staff. Or probably we’ll just have to wait and see as well.

As expected, not much news about UST; but I wish for the best for our school’s sports program in the coming years. I hope the athletes will do their best even if we don’t have the best facilities and training program out there. They’re still playing for the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas anyway. C’mon, we’re at 400 years already, we could do better! We could definitely bring back the glory days! :)

With the number of great talents in the field of basketball continuously increasing every year, I think any school will be lucky to have anyone’s great talents be put to use. As long as the players stay true to themselves, and not take for granted the gift that has been given to them, and further work hard for their dreams. We know these athletes have their needs and they want the best for themselves and their careers, but these players should also not forget their “real jobs” and responsibilities as students; they’re called and still very much considered STUDENT-athletes after all just like everyone else in volleyball, swimming, track and field, badminton, and other sports.

(And I think schools should stop those unnecessary (large) offers to students just so that they could acquire their services. Yes, it is helpful, but I feel some have forgotten the real reason why we have the UAAP and NCAA in the first place. It has become too commercial. And people should stop assuming about where a certain player will be playing just because of their facebook statuses or twitter updates. Seriously, people, let them decide for themselves! Just saying.)

Note: on other news, Jeric Teng’s brother Jeron, who is playing for Xavier school, just scored 104 points and made 20+ rebounds during a game against Grace Christian College in the Freego Tiong Lian Basketball Association tournament. This kid’s a monster! Oh God please let his kuya be a good guide to him and that he’ll follow Jeric’s footsteps once he graduates. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!